How to Remove Golf Cart Steering Wheel

A steering wheel is undoubtedly one of the key controlling components of a golf cart, irrespective of whether it is a gas cart or an electric cart.

One reason why you might think of removing the existing steering wheel is that you may want to replace it with something more fashionable. Another reason could be that you need to repair it for some reason.

You can remove your golf cart steering wheel with just a few basic tools and by following a few simple steps.

1. Check the rear of the center plate of the steering wheel for a screw connection. If there are any screws, remove them and detach the center plate. In modern golf carts, the plate can be removed by a simple snapping mechanism.
2. Loosen the single, center shaft nut that connects the wheel to the shaft using an adjustable wrench. The nut usually is of 15/16” size. You must loosen the nut until its top sits flush with the steering shaft. This is also the endpoint of the cart’s steering column.
3. Avoid removing the shaft nut completely to prevent injuring yourself when the steering wheel pops free.
4. Take your position in the driver’s seat and place your feet on the dash of the cart in such a way that your arms and knees are below the steering wheel.
5. Tap the steering column at the center a few times with the help of a metal punch.
6. Move the steering wheel to the front and back by applying pressure to it with your knees. At the same time pull and push the wheel upwards. Do this continuously until the wheel gets loosened from the splines.
7. Remove the loose shaft nut followed by the steering wheel with a pulling mechanism.

How to Align a Golf Cart Steering Wheel

It is essential that the steering wheel of your golf cart is aligned to the center to give you the best performance. If there is no center alignment, there are high chances that your cart will experience a pulling effect. It is advisable that you check for the alignment from time to time and align the steering wheel whenever there is a need to do so. Here are some simple steps that show you how to align your steering wheel.

1. If the golf cart has hit a hard surface, then this is one reason why the steering wheel has become misaligned. In this case, you might want to pull at the wheel using a puller and then turn the wheel to reset it. Remember to keep the front tires straight.
2. Loosen the shaft nut on the steering wheel. Hit the wheel gently on the back on either side a few times using a rubber mallet and pull the steering wheel upwards. You can use a little penetrating oil.
3. Remove the steering wheel completely using the steps mentioned above and fit it in place once again.
4. Check the threads on either side of the steering rack where the threads of the ball joint make contact. The number of threads on both sides must be equal. If they are not, equalize them by running the threads in or out, one at a time.
5. Ensure that the jam nuts in the rack are positioned in such a way that the shaft will get twisted without running into them. Use a wrench and adjust each rack end equally until you reach the preferred toe setting. Start with half a turn on each side. Slide the steering wheel and tighten it.
6. To align the steering wheel, you might have to drop your steering box and pull out the knuckle. Following this, you will have to reposition the wheel.
7. Bring your wheel to a straight position and turn it to the side of alignment as much as possible. Once again, straighten the wheel and turn it to the other side. Rotate the turnbuckle coming out of the rack until your wheel gets set straight at the 12 o’clock position.
8. Loosen one bolt and remove two bolts of the steering box. Slide the joint down to the normal position and turn the wheel to the direction you want to.