G16e Front Wheel Caster Problem

[tilsonm]

1999 Yamaha G16e. New to me. The front wheels have noticeable negative caster (tilting in at the top). When I jack it up, the hubs look very straight and upright. I've checked the kingpins/bushings and there is very little play. Maybe 1/16" or a little more.

The tires are worn badly on the inside indicating this has been a problem for a while.

Is it only the shocks/springs that keep the caster correct or is there some other adjustment? If it is the springs, can shims be added to strengthen them? I really can't afford $260 for golf cart shocks if I can find a more economical solution.

Any pointers will be much appreciated!

Mike T

[smallblock450sl]

Originally Posted by tilsonm

1999 Yamaha G16e. New to me. The front wheels have noticeable negative caster (tilting in at the top). When I jack it up, the hubs look very straight and upright. I've checked the kingpins/bushings and there is very little play. Maybe 1/16" or a little more.

The tires are worn badly on the inside indicating this has been a problem for a while.

Is it only the shocks/springs that keep the caster correct or is there some other adjustment? If it is the springs, can shims be added to strengthen them? I really can't afford $260 for golf cart shocks if I can find a more economical solution.

Any pointers will be much appreciated!

Mike T

Welcome Mike! What your refering to is camber, not caster, but who cares. Your right, king pins and bushings and shocks are what control camber on Yamaha's. I beleive Plowmen's has a "cure" for that, may want to check out his site. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[freddmc]

What is so "special" about Yamaha shocks that they cost $100? Isn't there a shock form another application that would work?

[tilsonm]

They have the coil spring built over the shock and must have exactly the right strength to hold the tire perpendicular. At least, that's the way I understand it.

[tilsonm]

Thanks for the lead to Plowmanscarts. They will repair sagging shocks like mine. You just send them in, they shim them up, and send them back postage paid. The ticket for 2 shocks is $50 as opposed to $250 to replace.

I owe you one!

Thanks,
Mike T

[smallblock450sl]

Originally Posted by tilsonm

Thanks for the lead to Plowmanscarts. They will repair sagging shocks like mine. You just send them in, they shim them up, and send them back postage paid. The ticket for 2 shocks is $50 as opposed to $250 to replace.

I owe you one!

Thanks,
Mike T

You don't owe me anything. Let us know how the "shimed" shocks work out. That info may help the next member with the same problem. PS, "what makes Yamaha shocks so special"? There bolted to a Yamaha Cart

[vponder]

My G3 had the same problem, well had the king pin bushings replaced and the old ones didnt show that much play at all, I also had both inner wheel bearing going bad but boy did those bushing make a hugh difference in the tires postion, it drives so much better and cut down on the fiction the tire lean was causeing.

[trkbilder]

There bolted to a Yamaha Cart


It only costs a nickle more to go first class!!!! LOL