The Seasoned Wrench

EZGO Golf Cart Rear Wheel Squeaks? Here’s Why & How To Fix It

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Chase Manhattan

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Owner and Editor at The Wrench Network

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Hey y’all, it’s Chase Manhattan! I’m a life-long automotive and motorcycle enthusiast with a knack for diagnostics that I hope to share with you! Lately, I’ve been running my own motorcycle rental business, which you can read about here, and it has been a great experience that has allowed me to own numerous bikes that I probably couldn’t justify otherwise. Plus, it’s been a great way to experience new places while on vacation. If you haven’t heard of them before, I definitely recommend checking out the Riders-Share platform if you get the itch to ride while away from home, or if you want to explore a cheaper way to own and ride motorcycles!

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Are you tired of that annoying, persistent squeak coming from the rear wheels of your EZGO golf cart? Fear not, fellow golf cart enthusiasts! I’m your friendly neighborhood technician with five years of experience under my belt, and I’m here to rescue you – and your ears – from the clutches of this irritating issue.

In this article, I’ll be revealing the secrets behind the cause of those squeaky rear wheels and, more importantly, how to fix them for good. So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a noise-free journey, as we tackle the squeakiest problem in the world of EZGO golf carts together!

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Understanding The Components of A Rear Differential

A rear differential is an essential component of a golf cart, responsible for transferring power from the engine to the rear wheels. Understanding the components of a rear differential can help diagnose problems and maintain your E-Z-GO golf cart. This section will discuss the main components of a rear differential, such as differential gears, rear axles, and rear axle bearings.

Differential Gears

Differential gears are responsible for allowing the rear wheels to rotate at different speeds while the cart turns. This is important as the outer wheel must travel a longer distance and thus rotate at a higher speed than the inner wheel during a turn. The differential gears ensure smooth and efficient operation while maintaining stability and control.

Rear Axles

The rear axles are the shafts that connect the differential to the wheels. They transfer the rotational force generated by the differential gears to the wheels, making the cart move. The rear axles must be strong enough to handle the torque generated by the engine and withstand the weight of the cart and its passengers.

Rear Axle Bearings

Rear axle bearings are crucial for ensuring smooth and quiet operation of the rear wheels. They support the axle shafts and reduce friction between the rotating axles and the stationary components of the golf cart. Over time, these bearings can wear out or fail, leading to noisy operation and decreased performance.

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Why Is My E-Z-GO Rear Wheel Squeaking? (From My Experience)

As an expert in the golf cart industry from Peachtree City, GA – the golf cart capital of the world, I have encountered various issues with E-Z-GO golf carts, including rear wheel squeaking. There can be several reasons for a squeaky wheel, but one of the most common causes is the failure of the axle bearings, particularly in E-Z-GO RXV and TXT models.

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Axle Bearings Commonly Fail on E-Z-GO Golf Carts (RXV & TXT specifically)

Axle bearings are prone to failure in E-Z-GO RXV and TXT golf carts due to factors such as wear and tear, lack of lubrication, and the ingress of dirt and debris. When these bearings fail, they can cause a squeaking noise, reduced performance, and even damage to other components.

Read more here: EZGO TXT vs RXV: Young Buck or Old Guard? (A Comparison)

Why Do Axle Bearings Fail on E-Z-GO Golf Carts?

Axle bearings can fail for several reasons, including:

  1. Wear and Tear: Over time, the bearings’ surfaces can wear down due to friction, causing them to lose their smoothness and efficiency. This results in increased noise and vibration during operation.
  2. Oversized Wheels & Tires: If you’ve upgraded your wheels to a larger size than stock, the additional rotating mass will prematurely wear the axle bearings.
  3. Excessive Speed: If you’ve upgraded the speed capabilities of your cart, you will prematurely wear the axle bearings from the increased friction, of which the bearing was not made to endure.
  4. Dirt and Debris: Dirt, sand, and other debris can enter the bearings, causing abrasion and premature wear. This is particularly common in off-road environments or when the cart is frequently used on unpaved surfaces.
  5. Corrosion: Exposure to moisture and contaminants can cause the bearings to corrode, leading to reduced performance and eventual failure.
  6. Overloading: Excessive weight on the golf cart can put additional stress on the bearings, leading to accelerated wear and potential failure.

