I’m having some trouble with my Yamaha YDRE golf cart. The wet brake system is acting up – making grinding noises and the braking is just not smooth. It’s particularly bad on slopes and quick stops. Has anyone dealt with something like this?
Response
For me, it was the worn friction discs. After replacing them, the braking was night and day better. You might want to check the thickness of your friction discs – they should have grooves at least 0.015 inch deep.
Solutions that Worked for Users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Approx. Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transaxle Removal and Disassembly | 2 | $200 – $400 (for parts) | 120 – 240 |
| Brake Replacement Kit | 2 | $200 – $300 | 180 – 240 |
| Checking and Changing Brake Fluid | 1 | $20 – $50 | 30 – 60 |
Symptoms
- Grinding noise from the rear end.
- Weak braking, requiring hard and long pressing.
- Uneven braking, feeling like a warped rotor or drum.
Possible Causes
- Worn out wet brake components.
- Misaligned or damaged transaxle.
- Low or dirty brake fluid.
Solutions that Worked
1. Transaxle Removal and Disassembly
- What I Did: Removed and disassembled the transaxle to service the brakes.
- Outcome: Improved braking performance and noise reduction.
- Personal Experience: The process was time-consuming but manageable with the right tools. A brake replacement kit was a lifesaver.
- Steps:
- Safely lift and support the golf cart.
- Remove the wheels to access the transaxle.
- Disconnect and remove the transaxle.
- Disassemble and inspect the internal components.
- Replace any worn parts and reassemble.
- Expert Tip: Regular inspection and maintenance of the transaxle can prevent major brake failures. Always use high-quality replacement parts.
- Handy Tips: Label each part during disassembly for easier reassembly. Use a digital camera or smartphone to take pictures at each step.
2. Brake Replacement Kit
- What I Did: Used a brake replacement kit to replace the wet brake wear parts.
- Outcome: Restored braking efficiency and resolved grinding noise.
- Personal Experience: The kit included all necessary parts, making the job easier.
- Steps:
- Purchase a suitable brake replacement kit.
- Follow the kit instructions to replace the brake components.
- Reassemble and test the brakes for proper function.
- Expert Tip: Ensure you have a press or access to one if needed for the replacement. Proper alignment during reassembly is crucial.
- Handy Tips: Keep the workspace clean to avoid contamination of brake parts. Double-check all connections for tightness.
3. Checking and Changing Brake Fluid
- What I Did: Checked and replaced the brake fluid.
- Outcome: Slightly improved braking response.
- Personal Experience: The fluid looked dark and needed changing.
- Steps:
- Locate the brake fluid reservoir.
- Drain the old fluid and clean the reservoir.
- Refill with new, high-quality brake fluid.
- Bleed the brakes to remove air from the system.
- Expert Tip: Regularly check the brake fluid level and quality. Dark or dirty fluid can significantly impact braking performance.
- Handy Tips: Use a turkey baster for easy removal of old fluid. Always use the recommended type of brake fluid for your model.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- Yamaha G29 models (2009 – 2014)
- Yamaha YDRE models (specific years not mentioned)