Has anyone ever found himself on the golf course, peacefully driving your faithful golf cart, only to realize with a sinking feeling that the brakes for golf cart no longer work? It’s a circumstance that is all too often but frequently missed. Imagine you are driving a golf cart very peacefully with the wind blowing through your hair and suddenly the situation happens you just need to hit the break and you realize your golf cart brake has some issue so you must give attention to it immediately. Let’s delve into the realm of golf cart brakes, identifying the true cause of their inefficiency and examining remedies to ensure every ride on the green is smooth, safe, and worry-free.
Golf cart brakes are classified into many basic categories that are meant to ensure safe and efficient operation on the green.
Mechanical Brakes
This kind of golf brake is mostly found in older and simple golf cart models and functions through physical mechanics rather than fluid pressure. Mechanical brakes mostly use rods or cable mechanisms to transfer force to the braking components such as drums from the brake pedals. Mechanical brakes are dependable and straightforward to use, but they may require more frequent maintenance to function effectively.
Drum Brakes
Now our second break type is drum brakes these break mechanisms are similar to the mechanical brake systems. If we talk about the drum brake mechanism when we apply a force on brake shoes against the inner surface of the drum attached to the wheel hub they affect the friction and rotation of the wheel Despite being less sophisticated than other braking systems, drum brakes can provide adequate stopping power for golf cart applications and are frequently inexpensive to repair.
Hydraulic Brakes
Now I discuss the type of golf brake system that is used in the modern era and current golf cart models. This brake is hydraulic fluid you all think about it how does it work? So don’t worry I will explain this fluid to transfer force from the brake pedal to the brake calipers, which push the brake pads against a rotor or disc attached to the wheel hub. These braking systems give smoother and better braking performance than mechanical installations, making them a favorite choice among golf cart makers.
Regenerative Brakes
So in our list last braking system that I discussed with you is regenerative brakes. One question in mind for all of you how does it work? So the good thing is they convert kinetic energy to electrical energy because they use energy from braking to recharge the cart’s batteries. Regenerative brakes not only increase overall economy and driving range, but they also minimize wear and tear on standard braking components, resulting in lower long-term maintenance costs.
In the end, if we discuss some statistics so according to a survey hydraulic brakes are used in roughly 65% of current golf carts, while regenerative braking systems are becoming increasingly common, accounting for around 20% of new carts.
Read More: Protect your cart from outside element with our deatils guide on how to select the right golf cart covers
Signs Your Brakes Are Going Bad
If you really won’t care about your cart and you are a sensible owner of your cart you must be looked after and inspect it every couple of weeks during your break and make sure it requires maintenance or not because this is a more important aspect many golfers just buy the cart and leave it you never ignore it because it related about your safety or as well as life. So now we discuss some important signs that your break is going too bad and needs to be maintained or replaced so without further delay let’s go
Pulling To One Side
I want to discuss five major similarities to deciding your break is not in good condition it needs to be maintained first one is to pull to one side basically when you drive your cart it moves from one side which means your brake components such as brake pads, shoes, wearing, brake caliper, etc is a problem you must be replaced as soon as possible if you prevent any future incident which affects you.
Grinding Noises
Now second thing that you must know is extraordinary and unnecessary noise when you engage the brakes are unmistakable indication that something is wrong with your brakes usually this signal indicates that the brake pads have worn down to the point that metal is rubbing against metal, potentially damaging the brake rotors or drums. After everything knowing you continue to drive your golf cart with worn-out brake pads can result in more significant and costly repairs, so have the brake system inspected and serviced as quickly as possible.
Low Brake Pedal Or Soft Pedal
A low or soft brake pedal is another indicator of braking problems. Now how to check if your brake pedals not working well so simple analyze this when you apply force on the brake pedals if you feel extra effort to engage it, there could be air in the brake lines, worn brake pads, or a leak in the brake system. Any difference from the normal pedal sensation should be addressed immediately to ensure your ability to stop safely when necessary.
Brake Fluid Leaks
Right now the problem I am discussing is a major issue that requires more attention and care it is leaking fluid which plays a vital role break fluid is required to deliver hydraulic pressure from the brake pedal to the brake calipers or wheel cylinders, so any loss of fluid can impair braking performance.
Increased Stopping Distance
Sometimes you realize it when you apply force on the brake your cart does not stop immediately It takes time after pushing ur brake so why does it happen? Because it increased the stopping distance, it could be due to a failing brake function. You must check your breaks overall may be brake pads, fluid, or any brake components issue when you figure out the issue so immediately resolve it because it chance to damage other things and create more issues for you
How To Extend The Lifespan Of Golf Cart Brakes?