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How To Replace A Rear Axle Bearing on E-Z-GO Golf Carts

If you suspect that your E-Z-GO golf cart’s rear axle bearings are worn or damaged, it’s essential to replace them to maintain optimal performance and prevent further damage. The following steps outline the process of replacing a rear axle bearing on E-Z-GO golf carts:

Remove the Wheel

  1. Park the golf cart on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
  2. Use a jack to lift the rear of the cart, ensuring it is stable and secure.
  3. Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.

Remove The Cotter Pin & Crown Nut

  1. Locate the cotter pin on the end of the axle shaft, which secures the crown nut.
  2. Use needle-nose pliers to straighten the cotter pin and pull it out.
  3. Remove the crown nut using a wrench or socket.

Remove The Brake Drum

  1. Carefully pull the brake drum off the axle, exposing the axle shaft and its components.

Remove the Axle Shaft Circlip

  1. Locate the circlip (also called a snap ring) at the end of the axle shaft.
  2. Use circlip pliers to compress the circlip and remove it from the axle.

Reinstall The Brake Drum Upside Down (Use As A Slide Hammer)

  1. Reinstall the brake drum on the axle shaft, but upside down.
  2. This will allow you to use the brake drum as a slide hammer to help remove the axle shaft.

Reinstall the Crown Nut

  1. Thread the crown nut back onto the axle shaft to protect the threads during the removal process.

Tap Out The Axle With The Drum

  1. Using a rubber mallet, tap on the brake drum to slide the axle shaft out of the differential.
  2. Be careful not to damage the threads on the axle shaft during this process.

Remove The Old Bearing

  1. With the axle shaft removed, you can now access the old bearing.
  2. Note the orientation of the bearing for proper installation of the new one.

Using a Hydraulic Press

  1. Place the axle shaft and bearing in a hydraulic press, ensuring the press is set up to apply pressure to the inner race of the bearing.
  2. Press the bearing off the axle shaft.

Install The New Bearing

  1. Before installing the new bearing, clean the axle shaft and inspect it for damage.
  2. Apply a thin layer of grease to the axle shaft where the new bearing will sit.

Using A Hydraulic Press

  1. Position the new bearing on the axle shaft and use the hydraulic press to press it into place.
  2. Ensure the bearing is seated evenly and securely on the axle shaft.

Repeat The Process In Reverse

  1. Reinstall the axle shaft into the differential.
  2. Reinstall the circlip, brake drum, crown nut, and cotter pin.
  3. Reattach the wheel and lower the golf cart back onto the ground.

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Other Possible Causes of A Squeaky Wheel

In addition to worn or damaged axle bearings, there are other potential causes of a squeaky wheel on your E-Z-GO golf cart:

Loose Wheel Nuts

Check the wheel nuts to ensure they are properly tightened. Loose wheel nuts can cause the wheel to wobble and create a squeaking noise.

Worn Suspension

Inspect the suspension components, such as leaf springs and shocks, for signs of wear or damage. Worn suspension components can cause the golf cart to squeak while in motion.

Leaf Springs

Check for cracks, corrosion, or sagging in the leaf springs. Replace them if necessary.

Shocks

Inspect the shock absorbers for leaks or damage. Replace them if they are not functioning correctly.

Worn Ball Joints or U-Joints

Check the ball joints and U-joints for signs of wear or damage. These components allow for smooth movement between suspension and steering components. If they are worn, they can cause squeaking and need to be replaced.

By following these guidelines and maintaining your E-Z-GO golf cart, you can ensure smooth and quiet operation while preventing potential damage and costly repairs.

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