Has anyone else dealt with a bent axle on their Yamaha golf cart? I’m getting a really noticeable wobble from the rear wheel, and it’s quite annoying.
Response
I’ve been in a similar spot with my Yamaha G29 cart. Thought it was the axle at first, but it turned out to be the wheel bearings. It’s worth checking those before diving into axle repairs.
Solutions that Worked for Users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Approx. Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switch Rear Wheels | 1 | $0 (if done personally) | 15-30 |
| Axle Repair at Auto Drive Line Shop | 1 | $50-$200 | 120-240 |
| Inspect for Bad Bearings | 1 | $20-$100 | 30-60 |
Symptoms
- Rear wheel wobble while driving.
- Uneven tire wear.
- Strange noises or vibrations from the rear.
Possible Causes
- Potential bent axle from impact or overloading.
- Wheel bearing degradation.
- Wheel imbalance or damage.
Detailed Solutions and Steps
- Switch Rear Wheels
- What I Did: Swapped the rear wheels to check if the issue was wheel-related.
- Outcome: Identified the problem as wheel-related when the wobble shifted sides.
- Personal Experience: The wobble moved with the wheel, indicating a wheel issue, not an axle issue.
- Estimated Cost: $0 (if done personally)
- Time Needed: 15-30 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Securely lift and support the rear of the cart.
- Remove the rear wheels using appropriate tools.
- Swap the wheels, placing each on the opposite side.
- Lower the cart and conduct a test drive.
- Observe if the wobble shifts sides, indicating a wheel issue.
- Expert Tip: Check the wheel for any visible damage or deformities. A damaged wheel can often mimic a bent axle’s symptoms.
- Axle Repair at Auto Drive Line Shop
- What I Did: Took the bent axle to a specialized shop for straightening.
- Outcome: Successfully straightened axle and reinstalled it.
- Personal Experience: The axle was visibly bent. After straightening, the cart’s performance improved significantly.
- Estimated Cost: $50-$200
- Time Needed: 120-240 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Remove the axle by following the service manual.
- Transport the axle to a professional auto drive line shop.
- Request a thorough inspection and straightening service.
- Once repaired, reinstall the axle, ensuring proper alignment.
- Test drive the cart to confirm the issue is resolved.
- Expert Tip: When reinstalling, use a torque wrench to ensure all bolts are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications. Incorrect torque can lead to further issues.
- Inspect for Bad Bearings
- What I Did: Conducted a thorough inspection of the wheel bearings.
- Outcome: Replaced worn bearings, resolving the wobble.
- Personal Experience: Discovered grease leakage and play in the bearings.
- Estimated Cost: $20-$100
- Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Lift the cart and secure it.
- Remove the wheel to access the bearings.
- Inspect the bearings for wear, damage, or grease leakage.
- Check for any play or movement in the bearings.
- Replace any damaged or worn bearings.
- Reassemble and test the cart.
- Expert Tip: Regularly cleaning and greasing the bearings can extend their life and prevent issues. Always replace bearings in pairs for balanced performance.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- Yamaha G29 (Year 2009)