Personal Plea for Help
Hello everyone, I flipped my golf cart axle for better off-road performance, but now it’s giving me all sorts of issues. Has anyone else been through this? How did you fix it?
Response
Hey, I totally get your frustration. I had the same axle issues after flipping it. Welding the side gears really did the trick for me. Let’s dive deeper into the solutions.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Side Gears | 2 | Welded the side gears for better traction | $20-$50 | 30-60 |
| Rotate the Rear End and Swap Backing Plates | 1 | Rotated the rear end and swapped backing plates | $0-$20 | 20-40 |
| Use Snap Ring Pliers for Axle Removal | 1 | Used snap ring pliers for easy axle removal | $10-$20 | 10-20 |
| Use U-Bolts and Spring Perches | 1 | Used U-bolts and spring perches for lift | $10-$30 | 20-40 |
Symptoms
- Axle not providing enough traction
- Difficulty in axle removal
- Golf cart not lifting properly
Possible Causes
- Incorrect axle placement
- Lack of proper tools for axle removal
- Inadequate lift kits
Solutions that Worked
1. Welding Side Gears
What I Did:
Welded the side gears for better traction.
Outcome:
The golf cart gained better traction and performed well off-road.
Personal Experience:
I welded the side gears and the issue was resolved. It was a bit of a DIY project, but it worked wonders.
Estimated Cost:
$20-$50
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Safety First: Always wear protective gear like gloves and a welding mask.
- Remove the Axle: Use the appropriate tools to remove the axle from the golf cart.
- Clean the Area: Before welding, clean the gears and surrounding area to remove any grease or dirt.
- Identify the Side Gears: Locate the side gears that need welding.
- Weld the Gears: Use a welding machine to carefully weld the gears together.
- Test: After welding, reattach the axle and test the cart in a safe environment.
Expert Tip:
If you’re considering welding the side gears for better traction, make sure to test the cart in a safe environment first. Welding the gears can affect the cart’s ability to turn sharply, which could be dangerous in certain terrains.
Handy Tip:
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby when welding, as sparks can sometimes cause small fires.
2. Rotate the Rear End and Swap Backing Plates
What I Did:
Rotated the rear end and swapped the backing plates.
Outcome:
The golf cart’s brakes were functional after the axle flip.
Personal Experience:
I rotated the rear end and swapped the backing plates. It was a bit of a hassle but it worked.
Estimated Cost:
$0-$20
Time Needed:
20-40 minutes
Steps:
- Safety First: Always wear protective gear like gloves.
- Remove the Rear End: Use the appropriate tools to remove the rear end from the golf cart.
- Mark the Plates: Before removing, mark the left and right backing plates for easy reassembly.
- Rotate the Rear End: Carefully rotate the rear end 180 degrees.
- Swap the Backing Plates: Remove the backing plates and swap them from left to right.
- Reattach and Test: Reattach the rear end and test the brakes to ensure they are functional.
Expert Tip:
Make sure to properly align the backing plates after swapping. Incorrect alignment can lead to brake failure.
Handy Tip:
Use a torque wrench to ensure all bolts are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.
3. Use Snap Ring Pliers for Axle Removal
What I Did:
Used snap ring pliers to remove the axle.
Outcome:
The axle was easily removed without any hassle.
Personal Experience:
I used a good set of snap ring pliers and the axle came off easily.
Estimated Cost:
$10-$20
Time Needed:
10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the Snap Ring: Find the snap ring that holds the axle in place.
- Prepare the Area: Clear any debris or obstacles that might interfere with the removal process.
- Use Snap Ring Pliers: Insert the snap ring pliers into the holes of the snap ring.
- Remove the Snap Ring: Carefully expand the snap ring and slide it off the axle.
- Slide the Axle Out: Once the snap ring is removed, slide the axle out of its housing.
Expert Tip:
Invest in a high-quality set of snap ring pliers. The right tools can make the job much easier and more efficient.
Handy Tip:
Keep a magnetic tray nearby to hold the snap ring and any other small parts to prevent them from getting lost.
4. Use U-Bolts and Spring Perches
What I Did:
Used U-bolts and spring perches for lift.
Outcome:
The golf cart was lifted adequately.
Personal Experience:
I used U-bolts and spring perches and got the lift I needed.
Estimated Cost:
$10-$30
Time Needed:
20-40 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the Springs: Find the springs on the underside of the golf cart.
- Prepare U-Bolts: Have your U-bolts and spring perches ready.
- Position the U-Bolts: Place the U-bolts around the springs.
- Secure the Spring Perches: Use the U-bolts to secure the spring perches to the springs.
- Adjust the Height: Once secured, adjust the height of the spring perches to achieve the desired lift.
Expert Tip:
Make sure to properly secure the U-bolts. Loose U-bolts can lead to an unstable lift.
Handy Tip:
After adjusting the height, take the cart for a test drive to ensure the lift is stable and the cart handles well.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- EZGO TXT, 1996
- Club Car Precedent, 2009
- EZGO 875, 2004