I’ve got a really annoying issue with my EZGO golf cart. There’s this persistent knocking noise coming from the wheel area, and it’s driving me up the wall. I’ve tried a few DIY fixes, but nothing seems to work. Has anyone else faced this and found a solution?
Response
Hey there, I totally get your frustration. I had the same issue with my EZGO and it was driving me nuts. After some serious investigation, I found that replacing the rubber bumper in the center of the motor side of the splined shaft did the trick. Let’s dive deeper into this and other solutions.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replace Missing/Broken Rubber Bumper | 1 | Replaced the rubber bumper and the noise was gone. | $10 | 20-30 |
| Check Splines on Input Shaft | 1 | Checked the splines when mounting a new motor. | $0 | 10-20 |
| Check for Rocks in the Tire | 1 | Removed a rock from the tire. | $0 | 5-10 |
| Check Wheel Bearings | 1 | Replaced the wheel bearings. | $20-$50 | 30-60 |
Symptoms
- Knocking noise coming from the rear wheel
- Noise intensifies when going uphill
- Noise persists even after changing wheels or tires
Possible Causes
- Worn or missing rubber bumper
- Worn splines on the input shaft
- Rocks or debris in the tire
- Worn or damaged wheel bearings
Solutions that Worked
1. Replace Missing/Broken Rubber Bumper
What I Did:
Replaced the missing or damaged rubber bumper in the center of the motor side of the splined shaft.
Outcome:
The knocking noise was completely gone.
Personal Experience:
After replacing the rubber bumper, the noise disappeared. It was a simple yet effective solution.
Estimated Cost:
$10
Time Needed:
20-30 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the center of the motor side of the splined shaft.
- Remove the old or damaged rubber bumper. Use a flat-head screwdriver if it’s stuck.
- Clean the area where the bumper sits using a cloth or brush.
- Insert a new rubber bumper. Make sure it fits snugly.
- Test the cart to see if the noise has disappeared.
Expert Tip:
The rubber bumper is often overlooked but can be the culprit for knocking sounds. Always check this small part when you’re troubleshooting.
Handy Tip:
If you can’t find a replacement bumper easily, you can temporarily use a rubber grommet as a makeshift bumper until you get the proper part.
2. Check Splines on Input Shaft
What I Did:
Checked the splines on the male and female halves of the input shaft when mounting a new motor.
Outcome:
The knocking noise was reduced.
Personal Experience:
I inspected the splines when I was mounting a new motor and found them to be in good condition.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery for safety.
- Remove the motor to access the input shaft.
- Inspect the splines on both the male and female halves.
- If worn, consider replacing the input shaft or motor.
- Reassemble everything and test the cart.
Expert Tip:
Splines can wear out over time, especially if the cart is used frequently on rough terrains. Always inspect them during regular maintenance.
Handy Tip:
Use a flashlight to closely inspect the splines for any signs of wear or damage. Sometimes, the wear is not easily visible to the naked eye.
TV Models Where This Worked
- 1998 TXT
- 1997 EZGO
- 2012 RXV
Safety Info:
- Lubrication: Sometimes, the knocking noise can be due to lack of lubrication on the splines or bearings. A quick lubrication job might solve the issue.
- Tire Pressure: Low tire pressure can sometimes cause a knocking sound. Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended PSI.
That’s all the information I’ve gathered. Hope this helps someone out there!