Yamaha Golf Car Clutch Replacement

[KsJayhawkers]

I have a 2018 Yamaha Drive2. Recently experienced some stuttering on acceleration and a burning smell. Took it on a test drive today and it shifted real hard, almost a pop into gear. Got it home and noticed the spring seat was extremely hot and metal shavings protruding. Any DIYers that like to turn wrenches done a clutch replacement? I am going to try and tackle this on my own and looking for any helpful suggestions on what to look out for.

[villagetinker]

I have not tried this yet, but i will bet there are YouTube videos with lots of info.

[boxcarwilly]

Forum i use for my 2013 efi drive1...click below
Gas Yamaha Golf Cars; G1 through "The Drive" and U-Max Utility Vehicles (https://www.buggiesgonewild.com/forumdisplay.php?f=17)

[lholmes]

Make sure you can find a clutch before you start your project.I had to wait several months for one.The Villages Golf cart will not sale any Yamaha part unless they do the work.

[RICH1]

Purchase your Clutch from AMAZON….. You Tube video will guide you right through the process! A feeling of satisfaction is in your future

[MrFlorida]

Make sure you have the parts first, a lot of places here don't stock many parts, they have to order them.

[427dave]

I have a 2018 Yamaha Drive2. Recently experienced some stuttering on acceleration and a burning smell. Took it on a test drive today and it shifted real hard, almost a pop into gear. Got it home and noticed the spring seat was extremely hot and metal shavings protruding. Any DIYers that like to turn wrenches done a clutch replacement? I am going to try and tackle this on my own and looking for any helpful suggestions on what to look out for.

From the looks in the picture there should be a space between the clutch and the housing. Yamaha had problems with the clutch sliding back against the housing and they make a spacer to put in there and solve the problem. You will need a rear clutch puller to remove the clutch then the spacer slides over the input gear and put the clutch back on. Your clutch is most likely OK. Back in the old days it is about a 20 minute job, but I don't do them anymore got too old :( Spacer should be available at the Villages golf car store or maybe buggies catalog.

[427dave]

I have a 2018 Yamaha Drive2. Recently experienced some stuttering on acceleration and a burning smell. Took it on a test drive today and it shifted real hard, almost a pop into gear. Got it home and noticed the spring seat was extremely hot and metal shavings protruding. Any DIYers that like to turn wrenches done a clutch replacement? I am going to try and tackle this on my own and looking for any helpful suggestions on what to look out for.


Rear clutch spacer part. Yamaha Input Shaft Spacer | Driven Clutch | G1 | G2 | G8 | G9 | Golf Cart King (https://www.golfcartking.com/yamaha-g1-g2-g8-g9-input-shaft-spacer/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA2-2eBhClARIsAGLQ2Rl1TEiW8sM8OmF31onNaiGHDxozEiI23-NoUpDPHIS53rABnj96Jr0aAiu3EALw_wcB)
When you pull the clutch there is a half moon key that sometimes falls out, watch for it

[Dave951]

Make sure you put a new belt on too

[KsJayhawkers]

Rear clutch spacer part. Yamaha Input Shaft Spacer | Driven Clutch | G1 | G2 | G8 | G9 | Golf Cart King (https://www.golfcartking.com/yamaha-g1-g2-g8-g9-input-shaft-spacer/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA2-2eBhClARIsAGLQ2Rl1TEiW8sM8OmF31onNaiGHDxozEiI23-NoUpDPHIS53rABnj96Jr0aAiu3EALw_wcB)
When you pull the clutch there is a half moon key that sometimes falls out, watch for it

Thanks Dave!!!

[KsJayhawkers]

Thank you everyone for your replies. The Helix portion of the clutch was eating into the transmission cover and that is where the metal shavings came from. Got the secondary clutch ordered and plan to tackle it this weekend.

[427dave]

Thank you everyone for your replies. The Helix portion of the clutch was eating into the transmission cover and that is where the metal shavings came from. Got the secondary clutch ordered and plan to tackle it this weekend.

If you ordered a new clutch make sure you get the spacer or the new clutch will do the same thing. The clip has come off the input shaft and allowed the clutch slide into the housing so you will need the spacer or a new input shaft. The spacer is how we fixed your problem.

[KsJayhawkers]

Rear clutch spacer part. Yamaha Input Shaft Spacer | Driven Clutch | G1 | G2 | G8 | G9 | Golf Cart King (https://www.golfcartking.com/yamaha-g1-g2-g8-g9-input-shaft-spacer/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA2-2eBhClARIsAGLQ2Rl1TEiW8sM8OmF31onNaiGHDxozEiI23-NoUpDPHIS53rABnj96Jr0aAiu3EALw_wcB)
When you pull the clutch there is a half moon key that sometimes falls out, watch for it

Dave, will this fit my 2018 Drive2? When I went to order it, the description says it fits up to year 1991. Thanks

[Sparky6236]

Is the warranty expired like maybe 2 weeks before this problem arose. My cart came with a 5 year warranty.

