Recently, I installed a lift kit on my EZGO golf cart, and now the steering is all over the place. Seriously need some advice here!
Response
Hey, I feel your pain. I had the same issue with my EZGO. After a lot of tinkering and research, I found several solutions that not only worked for me but also for others in the community. Let’s get into it.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Install Heavier Leaf Springs | 2 | Installed heavier leaf springs | $50-$100 | 30-60 |
| Replace Shocks and Leaf Springs | 1 | Replaced shocks and leaf springs | $50-$100 | 30-60 |
| Check the Toe-In | 1 | Adjusted the toe-in | $0 | 10-20 |
| Inspect Frame Support for Gearbox | 1 | Fixed broken frame support | $0-$50 | 20-40 |
| Check Camber Angle | 1 | Adjusted the camber angle | $0 | 10-20 |
| Replace Worn Front End Parts | 1 | Replaced worn-out front-end components | $20-$50 | 20-40 |
Symptoms
- Steering feels loose and wobbly
- Difficulty in maintaining a straight line
- Steering wheel has excessive play
Possible Causes
- Misaligned wheels
- Worn-out front-end components
- Broken frame support
Solutions that Worked
1. Install Heavier Leaf Springs in the Back
What I Did:
Installed heavier leaf springs in the back of the cart.
Outcome:
The cart stopped wandering and felt more stable.
Personal Experience:
After installing heavier leaf springs, the cart felt much more stable and stopped wandering.
Estimated Cost:
$50-$100
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Purchase heavier leaf springs compatible with your EZGO model.
- Jack up the rear of the cart and secure it with jack stands.
- Remove the wheels.
- Unbolt the old leaf springs.
- Install the new heavier leaf springs.
- Reattach the wheels and lower the cart.
Expert Tip:
Heavier leaf springs can solve the problem of the cart wandering or feeling “light” in the front end. Make sure to torque the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
2. Replace Shocks and Leaf Springs
What I Did:
Replaced both the shocks and leaf springs.
Outcome:
The cart’s steering improved and felt more stable.
Personal Experience:
After replacing the shocks and leaf springs, the cart felt like a brand-new machine.
Estimated Cost:
$50-$100
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Purchase new shocks and leaf springs that are compatible with your cart.
- Jack up the cart and secure it with jack stands.
- Remove the wheels.
- Unbolt and remove the old shocks and leaf springs.
- Install the new shocks and leaf springs.
- Reattach the wheels and lower the cart.
Expert Tip:
When replacing shocks and leaf springs, it’s a good idea to replace the bushings as well. This ensures that all components are in top condition.
3. Check the Toe-In
What I Did:
Adjusted the toe-in settings on the front wheels.
Outcome:
The cart started to track straight and the steering felt tighter.
Personal Experience:
I used a straight edge and measuring tape to adjust the toe-in and it made a world of difference.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Place the cart on a level surface.
- Use a straight edge or string to align the front wheels.
- Measure the distance between the front and rear of the front tires.
- Adjust the tie rods to achieve the desired toe-in setting.
- Test drive to confirm the adjustment.
Expert Tip:
A slight toe-in can improve straight-line stability. However, too much can cause tire wear. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications.
4. Inspect Frame Support for Gearbox
What I Did:
Inspected and fixed the broken frame support for the gearbox.
Outcome:
The steering issues were resolved.
Personal Experience:
I noticed that the frame support for the gearbox was broken. After welding it back, the steering improved significantly.
Estimated Cost:
$0-$50
Time Needed:
20-40 minutes
Steps:
- Inspect the frame support for the gearbox.
- Identify any cracks or breaks.
- Weld or replace the broken frame support.
Expert Tip:
A broken frame support can significantly affect the steering. Make sure to inspect this area, especially if you’ve recently installed a lift kit.
5. Check Camber Angle
What I Did:
Adjusted the camber angle of the front wheels.
Outcome:
The cart’s steering improved and it felt more stable.
Personal Experience:
I noticed that the camber angle was off, so I adjusted it using the eccentric center bolt on the spring.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Place the cart on a level surface.
- Use a camber gauge or similar tool to measure the camber angle.
- Adjust the eccentric center bolt on the spring to achieve the desired camber angle.
Expert Tip:
An incorrect camber angle can cause uneven tire wear and poor handling. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for the correct settings.
6. Replace Worn Front End Parts
What I Did:
Replaced worn-out front-end components like tie rods and bushings.
Outcome:
The cart’s steering felt much tighter and more responsive.
Personal Experience:
I replaced some worn-out tie rods and bushings, and it made a significant difference in how the cart handled.
Estimated Cost:
$20-$50
Time Needed:
20-40 minutes
Steps:
- Inspect all front-end components for wear and tear.
- Identify which parts need replacement.
- Purchase the necessary replacement parts.
- Replace the worn-out components.
Expert Tip:
Always use quality replacement parts. Cheaper alternatives may not last as long and could lead to more issues down the line.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 2001 EZGO
- 2004 EZGO TXT
- 2008 Precedent Club Car
Feel free to share your experiences and solutions that worked for you!