Ensuring the lifespan of your golf cart brakes improves safety while also saving you money on maintenance and replacements. By following these basic maintenance suggestions, you can extend the life of your brakes and enjoy worry-free rides on the green for years.
Avoid Riding With A Cart Full Of Passengers
Avoiding overloading your golf cart brakes with passengers or cargo is an effective technique to extend their lifespan. Excess weight increases the strain on the brakes, forcing them to wear out more quickly. By following the manufacturer’s suggested weight capacity and avoiding overcrowding, you can lessen the strain on your brakes and extend their life.
Regular Inspection
Regular checks are critical for detecting potential brake faults before they become severe concerns. Inspect brake pads, rotors, drums, and hydraulic components regularly for signs of wear, corrosion, or leakage. Look for irregular wear patterns, strange noises, or changes in braking performance. Catching and correcting problems early will help avoid further damage and extend the life of your golf cart brakes.
Replace Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is essential for keeping your golf cart brakes in good working order. Over time, brake fluid can become polluted with moisture and debris, reducing braking efficiency and potentially damaging brake components. Replace brake fluid at the manufacturer’s suggested intervals and use the right fluid for your cart’s braking system. Regularly changing brake fluid ensures optimal braking performance and increases the life of your brakes.
Keep The Brakes Clean
Keeping your golf cart brakes clean is another easy but efficient approach to extending your life. Dirt, debris, and brake dust can build up on brake components, causing greater friction, heat buildup, and premature wear. Regularly clean the brake calipers, rotors, drums, and pads with a mild detergent and water to eliminate any buildup. Avoid using aggressive chemicals or abrasive materials, which might harm brake components.
Adjust Calipers And Wheel Cylinders
Adjustment is a very important part of every mechanic’s correct adjustment of brake calipers and wheel cylinder is very very important because it increases the performance and life of the wheel and as well as reduces the chance of accident so never take it easy and useless if you misalign and improper adjustment of brake it increases the chance of safety risk. So now in the future anytime you feel and realize ur brake caliper is a disorder soon resolve it
When looking to purchase new brake parts for your golf cart, make sure to check the inventory for options that fit your E-Z-Go, Star, RXV, or Medalist models, and consider the brake drum to ensure compatibility with the front or rear installation; many manufacturers offer durable options for heavy-duty use
Conclusion
If I summarize my experience your golf cart break is the most important and major part of your golf cart for both point of view safety and cost. and above I mentioned multiple factors you must follow and increase the life of your break. This is not only saving your money one thing which more important than the money is your “Life” so never take it easy give your golf cart attention and save your money as well as your life and enjoy a tense free ride When upgrading your EZGO golf cart, consider adding an electric accessory like a rear brake switch spring, which you can find at a gas vehicle shop, to improve the vehicle’s braking performance
Read More: DIY How to Maintain & Repair Golf Cart Brakes RMI Golf Carts
Frequently Asked Questions
A golf cart’s lifespan is determined by a variety of circumstances, but with appropriate care, it can last between 7 and 10 years. Regular maintenance, such as battery checks, tire rotations, and inspections, can considerably increase this lifespan. Age ultimately catches up, and breakdowns become more common. However, some well-maintained carts, particularly ones with updated batteries, can live 15 years or longer.
Golf cart brakes, unlike car brakes, are not susceptible to continuous wear and strain. They often have a lengthy lifespan (250-300 hours of use or a few years). However, regular inspections are still necessary. You may inspect your brakes annually or have them serviced by a professional to verify they are working correctly for safety reasons. While they should last a long time, prioritizing maintenance can help prevent unexpected problems and maintain your golf cart in good condition.
The cost of anything is not fixed because it depends on multiple factors same new brakes in a cart cost is also not fixed it depends on brand, quality, etc but the average cost of brakes is between 100 and 300$ for a complete brake kit. Include labor price also depends on expertise level but it ranges from 150 to 400$ depending on the work or task
Golf cart brakes can be replaced at home, but only mechanically inclined people should attempt it. You’ll need mechanical expertise and tools such as wrenches, sockets, and a jack. Furthermore, a repair manual tailored to your cart type is required to enable accurate disassembly and reassembly. Remember that brakes are crucial for safety. If you’re not confident you can replace them correctly, consider hiring an expert. This ensures that they are properly mounted and adjusted, allowing you to drive with confidence on the course.
