I’ve noticed that my golf cart has started making this awful grinding noise from the rear, especially when I’m accelerating. It’s not happening all the time, but it’s frequent enough to be a real concern. I’m not the best with mechanical stuff, so I’m feeling pretty lost. Has anyone else dealt with something like this? What could be causing it, and how can I fix it?
Response
I had a similar issue with my cart. It turned out to be the rear hubs. They were stripped, and after replacing them, the grinding noise disappeared. This seems to be a common problem, so you might want to start there.
Solutions that Worked for Users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Approx. Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace Rear Hubs | 3 | $50 – $150 | 60 – 90 |
| Tighten Axle Nut | 2 | $0 – $20 | 30 – 45 |
| Replace Motor Brake | 1 | $50 – $100 | 60 – 120 |
Symptoms
- Grinding noise from the rear when accelerating or coasting.
- Noise may be intermittent or constant.
- Cart may still move fine without hesitation.
Possible Causes
- Stripped rear hubs.
- Loose axle nuts.
- Motor brake issues.
Detailed Solutions that Worked
1. Replace Rear Hubs
What I Did: Checked and found the rear hubs to be stripped. Replaced them with new ones.
Outcome: The grinding noise stopped, and the cart ran smoothly.
Personal Experience: The noise was most noticeable when accelerating. After replacing the hubs, the improvement was immediate.
Steps:
- Safety First: Ensure the cart is on a flat surface and use wheel chocks.
- Jack Up the Cart: Use a jack to lift the rear end and secure it with jack stands.
- Remove the Wheels: Take off the rear wheels to access the hubs.
- Inspect the Hubs: Look for signs of wear or stripping on the hubs.
- Remove Old Hubs: Unscrew and remove the old hubs.
- Install New Hubs: Place the new hubs onto the axle, ensuring they are aligned correctly.
- Reassemble: Put the wheels back on and lower the cart.
- Test Drive: Take a short test drive to ensure the issue is resolved.
Handy Tips:
- Use a torque wrench to ensure the hubs are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Regularly inspect your hubs for early signs of wear.
2. Tighten Axle Nut
What I Did: Tightened the loose axle nut to the specified torque.
Outcome: The grinding noise was resolved.
Personal Experience: The noise was less frequent but still noticeable. Tightening the axle nut fixed the issue.
Steps:
- Locate the Axle Nut: Find the axle nut behind the wheel.
- Use a Torque Wrench: Tighten the nut to the recommended specification (usually around 80-125 ft/lb).
- Double-Check: Recheck the nut after a short test drive to ensure it remains tight.
Handy Tips:
- If you don’t own a torque wrench, consider borrowing one or taking your cart to a professional.
- Mark the nut and axle with paint to easily see if the nut loosens over time.
3. Replace Motor Brake
What I Did: Replaced the motor brake after noticing a burning smell and grinding noise.
Outcome: The cart functioned normally without any grinding noise.
Personal Experience: The issue was intermittent but became more pronounced over time. Replacing the motor brake was the solution.
Steps:
- Locate the Motor Brake: Find the motor brake near the motor.
- Disconnect Power: Ensure the cart’s power source is disconnected for safety.
- Remove Old Brake: Take out the old motor brake.
- Install New Brake: Put in the new brake, making sure it’s properly aligned and secured.
- Reconnect Power: Reconnect the power and test the cart.
Handy Tips:
- Be cautious when working around electrical components.
- Regularly listen for unusual sounds that might indicate brake issues.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- Various models and years, including EZGO and Yamaha carts.