My EZGO golf cart is making a squealing noise

My EZGO golf cart has started making this unbearable squealing noise every time I start it up. I’m worried it might be causing damage or could lead to a breakdown. Has anyone else experienced this?

Response

What worked for me was tightening the starter/generator belt.

Solutions that worked for users

Solution	Users Who Found Success	Approx. Cost (USD)	Approx. Time Needed (Minutes)
Tightening the Starter/Generator Belt	2	$0 – $10	15 – 30
Applying Moly Grease on Bushings and Bolts	1	$5 – $15	20 – 40
Replacing Hubs, Brakes, Oil Seals, and Bearings	1	$50 – $200	60 – 120

Symptoms

• Squealing noise upon starting the golf cart
• Noise intensifies or changes with speed
• Occurs intermittently or consistently

Possible Causes

• Loose or worn starter/generator belt
• Worn out bushings and bolts
• Issues with hubs, brakes, oil seals, and bearings

Solutions that Worked

1. Tightening the Starter/Generator Belt

• What I Did: Checked and tightened the starter/generator belt as it was loose.
• Outcome: The squealing noise stopped.
• Personal Experience: After tightening the belt, the annoying squeal was gone. It’s a simple fix but can make a huge difference.
• Estimated Cost: $0 – $10 (if you need tools)
• Time Needed: 15 – 30 minutes
• Steps:
  1. Locate the starter/generator belt.
  2. Check for slack or wear.
  3. Tighten the belt accordingly.
  4. Test the cart to see if the noise persists.
• Expert Tip: Regularly check the tension of your starter/generator belt. A loose belt is a common cause of squealing noises in golf carts.

2. Applying Moly Grease on Bushings and Bolts

• What I Did: Replaced worn bushings and applied moly grease on the new bushings and bolts.
• Outcome: The squeaking noise was eliminated.
• Personal Experience: This not only got rid of the noise but also improved the overall smoothness of the ride.
• Estimated Cost: $5 – $15 for moly grease
• Time Needed: 20 – 40 minutes
• Steps:
  1. Identify and replace worn bushings.
  2. Apply moly grease to new bushings and bolts.
  3. Reassemble and test for noise.
• Expert Tip: Using a high-quality lubricant like moly grease can significantly reduce friction and noise in moving parts.

3. Replacing Hubs, Brakes, Oil Seals, and Bearings

• What I Did: Overhauled the hubs, brakes, oil seals, and bearings.
• Outcome: The squeaking noise stopped, and the cart ran smoother.
• Personal Experience: This was a more involved fix but addressed the root cause of the noise.
• Estimated Cost: $50 – $200, depending on parts
• Time Needed: 60 – 120 minutes
• Steps:
  1. Remove and inspect the hubs, brakes, oil seals, and bearings.
  2. Replace any worn or damaged parts.
  3. Reassemble and test the cart.
• Expert Tip: Regular maintenance and inspection of these components can prevent noise issues and prolong the life of your golf cart.