My EZGO golf cart. It’s been wobbling like crazy, and I’m pretty sure the axle’s bent. It’s making my rides super uncomfortable and honestly, it’s ruining my golfing experience. How do I fix a bent axle?
Response
Had a similar issue last summer. In my case the the hub was the culprit, not the axle. I replaced it and boom, smooth rides again. Maybe check your hubs before diving into axle repair
Symptoms
- Unusual wobbling or shaking while driving.
- Noticeable uneven wear on tires.
- Strange noises, like grinding or thumping, coming from the axle area.
Possible Causes
- Axle bent from an impact or over time.
- Hubs or bearings wearing out.
- Misalignment in axle or suspension parts.
Detailed Solutions That Worked
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Approx. Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axle Straightening and Reinforcement | 1 | 50-100 | 120-180 |
| Hub Replacement | 1 | 30-70 | 60-90 |
| Axle and Leaf Spring Alignment Check | 0 (advised) | 0-20 | 30-60 |
1. Axle Straightening and Reinforcement
What I Did:
- Performed a detailed straightening and reinforcement of the bent axle.
Outcome:
- Successfully straightened and reinforced the axle, eliminating the wobble.
Personal Experience:
- Discovered the bend during a routine check, fixed it using my home workshop tools.
Detailed Steps:
- Identify the Bend: Carefully inspect the axle to locate the exact point of the bend.
- Relief Cut: Make a strategic relief cut on the convex side of the bend using a grinder.
- Straightening Process: Use wooden blocks or a hydraulic press to gently straighten the axle.
- Reinforcement: Weld angle and flat bars at the straightened spot for added strength.
- Alignment Check: Ensure the axle is realigned correctly to avoid future issues.
Expert Tip:
- Use a level and measuring tape to confirm the axle’s straightness. Post-repair, test the cart at low speeds to ensure stability.
2. Hub Replacement
What I Did:
- Conducted a thorough inspection and replacement of the rear hub.
Outcome:
- The new hub resolved the grinding noise and wobble.
Personal Experience:
- Initially suspected the axle, but the hub was the real issue.
Detailed Steps:
- Wheel Removal: Safely lift and secure the cart, then remove the affected wheel.
- Hub Inspection: Examine the hub for signs of wear or damage.
- Hub Replacement: If damaged, remove the old hub and install a new one.
- Reassembly: Attach the wheel back and ensure everything is tightened properly.
- Test Drive: Conduct a test drive to check for any remaining issues.
Expert Tip:
- Mark the position of the hub before removal to ensure correct orientation during reinstallation.
3. Axle and Leaf Spring Alignment Check
What I Did:
- Inspected and adjusted the alignment of the axle and leaf spring.
Outcome:
- Proper alignment was restored, improving the cart’s stability.
Personal Experience:
- Regular maintenance helped catch this issue early.
Detailed Steps:
- Alignment Inspection: Check the alignment of the leaf spring and axle.
- U-bolt Examination: Ensure the U-bolts are tight and secure.
- Alignment Pin Check: Verify the axle is seated correctly on the leaf spring alignment pin.
- Adjustments: Make any necessary adjustments to align the components properly.
Expert Tip:
- Regularly inspect these components as part of your maintenance routine to prevent misalignment.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- These solutions are broadly applicable to various EZGO models, though specific models and years were not detailed in the threads.