E-Z-GO Steering Column

[matt75]

Now I know I have an E-Z-GO but before I confuse anyone, I have Club Car rack and pinion steering on it that I got from ACE so he may be able to tell the year. I compressed the front suspension to far while riding it this weekend and did something to the steering column. The 79 Chevy slip shaft I have fabbed up will only allow about 4" of down travel and I bottomed it out pretty hard. Now when you pull up on the steering wheel it comes up about a half an inch and feels like its spring loaded because it takes some force to get it to pull up and pops rite back down into place. Did I pop off a retainer ring or something? You can hear and feel something going on that was not happening before while driving. The cart still steers fine but knowing I broke something is driving me nuts.
Thanks, Matt

 

[HotRodCarts]

There is a snap ring that holds a spring in place to keep tension on the bearing. It could have broke. You'll have to take it apart to tell for sure...

 

[matt75]

Would this ring be visible from the bottom of the column if the column and u-joint were removed?

 

[HotRodCarts]

If I'm not mistaken you have to remove the column to see the snap ring. I fixed one a while back but can't remember exactly what was involved.

 

[matt75]

Thanks Rod

 

[ACEGOLFCARTGUY]

Hey Matt that's cool you got it working on your EZGO. Did you figure out the problem with it?

 

[matt75]

No I havent gotten around to it yet. Ive been busy trying to get all the lights and turn signals working. That reminds me I need to post new pics!!!

 

[DWS]

Problem must be either the bolts through, or splines on "U JOINT" On Club Car steering you can just see the end of steering shaft by removing the universal joint connection at bottom of column where the snape ring is located. From what I have seen the only thing keeping the steering from moving up and down "IS" the spring and the universal joint itself. While removing the the column when the joint comes loose the unit is free to act against the spring and give you what you have.
Hope by this time you have found the answer and you should post what it was for others benifit.

 

[matt75]

Thanks for the info DWS, I still have not checked it out yet but were taking it to the lake for the fourth and I will check it before then and post my findings.
Matt