4-11
ST
EER
IN
G S
YS
TEM
phone: 1-800-854-3140 | 1-503-304-8899 fax: 1-800-366-7505 | 1-503-304-1899
www.jjamusements.com
STEERING COLUMN & COVER
Q: THE STEERING SHAFT IS BENT ON THE LOWER END WHERE THE TIE ROD TAB IS WELDED TO THE END OF THE
SHAFT. CAN I STRAIGHTEN THE SHAFT?
A: If the go-kart has su
ff
ered an impact su
ffi
cient to bend the 3/4” steering shaft, it is recommended that a new part be
installed. Be sure to visually inspect the complete steering system for any other damage.
Remove the 4 allen-head cap screws from the
steering cover.
NOTE:
The nut is welded to the frame on the bottom
side, so you will not need a wrench under the go-kart.
Remove the steering cover.
Undo the tie rods from the bottom of the steering
shaft. Remove the four 5/16” bolts holding the
steering bushings. The steering shaft, bushings, and
hardware can now be removed from the kart.
Check the steering shaft for straightness. Clean and
inspect the steering bushings for damage and wear;
bushings should
fi
t snugly to the shaft while still
allowing the shaft to pivot with only slight resistance.
Check that the bushing sleeves are no shorter than
the two bushing halves. If the bushing sleeves are
shorter than the steering bushings, it will cause the
steering shaft to bind.
Before installing the steering shaft, lightly grease
the inside of the steering bushings. Place some red
thread-locker on the 5/16” mounting bolts, install
the locking and
fl
at washer on the bolts and set
them aside. Place the steering shaft onto the bottom
bushings and set the top bushings on the shaft.
Holding the two sets of bushings together with the
shaft between them, set the assembly against the
steering column. Holding the assembly against the
steering column by the top bushing, install the four
sleeves into the steering bushings, followed by the
mounting bolts. Snugly run in the mounting bolts
until they bottom out on the sleeves, and then torque
them all to 15 ft-lbs. Recheck the steering assembly
to verify that it turns with slight resistance.
Use Grade 8 bolts only. Do not
substitute with lesser grade.