Steering and suspension

How a golf cart tracks, turns and rides is the business of this category: wander and pulling to one side, free play at the steering wheel, worn tie rod ends, do-it-yourself toe alignment, kingpin and bushing wear, clunks over bumps, leaf springs and shocks, and a steering wheel that sits off-center. Start with two checks that separate most of these faults. Equalize the tire pressures first, because a soft front tire on one side pulls the cart convincingly enough to imitate an alignment problem. Then raise the front of the cart and rock each wheel with your hands at nine and three o'clock: movement there implicates the tie rod ends and steering linkage. Rock the same wheel at twelve and six o'clock and any movement points instead at the wheel bearing or kingpin. Toe alignment is the measured difference between the distance across the front of the tires and across the rear of them at hub height, and the target is a matter of a few millimeters, which is why one hard curb strike is enough to put it out. Tie rod ends, a string or tape toe set, and shock replacement are moderate owner jobs. Kingpins, leaf springs and steering box internals are heavier work, and wander that survives correct pressures and a careful toe set deserves a professional look; send us the details through our support request form.