Golf Cart - Wear Items

[villages07]

Ok, you mechanics and long time Villagers....

Today, we had to replace the brakes on our 18 month old rebuilt Club Car Electric.

We are full timers, use the cart extensively (probably average 120 miles a week), are not hard on the brakes.

Almost out of nowhere, we heard a metal on metal grinding sound on the right rear wheel. The front part of one brake pad was completely worn down and had dug into the drum too. The other pad on that wheel had noticeable wear. The other wheel, the pads seemed to be wearing evenly and not that worn down.

So, is this normal wear and tear? Do you think something was incorrectly installed or adjusted to create this uneven wear?

How long or how many miles should brake pads last?

Related topic...how many miles of road driving should you get out of a set of tires?

By the way, it cost $149 for 4 brake pads, 1 drum, and the labor/service call. Just an FYI.

[chacam]

Do it yourself shoes for less than $50. We have the same tires for over three years now and will probably replace them this summer or fall. Still a lot of tread on them. Just keep them inflated properly. You can get used but nearly new tires and wheels locally for $20 each on Rolling Acres Road across from the truss place.

[DENNIS G]

Ok, you mechanics and long time Villagers....

Today, we had to replace the brakes on our 18 month our rebuilt Club Car Electric.

We are full timers, use the cart extensively (probably average 120 miles a week), are not hard on the brakes.

Almost out of nowhere, we heard a metal on metal grinding sound on the right rear wheel. The front part of one brake pad was completely worn down and had dug into the drum too. The other pad on that wheel had noticeable wear. The other wheel, the pads seemed to be wearing evenly and not that worn down.

So, is this normal wear and tear? Do you think something was incorrectly installed or adjusted to create this uneven wear?

How long or how many miles should brake pads last?

Related topic...how many miles of road driving should you get out of a set of tires?

By the way, it cost $149 for 4 brake pads, 1 drum, and the labor/service call. Just an FYI.


It is not normal for brakes to wear as you say yours did. It appears that they were installed wrong on that wheel. or the adjuster was put in backwards. I have been here in TV for 5 years and have not replaced my brake shoes yet. (2003 chassis). We average approximately 300 miles a month. Do a lot of cruising. I have DOT rated tires, they last longer than regular golf cart tires. Regular tires are not DOT rated and are rated for low speed only. I replaced a set of shoes and drums on a friends cart about 2 months ago. Parts cost with shipping was only $89.00.

[villages07]

Dennis,

Thanks for the reply....my suspicion is something wasn't installed right....only one edge of one of the 4 shoes showed significant wear.

The dealer said they are seeing brakes wear out at a year or year and a half, but, I had not heard many folks talk about replacing them at those intervals.

They charged $35 for each pair of pads and $40 for the drum. Then $65 service call/labor.

Oh well.....at least it's running right again.

[rdmills]

I have a 2001 Yamaha cart purchased new. We have never replaced the brakes and we use it constantly. Well over 200 miles a week. We are also full-time residents. It sounds as though somethings is wrong with your cart. I have replaced two tires with used tires from The Villages repair shop. Hope this info is helpful.

PS: I questioned the repairman after my last annual tuneup about the brakes and he said they were fine.

[diskman]

villages07,
you should ask these questions before you spend the money.
from the other answers, i would think you would have a negotiating point on the cost if any! :dontknow:

[golfnut]

Dennis, where do you get DOT tires, I need two 205/10's. Thanks, GN.

[784caroline]

villages07....who was your dealer ????

[villages07]

784...it was golf cart connection; I was pleased that management intervened to get me a quicker appointment but not totally convinced that the service tech was as honest as he should have been.....I think it was a defect but I had to pay for new brakes as a wear item. Just very hard to prove.

[golfnut]

v07, might not hurt to get back in touch with the person who intervened to get your appointment and ask him how many of their carts need brakes after 18 months to see what his thoughts are. Can't hurt to ask. GN

[F16 1UB]

Hmm,

Sounds like I'll have to have a little golf cart brake 101 training. Be thankful it wasn't batteries. Just got a price here in KY for P/U & delivery to replace 6. Geesh! Also very hard to judge the longevity of ones brake system. No 2 drivers are alike. Mrs "F" hurries up to stop.

F16

[zcaveman]

I had my brake shoes replaced at 5 and 1/2 years. It was $150 (give or take a few) because I had my normal service done at the same time.

Several others have had their brakes replaced in the five year time frame.

BTW: It is not the number of miles you drive a week but the number of stops you make. I play golf six days a week and that is a lot of stops on a golf course. Plus the normal driving around TV.