If you own an EZ Go golf cart, it’s important to ensure that it’s safe to operate. One of the key components that need to be checked and adjusted regularly is the braking system. The brakes on your golf cart must be in good working condition to avoid accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on How To Adjust Brakes On Ez Go Golf Cart.
Understanding the Braking System of an EZ Go Golf Cart
Before we dive into the details of adjusting brakes on an EZ Go golf cart, it’s essential to understand how the braking system works. EZ Go golf carts typically use one of two types of braking systems: mechanical drum brakes or hydraulic disc brakes.
Mechanical Drum Brakes
Mechanical drum brakes are the most common type of brake system used in EZ Go golf carts. These brakes operate on a simple mechanism: a brake cable is attached to a brake pedal or lever, which activates a system of brake shoes inside a drum attached to the rear wheels. When the brake pedal or lever is pressed, the brake shoes expand and press against the inside of the drum, creating friction that slows down and stops the golf cart.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Hydraulic disc brakes are more advanced than mechanical drum brakes and are typically found on higher-end EZ Go golf carts. These brakes operate on a hydraulic system, where brake fluid is used to transfer the force from the brake pedal or lever to a caliper, which squeezes two brake pads against a disc attached to the wheel hub. The friction created by the brake pads pressing against the disc slows down and stops the golf cart.
Both mechanical drum brakes and hydraulic disc brakes are effective at stopping an EZ Go golf cart, but they require regular maintenance to ensure proper functioning.
Signs That Your Brakes Need Adjustment
It’s crucial to be aware of the signs that your EZ Go golf cart’s brakes need adjustment. Regular inspection of your golf cart’s brakes will help you avoid accidents and keep your golf cart in good condition. Here are some common symptoms that indicate the need for brake adjustment:
- Squeaking or grinding noises when braking
- A soft or spongy brake pedal or lever
- A brake pedal or lever that goes all the way to the floor
- Uneven braking or pulling to one side when braking
- Longer stopping distances than usual
- Brake shoes or pads that are worn down
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to address them promptly. Delaying brake adjustment can lead to more serious issues and even cause accidents. Regularly inspecting and adjusting your brakes can also extend the lifespan of your brake components and save you money in the long run.
Tools Needed for Brake Adjustment
Before you start adjusting your EZ Go golf cart’s brakes, you need to have the right tools on hand. Here are some essential tools required to adjust brakes on an EZ Go golf cart:
- Lug wrench or impact wrench
- Jack stands or ramps
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Brake adjusting tool
- Brake cleaner
- Brake fluid
- Replacement brake shoes or pads (if necessary)
It’s important to use the correct tools for the job to avoid damaging your golf cart’s components. Using the wrong tools can also be dangerous and increase the risk of accidents. Ensure that you have all the necessary tools before starting the brake adjustment process.
Steps to Adjust Mechanical Drum Brakes
Here’s a step-by-step guide to adjusting the mechanical drum brakes on your EZ Go golf cart:
- Lift the rear of the golf cart off the ground using jack stands or ramps.
- Remove the wheel nuts using a lug wrench or impact wrench and remove the wheels.
- Locate the brake drum on the inside of the wheel hub.
- Using a screwdriver, remove the retaining clip that holds the brake drum in place.
- Pull the brake drum off the hub.
- Inspect the brake shoes for wear and damage.
- Use a brake adjusting tool to turn the brake adjuster wheel to expand or contract the brake shoes as necessary.
- Reinstall the brake drum and retaining clip.
- Repeat the process for the other wheel.
- Replace the wheels and tighten the lug nuts.
It’s important to adjust both rear wheels’ brakes evenly to ensure proper braking performance. Test the brakes by pressing the brake pedal or lever and ensure that they engage and disengage smoothly.
Steps to Adjust Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Here’s a step-by-step guide to adjusting the hydraulic disc brakes on your EZ Go golf cart:
- Locate the brake caliper on the inside of the wheel hub.
- Using a brake adjusting tool, turn the caliper piston clockwise to expand the brake pads.
- If the brake pads are worn or damaged, remove them and replace them with new ones.
- Use a brake cleaner to clean the brake rotor and caliper thoroughly.
- Check the brake fluid level and top up if necessary.
- Reinstall the brake pads and caliper.
- Repeat the process for the other wheel.
- Test the brakes by pressing the brake pedal or lever and ensure that they engage and disengage smoothly.
Hydraulic disc brakes require less frequent adjustment than mechanical drum brakes, but regular inspection and maintenance are still necessary to ensure proper functioning. If you’re not comfortable adjusting the brakes on your EZ Go golf cart, it’s best to seek the assistance of a professional mechanic.
Troubleshooting Common Brake Issues
Even after adjusting your EZ Go golf cart brakes, you may encounter some common issues that affect the braking performance. Here are some of the most common brake issues and how to troubleshoot them:
Brake Fade
Brake fade occurs when the brakes lose their stopping power due to excessive heat buildup. This problem is common when the golf cart is driven downhill or when the brakes are overused. To fix this problem, you need to:
- Allow the brakes to cool down before using them again.
- Check for worn brake pads or shoes and replace them if necessary.
- Adjust the brake system to ensure proper brake shoe or pad-to-drum or rotor clearance.
- Consider upgrading your brake system with higher-performance brake components.
Spongy Brakes
Spongy brakes refer to a brake system that feels soft or mushy when the brake pedal or lever is pressed. This issue is commonly caused by air trapped in the brake lines or a problem with the master cylinder. To troubleshoot this issue, you should:
- Bleed the brake lines to remove air bubbles.
- Check for any leaks in the brake lines or connections and fix them if necessary.
- Inspect the master cylinder for any signs of wear or damage and replace it if necessary.
Noisy Brakes
Noisy brakes can be caused by a variety of factors, such as worn brake pads or shoes, loose hardware, or glazed rotors or drums. To fix this problem, you should:
- Inspect the brake system for any worn or damaged components and replace them if necessary.
- Tighten any loose hardware or connections.
- Clean the brake rotor or drum to remove any glazing or contamination.
Conclusion
Adjusting the brakes on your EZ Go golf cart is an important part of maintaining the vehicle’s safety and performance. Whether you have mechanical drum brakes or hydraulic disc brakes, it’s crucial to follow the proper adjustment procedures and troubleshoot any common brake issues. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your golf cart brakes operate effectively and safely, giving you peace of mind while out on the course.
