The Golf Cart Guru
Is your golf car making a funny sound? Do you have a repair question? Need to know how to install something?
Ask the Golf Car Guru.
The Golf Cart Guru
• Some of the most common questions I get are“ How can I make my cart faster?” Or,“ How can I make my car climb hills better?” To clarify, I’ m talking about electric golf cars, not gas.
To improve performance whether it be speed or torque the first thing we need to be sure of is that all the systems are performing correctly. This can be as simple as low air pressure in the tires to as complex as a binding differential.
For example, if the car is running slowly and the brakes are dragging it wouldn’ t matter if we put in a high-speed motor, the car still wouldn’ t perform up to standard.
Here’ s my point, When you are considering an“ upgrade,” whether it be for speed or torque examine all the base systems and be sure everything is“ up-to-par”( pun intended).
First things first. Literally, start with the simple things. Check your tire pressure. Golf cart tires are hard-wall tires, you can’ t tell if they’ re flat just by looking at them and this will inhibit your speed, duration per charge and lifespan of your expensive batteries greatly.
Second, dragging brakes. On most golf cars the brakes are mechanical and tend to wear. That means they need adjustment and maintenance. You should have your car in for a complete service annually. This annual service is intended to complete needed routine maintenance and look for problems that may be developing. Many of you may be able to complete this service yourselves but remember, be careful. There are things that can damage you and things that you can damage. Don’ t take chances! Back to the brakes … If your car has a“ Run / Tow” or“ Run / Maintenance” switch flip it away from the“ Run” position then try to push the car. If the brakes are not dragging the car should roll freely( Note: RXV will not roll freely. Way more complicated).
Third, check the condition of your batteries. I’ ve mentioned this before. Corroded, aged, swollen or discharged batteries will not perform properly. This is another part of a good annual service. Again, If you plan to service your car yourself this is one of the most dangerous operations to both you and the cart. Be sure to follow the“ discharge the controller
Is your golf car making a funny sound? Do you have a repair question? Need to know how to install something?
Ask the Golf Car Guru.
first” directive in an earlier article. Be sure the wrench you are using to remove the battery bolts is short and will not touch any adjacent battery post or any other metal. Seriously, if it does it will spoil your day!
If you are going to do this yourself I recommend you remove the cables and clean them and the posts one at a time. You’ ll have less chance of messing up their placement and potentially destroying an expensive component.
While you are doing this take time to examine all your cables … I mean ALL cables and wires on the car. All of the cables( large 6 gauge, power circuit) are necessary for the car to function. And 99 % of the wires( small 16-14 gauge, logic circuit) are necessary. Look for burned, charred, pinched or corroded spots.
Oh yeah, one thing that’ s usually overlooked is the steering alignment. This can really inhibit the functionality of a cart. Again is something a good service will look at. Special tools are helpful but you can do most of it with a measuring tape and a framers square.
The“ toe-in” is measured with the front tires pointing straight forward and measuring from the center of the tread on one tire to the center of the other. Take this measurement as close to the centerline of the wheel as possible. Both on the front of the front tires and on the back of the front tires. The measurement should be about ¼” less in front. This is adjustable but if it’ s out there may be worn parts that should be replaced.
To check the camber put the framers square with one side against the ground and the other against the side of the tire. It will touch one of the other sidewalls of the tire. The best is if the square touches the top sidewall and is about ¼” away from the bottom sidewall. If not it suggests warn parts that should be replaced.
Please keep in mind I’ m giving you a very brief overview. Each of these procedures could take several pages. If you don’ t feel comfortable I encourage you to take your car to a reputable shop.
Good Luck and have fun..•
The Golf Cart Guru
Have a question? Send it to Tim at: golfcartguru @ gmail. com
SEPTEMBER 2018 35