Golf Cart Tires thumping

[vintageogauge]

I have a new 2018 Yamaha and the tires thump like they have flat spots. Before calling the dealer amidst all of the recalls I thought I would ask here if this is to be expected on these new models. I have the standard tires that come with the cart, it seems to get a little better after warming up but does not go away completely. My Par Car did not do this but it had a different type of tires on it. Thanks for any replies.

[shighsmi]

We had the same problem The dealer had to put on three sets of tires before eliminating the problem.

[PaulDenise]

If you have steel wheels, then one possibility IMHO...

The holes in the steel wheels are a little larger than the studs that they attach to. When the wheels are put on at the factory, the wheels 'slump' down just a little because the cart is up on a lift and the wheels dangle down. Then the air gun runs the nuts on. When this happens the little cone shape that is pressed into the wheels at manufacture to center the nuts is distorted and flattened on one side.

So what happens when you drive it, the wheel is actually off center by an eighth of an inch. It feels like you have a tire that is flat in one spot.

To check this, pull off a couple of wheels and look at the wheel and see if the cone indentation is still correct. Or, you could jack up the front and just spin the wheel and with a finger see if it is not centered. Can't do that on the rears.

If you replace the tires carefully, you can get them on properly, but the malformation will always be there. So, if you find it, you might take it back and ask for new wheels.

[justjim]

If you have steel wheels, then one possibility IMHO...

The holes in the steel wheels are a little larger than the studs that they attach to. When the wheels are put on at the factory, the wheels 'slump' down just a little because the cart is up on a lift and the wheels dangle down. Then the air gun runs the nuts on. When this happens the little cone shape that is pressed into the wheels at manufacture to center the nuts is distorted and flattened on one side.

So what happens when you drive it, the wheel is actually off center by an eighth of an inch. It feels like you have a tire that is flat in one spot.

To check this, pull off a couple of wheels and look at the wheel and see if the cone indentation is still correct. Or, you could jack up the front and just spin the wheel and with a finger see if it is not centered. Can't do that on the rears.

If you replace the tires carefully, you can get them on properly, but the malformation will always be there. So, if you find it, you might take it back and ask for new wheels.

What you post makes sense to me. I know “cold” will cause the tires to thump until warmed up but that goes away after a mile or two. :bowdown:

[Bogie Shooter]

If you have steel wheels, then one possibility IMHO...

The holes in the steel wheels are a little larger than the studs that they attach to. When the wheels are put on at the factory, the wheels 'slump' down just a little because the cart is up on a lift and the wheels dangle down. Then the air gun runs the nuts on. When this happens the little cone shape that is pressed into the wheels at manufacture to center the nuts is distorted and flattened on one side.

So what happens when you drive it, the wheel is actually off center by an eighth of an inch. It feels like you have a tire that is flat in one spot.

To check this, pull off a couple of wheels and look at the wheel and see if the cone indentation is still correct. Or, you could jack up the front and just spin the wheel and with a finger see if it is not centered. Can't do that on the rears.

If you replace the tires carefully, you can get them on properly, but the malformation will always be there. So, if you find it, you might take it back and ask for new wheels.
I was told by the Yamaha dealer in Ocala that Yamaha was recalling all 2018 carts with radial tires and replacing with non radials until this problem (of seating) is fixed. And this was effecting all dealers in our area.
Suggest you take it back to where it was purchased and ask.............

[biker1]

I don't recall the OP saying that he had radial tires. If I had to guess, I would say he has 205/65-10 Loadstars. OP, what say you?

I was told by the Yamaha dealer in Ocala that Yamaha was recalling all 2018 carts with radial tires and replacing with non radials until this problem (of seating) is fixed. And this was effecting all dealers in our area.
Suggest you take it back to where it was purchased and ask.............

[bill50]

I have radial and they are smooth as glass. No recalls

[vintageogauge]

I don't recall the OP saying that he had radial tires. If I had to guess, I would say he has 205/65-10 Loadstars. OP, what say you?

They are 20565-10 Loadstar Nylon tires. I'll call the dealer on Monday and see what they have to say. Thanks for all the replies.

[Bay Kid]

It seems to be the luck of the draw. Some tires are bad and must be replaced. Had the same problem in the past....

[biker1]

I have the Loadstars and they run smoothly. You probably just have a bad tire(s).

They are 20565-10 Loadstar Nylon tires. I'll call the dealer on Monday and see what they have to say. Thanks for all the replies.

[thetruth]

They are 20565-10 Loadstar Nylon tires. I'll call the dealer on Monday and see what they have to say. Thanks for all the replies.

There was always an issue with NYLON tires and flat spots
from then sitting still in the COLD.

Another post mentione wheels being mounted of center due to the golf cart being suspended during assemply. HUH?
If you go to any store that has or sells wheels, you can even look at the spare in your car trunk, the holes where the lug nuts fit are tapered. The lug nut has a matching taper. NO ONE EVER READS DIRECTIONS BUT, what it says is to put the wheel on tighten all the lug nuts lightly. Then tighten them fully to the SPECIFIED TORQUE.

It is possible that either the wheel or the tire is DEFECTIVE-not centered on the axial. The OP says it is a NEW golf cart. The people you bought it from will be able to check this out for you-EASILY.

[NoMoSno]

My 2012 had this issue.
It had sat on the show room floor for awhile.
I slightly over inflated them for a couple months and they smoothed out.