Why is My Golf Cart Hard to Steer and How to Make It Easier? 

It’s tough to enjoy a good round of golf or get from point A to point B when you have a golf cart you can’t steer. Golf carts are a mode of transportation that golfers and many other people rely on to get around. So, when you can’t turn the steering wheel to navigate turns with ease, it can be inconvenient and dangerous. 

If your golf cart is difficult to turn and steer, it’s likely because you have an issue with the rack and pinion steering system, your tires, damaged steering wheel, bad angles after lifting your golf cart, or a bad steering rack. 

As you can see, many things could make it difficult for you to turn and steer your golf cart. You must get to the bottom of which one is causing your troubles and repair it. Otherwise, the problem will persist and worsen, and you could be putting yourself at risk of not being able to make sharp turns. 

4 Reasons Your Golf Cart is Hard to Steer and What to Do About It

Faulty Steering Rack 

As the name indicates, the steering rack is what connects the rack and pinion system to the mechanisms that turn your golf cart’s wheels. However, there are several other components, shafts, and joints, that also connect the steering rack to your wheels. If the steering rack is intact and one of the components is damaged, you can replace the lone component. 

However, if there’s damage to the steering rack itself, you’ll have to replace the rack to get your cart turning again. Unfortunately, this is one of the more expensive repairs to golf carts, so plan accordingly. 

Issues With Your Tires 

It can also be challenging to steer if you recently installed new tires on your golf cart that are larger than your old ones. Other tire issues include loose tires, loose nuts, damaged axles, and over or under-inflated tires. It’s essential to perform regular tire checks and make sure these problems aren’t present. 

Worn-Out Rack and Pinion System

There are several smaller components in the rack and pinion system, including the spindles, kingpins, and ties. You should check each entity and system to determine where the problem lies. It may be possible to replace a single component in the system, but if there’s too much damage, you’ll have to install a new rack and pinion system. 

Damaged Steering Wheel 

Finally, the steering wheel itself may be damaged. Damage is often the result of wrecking your golf cart or colliding with an object. If the collision is hard enough, it can bend the steering wheel or one of the components in the steering box. When this happens, it’s very difficult to turn the wheel and steer. 

Are Lifted Golf Carts Harder to Steer? 

Steering problems can happen with all types of golf carts, including ones that are right out of the factory. However, steering problems are especially popular with lifted golf carts where the owner has souped them up or installed new components to raise the golf cart higher off the ground. While lifted golf carts look cool and might be able to perform more functions, it’s not always a good idea. 

You see, golf carts aren’t designed to be heavy-duty all-terrain vehicles. They’re meant for leisure driving and operating at slower speeds. When you make physical changes to golf carts, it can sometimes hamper their performance and even cause steering problems. Here are some of the possible steering problems that happen when you lift your golf cart. 

  • A big part of lifting a golf cart is installing bigger tires. However, the bigger your tires are, the harder it will be to turn and steer. 
  • Lifting a golf cart also changes the steering angles and geometry of the cart, which will make it harder to turn. 
  • It’s possible that the new bushings you installed don’t mesh well with the old kingpins, which will lead to steering issues. 
  • You may have forgotten to loosen your struts if you performed your own golf cart lift. Steering will continue to be difficult on a lifted cart if you don’t adjust the struts. 
  • The type of lift kit you installed might not be compatible with your golf cart, which will cause steering issues. 

How do I Fix My Golf Cart Steering Problem? 

The most common cause of steering problems with golf carts is damage to one of the steering components. Start with everything inside the steering box, then proceed to everything involved with the power steering system. More often than not, your problem lies with one of these components. 

How Should You Make Turns When Traveling in a Golf Cart? 

Although it’s tempting because of how versatile and fun golf carts are, it’s essential to avoid making turns at high speeds. You should slow down before making a turn and never speed around sharp corners. Overworking your power steering system or turning the wheel too aggressively can lead to steering issues like the ones mentioned above. 

Why is My Golf Cart not Going Full Speed? 

The most common reason for a golf cart not going full speed is because you have an aging cart or one with bad batteries. However, when you have a golf cart that isn’t going full speed and is also having trouble turning and steering, your tires are usually the cause of your problems. You should check the tire pressure to ensure they’re at the recommended psi, then check them for visible damage, and make adjustments accordingly. 

What Causes a Golf Cart to Hesitate? 

As with a cart that isn’t going full speed, the most common issue with a golf cart that hesitates is aging or bad batteries. In most cases, a hesitating golf cart isn’t related to power steering, steering box, or steering wheel problems. However, it’s a good idea to check your tires and ensure that they aren’t damaged and that the brakes aren’t catching.