2015 TXT48 sterring issue

[copperz]

I recently purchased a 2015 TXT48 fleet cart. Everything was running fine on it until today I noticed the steering was very hard to turn in either direction. I drove it and pulled it in our garage the day before and it was fine. Somehow overnight it broke?
I pulled it out today noticed it was harder to turn the wheel. I walked away from it and tried later in the day and it got harder still. I inspected everything and lifted the front end greased the single zerge fitting. Still the same thing. The wheel won't move unless you turn it with force. Seems like there are 2 spots where it moves easier 4 o'clock and 10 o'clock if you consider the pencil holder the center. once it's out of those 2 spots it's extremely hard to turn.

Any ideas what to look for next?

[kgsc]

Disconnect the ball joint at the passenger side spindle and see if it is the steering box or the spindles/king pins

[scottyb]

There are several places you could be having a problem. The 2 easy spots at 10 and 4 seem to indicate a gear problem. First ask someone to turn the wheel while you watch the linkage between the wheel and the steering box and between the steering box and the wheels. A problem in these areas should be obvious - like binding, scraping, or clunking. Or a tooth may have busted off the steering rack inside the steering 'box'.
There are rebuild kits out there with a new rack & pinion for the steering box. Also for the less adventurous there are new steering boxes available.

[copperz]

Ok guys the wheels are disconnected but the problem still persists.
I guess time to disassemble the steering box. Anyone have a tutorial or a guide?

[copperz]

So I disconnected the steering box from the steering wheel and I am able to move the rod with the teeth by hand freely. I am also able to use the steering wheel freely then when I connect them together the issue reappears. Any ideas?

[copperz]

Looks like I found the issue. It’s not the steering box. Not sure what these U joints are called but looks like it won’t move in one of the directions in the steering shaft.
Here is a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2vXbgFncYY

I’m going to spray some wd 40 on it but I doubt that that will help. Anyone know how to get these u joints loose?

[cgtech]

They are not offered separately, you will have to replace the whole shaft from the steering column to the steering box.

[copperz]

Just an update. Neighbor got the U joint to free up so back in business. It still does not rotate as it should but not noticeable when driving.