[Black Beauty]

the housing may need repair..mine did $700+..but my cart is 2mph faster now!

[Myersro61]

From your picture it seems that the snap ring (item 9 in attach pic) has broken on the secondary clutch allowing the spring to expand allowing (item 6 in attached pic ) to rub on your trans axle housing. The 2018 Yamaha drive 2 secondary clutch is held on by a 12mm headed bolt (item 14 in attached pic). Be careful when you remove this bolt, if indeed the snap ring has come loose then the clutch spring will have tension as you remove the 12mm bolt.

[jtongue]

Agree with previous that the snap ring popped off. Had same issue with my 2020 (covered under warranty, but zero luck getting it done as I purchased it out of state) - The best price I could find for the secondary clutch was adept power sports .com for $155. P.S. Very easy to replace with just the one 12 mm bolt.

If you try to put your's back together - it can be done, but you need 2 people (one to compress the clutch and one to put the snap ring on). Your snap ring may be in the transaxle splash shield which drops down (and off) with 2 bolts.

[Myersro61]

I have the clutch spring compressor tool if you need to borrow it or I can do it for you. Let me know.

Bob Myers,
217-497-7022
Village of Pine Hills

[collie1228]

My 2022 Yamaha had a clutch failure in October and was repaired by The Villages under warranty. It too had the clip fail on the shaft. The invoice showed an $800.00 charge to replace the clutch and both belts. Paid by Yamaha. It took them nearly two months to get parts, but they provided a loaner for the entire time. I was pleased.

[Vermilion Villager]

From the looks in the picture there should be a space between the clutch and the housing. Yamaha had problems with the clutch sliding back against the housing and they make a spacer to put in there and solve the problem. You will need a rear clutch puller to remove the clutch then the spacer slides over the input gear and put the clutch back on. Your clutch is most likely OK. Back in the old days it is about a 20 minute job, but I don't do them anymore got too old :( Spacer should be available at the Villages golf car store or maybe buggies catalog.
What's a clutch?
Says the guy sitting on the Lithium battery....:posting::jester::throwtomatoes::

[jamorela]

I have a 2018 Yamaha Drive2. Recently experienced some stuttering on acceleration and a burning smell. Took it on a test drive today and it shifted real hard, almost a pop into gear. Got it home and noticed the spring seat was extremely hot and metal shavings protruding. Any DIYers that like to turn wrenches done a clutch replacement? I am going to try and tackle this on my own and looking for any helpful suggestions on what to look out for.

Willies Golf Cart Service just replaced mine for $350. I was told that the 2017 and 2018 secondary clutches are a problem. He said that he alone replaces 10-15 a week. We should start a class action law suit!

[KsJayhawkers]

I have the clutch spring compressor tool if you need to borrow it or I can do it for you. Let me know.

Bob Myers,
217-497-7022
Village of Pine Hills

That is very nice of you to offer Bob. Once the clutch gets here, I'll give you a holler. I really appreciate it!!

[Myersro61]

YW. If you are getting a new secondary clutch, the spring compressor is not needed. The new clutch will come all together. (first attached pic) However if you are going to try and repair the existing damaged clutch, the need for the compressor is needed. (second attached pic) Let me know if you need help with either.

[BiPartisan]

Is the warranty expired like maybe 2 weeks before this problem arose. My cart came with a 5 year warranty.

If your 5 year is with Village Discount Golf Carts, the clutch is not covered.

[DAVES]

Make sure you can find a clutch before you start your project.I had to wait several months for one.The Villages Golf cart will not sale any Yamaha part unless they do the work.

Interesting, I expect they have some justification for that. I also expect that right now this place is packed with snow birds. That is true for repairs, medical care etc etc etc etc.

[DAVES]

If your 5 year is with Village Discount Golf Carts, the clutch is not covered.

I expect no dealer would cover it. I would call the manufacturer. Warranty repairs, I expect the manufacturer pays the dealer for the repair, rather than the customer. Likely the manufacturer pays less than a customer would. Likely if the dealer refuses to do warranty work, they loose the francize and discover they are out of business.

[427dave]

Dave, will this fit my 2018 Drive2? When I went to order it, the description says it fits up to year 1991. Thanks

I am not sure. From your picture the input shaft looks to be the same, however I left Yamaha in 2004. Call and ask.