Steering system guidance for a newbie trying to fix previous owners conglomeration

[Naedjo]

So, I have a cheap kart I picked up and I have been working through a bunch of the bugs the previous owner "fixed"

The torque converter was bent, I think I finally figured that out, the chain was not in alignment, got that fixed. Took off a bunch of lights and other non operational parts.

Now, the hard one (for me at least): the previous owner absolutely destroyed the steering system on this BX 125 kart. I know it's not a DIY, but it might as well be. He said he "welder it up after the kids kept stripping the teeth on the steering shaft" and I'm left with this:





As you can see, he just welded the whole shebang together and while the steering technically functions, it's sketchy as hell. It's a two hand, firm grip, turns way too sharp etc.

Is my best bet here to buy an entire new steering system with tie rods, steering wheel and stem etc? Most of those don't seem to have a mount included, how do most mount those?

 

[Denny]

Can you fabricate and weld? Can you give us an idea of your skills? Great pictures by the way?

 

[Naedjo]

Can you fabricate and weld? Can you give us an idea of your skills? Great pictures by the way?

I can fabricate and weld, but about as well as the previous owner (which doesn't say much!).

For something safety or steering related I would plan on taking this to my mechanics at work, which is not super convenient so I'd prefer to avoid it if at all possible.

 

[Denny]

Well I’m afraid fabricating and welding may be in your future. Here are your choices. You can leave it alone, but that looks unsafe. The last thing you want is to have it come apart and loose control. Or you can go to go to Go Power Sports and get a new steering wheel and column kit. Then look for a ALL METAL steering rack. The ones with plastic in them break too easily. Get some new tie rods and ends. It’s more expensive but bullet proof when done and will involving welding up new brackets for the rack mounts.

 

[Naedjo]

Well I’m afraid fabricating and welding may be in your future. Here are your choices. You can leave it alone, but that looks unsafe. The last thing you want is to have it come apart and loose control. Or you can go to go to Go Power Sports and get a new steering wheel and column kit. Then look for a ALL METAL steering rack. The ones with plastic in them break too easily. Get some new tie rods and ends. It’s more expensive but bullet proof when done and will involving welding up new brackets for the rack mounts.

Thats sort of what I figured.

I was hoping to find stock parts to put this back to factory but I'm not having much luck finding Jehm BX-125 parts. I'm sure a bunch swap over between Chinese models, but sounds like fabricating solid parts on is the way to go

 

[Denny]

I have never heard of that brand of kart. Nor have I ever seen a steering system like that. Sorry.

 

[madprofessor]

Here's a pre-welded option..............
Steering Shaft and Hub Assembly with Welded Pitman Arms | KAZ1867-** | AZ1867-** | BMI Karts And Parts
and unwelded................
Steering Shaft and Hub Assembly Unwelded | KAZ1868-** | AZ1868-** | BMI Karts And Parts

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

You could always be steered in this direction (get it)?:

https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Shaft-Steering-Wheel-Assembly/dp/B083DVYQ5S/ref=asc_df_B083DVYQ5S/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=416905373695&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14942838036464722448&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010805&hvtargid=pla-888261564151&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=90814294741&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=416905373695&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14942838036464722448&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010805&hvtargid=pla-888261564151

 

[Denny]

I like that setup but hate that rack. That is the one with the plastic in the center that always breaks.

 

[Naedjo]

You could always be steered in this direction (get it)?:

https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Shaft-Steering-Wheel-Assembly/dp/B083DVYQ5S/ref=asc_df_B083DVYQ5S/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=416905373695&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14942838036464722448&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010805&hvtargid=pla-888261564151&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=90814294741&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=416905373695&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14942838036464722448&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010805&hvtargid=pla-888261564151

So I am brand new to go karts and learning on the fly.

I see there is either the welded/welding needed stem and pitman arm setup linked above this as well as that above linked rack and pinion. The only thing I've read about any of these is not to use the rack and pinion with plastic gears. If I can find a metal rack and pinion, what are the pros and cons to each of these systems?

 

[Karttekk]

Have you talked with these people? Not sure if they're even still in business but worth a shot.

Steering (Adly GK-125 (BK-125) 2005)

www.adlyparts.com

 

[Karttekk]

Jehm Powersports

www.adlyparts.com

 

[redflash]

the best racks for the money come from "Nex Gen offroad". They are built for sand Drags. they have an 8 inch one, and an 11inch one.
Both for around $100

Da Flash

 

[Naedjo]

Any suggestions on a metal rack and pinion gear setup? I find a bunch for sale but most don't specifically call out metal vs plastic gearing