RXV front suspension issue

[Rich427]

I just joined this forum because obviously I'm looking for a little help. I own a 2012 EZGO RXV. I have owned it for 4 years with zero issues. I knew I had a front tie rod end that was getting weak, so to keep from going crazy during the virus lockdown, I ordered both tie rod ends and installed them. Easy Peasy! And the suspension felt better.

Then I decided to order new front strut rods and installed them. A little more of a pain in the butt, but not a big deal. These two mods have tightened the steering and overall handling of my cart considerably. But, since installing the struts, I have noticed a rubbing sound when I turn the wheels to the right. I have jacked the front end up to check to see if something in the suspensions is binding, but everything looks good.

Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

[cgtech]

Your drivers side tire is rubbing on the horn wires.... just a guess (that I see all the time).

[Rich427]

cgtech, ..thanks for your response. I'll jack the front up and see if I can duplicate the sound and watch to see if the tire is rubbing on the horn wires.

[Rich427]

cgtech, ..I jacked the front up and took a look at the wiring from the horn and it is not making contact with the tire. I probably should have told you that I am running 215-35x14 low profile tires, so I have plenty of clearance in the wheel well. I also took the front bumper off to see if there was any interference with it, and that didn't work. The rubbing noise is definitly on the drivers side during a right hand turn. I decided to just take everything off of the driver side and reinstall it to make sure there was not something binding. So, dropped the tie rod end, pulled the hub assembly off the mounting bracket for the strut rod, and dropped the strut too. Couldn't find anything that looked like an interference rub on anything. I did notice that the rubber boots on the steering assembly are showing some wear and it looks like the strut spring maybe just touching the boots on both sides. I don't recall seeing this before I changed the struts. So, at this point, I'm scratching my head. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!!!

[Chevota Guy]

When I turn my wheels to the right (2010 RXV non-lifted) The top of the tie rod end almost touches the metal support under the coil spring. Could you possibly have interference there?

[cgtech]

Jacking it up moves the tire away from the horn wires, check it with cart on the ground.

[Rich427]

Originally Posted by cgtech

Jacking it up moves the tire away from the horn wires, check it with cart on the ground.

Thanks cgtech, I did it both ways. With the 215-35x14 tires, at full right turn, the inside edge of the tire is approximately 4 inches from the horn switch and wires on the firewall.

[Rich427]

Originally Posted by Chevota Guy

When I turn my wheels to the right (2010 RXV non-lifted) The top of the tie rod end almost touches the metal support under the coil spring. Could you possibly have interference there?

Chevota Guy, thanks for your response. I just checked my 2012 RXV (non-lifted) and don't have a clearance issue on the tie rod ends, but I am now noticing that at hard turn the bottom of the strut coil spring is coming into contact with the steering boots on both sides. I may have to check with the supplier of the strut rods to ensure they are the right ones.

[cgtech]

The boots hitting the springs is normal, and wont cause noticable noises in my experience.

[Rich427]

Originally Posted by cgtech

The boots hitting the springs is normal, and wont cause noticable noises in my experience.

Thanks cgtech. Not the answer I was hoping for but it keeps me from chasing the problem in the wrong direction.