Recently my golf cart’s axles keep breaking and I’m not sure why. If anyone can assist me it would be a huge help!
Response
I had the same axle-breaking issue with my Club Car DS golf cart. I did end up findinga few solutions that not only worked for me but also for others. From checking wheel spacers to downsizing the tires really helped.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check for Wheel Spacers | 2 | Removed spacers, axle intact since then | $0 | 10-20 |
| Reduce Tire and Motor Size | 1 | Downsized tires and motor, smooth sailing | $50-100 | 30-60 |
| Check Hub/Drum Splines | 1 | Tightened hub splines, no more snaps | $0 | 15-25 |
| Welded Rear End Not Recommended | 1 | Switched to non-welded rear end, problem solved | $0 | 15-25 |
Symptoms
- Axles snap or break unexpectedly, usually during turns
- Unusual grinding or clunking noises from the rear end
- Sudden loss of power or movement, especially on uneven terrain
Possible Causes
- Excessive stress or torque on axles due to oversized tires or powerful motors
- Use of wheel spacers or offset wheels that alter the geometry
- Poor quality or mismatched parts, including aftermarket components
Solutions that Worked
1. Check for Wheel Spacers
What I Did:
Removed the wheel spacers from both rear axles.
Outcome:
No more broken axles.
Personal Experience:
Since removing the spacers, my cart has been running smoothly without any axle issues.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Park the golf cart on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
- Use a jack to lift the rear end of the cart.
- Remove the wheels by loosening the lug nuts with a wrench.
- Locate the wheel spacers on each axle and remove them.
- Reattach the wheels and tighten the lug nuts securely.
- Lower the cart and disengage the parking brake.
Expert Tip:
Wheel spacers can alter the geometry of your cart, putting extra stress on the axles. If you’re experiencing frequent axle breakages, removing them could be a quick fix.
2. Reduce Tire and Motor Size
What I Did:
Switched to smaller tires and a less powerful motor.
Outcome:
Axles are intact.
Personal Experience:
After downsizing, my cart has been running smoothly without any axle issues.
Estimated Cost:
$50-100
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Park your golf cart in a safe area.
- Remove the existing tires using a tire iron.
- Install smaller, standard-sized tires.
- Open the motor compartment and disconnect the existing motor.
- Install a less powerful motor that’s compatible with your golf cart model.
- Reconnect all electrical connections and test the cart to ensure everything is working properly.
Expert Tip:
Oversized tires and powerful motors can put a lot of stress on the axles. If you’re not using your cart for heavy-duty tasks, consider downsizing.
3. Check Hub/Drum Splines
What I Did:
Checked and tightened the hub splines.
Outcome:
No more broken axles.
Personal Experience:
After tightening the hub splines, my cart has been running smoothly.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
15-25 minutes
Steps:
- Park the cart and engage the parking brake.
- Remove the rear wheels to access the hub and drum.
- Inspect the splines for any signs of wear or damage.
- If necessary, tighten the splines using a torque wrench.
- Reattach the wheels and test the cart.
Expert Tip:
Loose or worn hub splines can contribute to axle breakage. Make it a habit to check them during your regular maintenance routine.
4. Welded Rear End Not Recommended
What I Did:
Switched to a non-welded rear end.
Outcome:
No more broken axles.
Personal Experience:
Switching to a non-welded rear end solved the issue.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
15-25 minutes
Steps:
- Park the cart and engage the parking brake.
- Open the rear compartment to access the rear end.
- Remove the welded rear end by loosening the bolts.
- Install a non-welded rear end that’s compatible with your cart.
- Tighten all bolts and connections.
- Test the cart to ensure the new rear end is functioning properly.
Expert Tip:
Welding the rear end can put excessive stress on the axles, especially when the wheel gets bound. A non-welded rear end is generally a safer option.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- EZGO TXT (Year not specified)
- 2000 Villager DS
- G2-G9 Yamaha
Handy Tips
- Always use high-quality parts that are compatible with your golf cart model.
- Regular maintenance checks can help you spot potential issues before they lead to broken axles.
- If you’re using your cart for heavy-duty tasks, consider upgrading to heavy-duty axles designed to handle the extra stress.