Basic Golf Cart Repair Tips

If you own a golf cart, chances are sooner or later you will need to have something repaired on the vehicle. This is common no matter whether you own a gas or electric golf cart. Like any type of vehicle or mechanical item that gets frequent use, things go wrong.

Golf carts can be complex for some to get up and running again, but these tips can assist you in having minimal problems when repairing your golf cart.

• Ascertain the specific problem before trying to perform any repairs.It is best to initially give your cart a brief look over to see if the problem is a simple one you can remedy by hand. This can potentially save you several hours of work and perhaps hundreds of dollars purchasing parts and later discovering all that was required was a simple tightening of a screw or bolt.
• If you find the problem is more involved than a quick fix, then purchase all the necessary tools and parts prior to beginning your repair. It can be frustrating to begin a task and realize youdo not have the tools or parts to finish the job.
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• When removing small items like screws and bolts, be sure to place them in a safe place, container, or Ziploc bag soyou can easily put them back in their proper spots on your cart. It is also helpful to separate the different screws that go to different parts for ease of replacing them in their original locations.

Some Simple Repair Processes

Golf carts can become damaged frequently due to improper use, overuse, or just a lack of regular maintenance. A deficiency in maintenance can result in a dead battery, flat tires, bent or broken tire rims, or body damage. These minor problems are quite simple to remedy yourself.

Checking battery life and replacing the battery. If your cart does not start, then the chances are the battery is dead. As most golf carts are electrically operated, the battery regularly is depleted and no functions on your cart will work. To remove the battery, disengage the battery terminal cables. Make sure you wear gloves when removing the old battery and connecting the new one.

Next, check the battery terminal cables. If your cart still will not work with a fresh battery, remove the cables and clean them using a wire brush. Check the battery case for any potential cracks, leaks, or damage. If the casing is damaged, you will need to install a fresh battery.

Checking tire pressure and replacing a flat tire. Inspect your golf cart’s tires. The tires should be inflated completely with no sagging around the base of the tires. The air pressure rating for each tire is displayed on the tire’s rim. Use an air pump to inflate each tire to the appropriate pressure if needed. Properly inflated tires can also correct any problems with the steering of your cart.

Flat Tire

When replacing a flat tire, use an electric air pump to initially try to inflate the flat tire. Listen for any sounds of air being discharged and check if the tire stays inflated. If it does not, then raise up the cart with a car jack. Remove the lug nuts securing the tire to the axle, as well as the entire tire and wheel rim. Then replace the entire wheel rim and tire with a new one.

Repairing the accelerator. Accelerator problems are also a common golf cart issue. To alleviate an accelerator problem, check the accelerator pad. Use an equivalent socket wrench to tighten the bolts fastening the pad control to the accelerator rod. Check the control mechanism to make sure it is not caught. Remove the pad by loosening the attached screw at its base. Use sandpaper to clean and remove any rust, then paint the pad using an automotive grade spray paint, and finally replace the pad.

Conclusion

Some golf cart repairs are challenging and can be expensive, especially if the golf cart has not been maintained on a regular basis. Conducting a pre-season check-up as well as storing your golf cart properly will result in the longevity of your cart and its parts.

However, some repairs are unavoidable, and some golf cart repairs are simple tasks due to neglect or everyday wear and tear. The next time you need to repair your golf cart yourself, do not overlook inspecting the simple issues, such as blown fuses, corroded or broken wires, and simple things you can easily spot, such as corroded or broken battery cable connections.