golf cart
guru
• Due to their low top speeds and
mechanic simplicity, golf carts seem like
they wouldn’t require much maintenance.
The truth is that they need as much TLC
as any other vehicle especially if they’re
driven hard in all kinds of conditions. If
you’ve ever wondered how to clean golf
cart brakes or how to adjust golf cart
brakes, this quick guide will answer those
questions and more. How to Replace Golf Cart Brakes
How to Clean Golf Cart Brakes Long-Term Golf Cart Brake Maintenance Tips
To clean your cart’s brakes, you’ll need
to elevate the axle you’re working on
with a standard floor jack. Remove the
wheels and the brake drums from the
studs. Next, take an aerosol brake parts
cleaner and blast the entire area free of
dust and rust from the shoes. Finally, use
a clean rag soaked in WD-40 to wipe away
accumulated grime. Ultimately, proper tire inflation is one of
the best ways to get the most life out of
your golf cart’s brakes. Keep those tires
at the manufacturer’s recommended
pressure to avoid uneven wear.
Furthermore, you should lubricate the
moving parts in the suspension on a
yearly basis. Last but not least, address
symptoms of brake problems like
squealing or locking immediately as they
arise.
How to Adjust Golf Cart Brakes
Older carts have an adjusting screw or bolt
on the backside of the drum. Turn it so
that the screw presses the shoes against
the drum. Spin the wheel by hand as you
go and back off when you feel resistance.
Newer carts have self-adjusting shoes
with springs that should be cleaned with a
solvent and lubricated to ensure smooth
braking action.
Eventually, a cart’s brakes will wear down to
the point where they can’t operate properly.
To replace old shoes or drums, you’ll need to
remove the brake drums and the two shoes
on each wheel hub. Spray down the whole
wheel hub assembly with brake cleaner
before proceeding. Slap the new shoes into
their pistons and replace the drum.
the
The Keys to Golf Cart Brake Health
Golf cart brakes aren’t complicated or hard
to maintain. Awareness, attention to detail
and prudent brake parts purchases will save
you loads of time and money in the long run.
Buy quality parts when necessary, do the
job right when repairs are required and the
brakes should last forever under normal
circumstances. •
Have a question? Send it to [email protected]
FEBRUARY 2019
47