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Make sure you have all the necessary tools and replacement parts before beginning the job. You'll typically need a jack and jack stands, wrenches, sockets, a rubber mallet, and a seal puller. Additionally, have new axle bearings and seals ready for installation.
To begin, you'll need to lift the rear of the EZGO cart safely using a jack or lift to provide access to the wheels and axles. Once securely elevated, proceed to remove the wheel and hub assembly to gain access to the bearing. If there is a dust cover present, remove it to reveal the axle nut. Once located, remove the cotter pin securing the axle nut, and then utilize an impact to remove the nut itself. With the axle nut removed, carefully slide off the brake hub, which will expose the axle bearing for further inspection and potential replacement.
When confronted with a stubbornly stuck rear hub, often caused by the drum becoming worn onto the brake shoes in a tongue-and-groove style, removal can be quite a challenge. If traditional methods fail to dislodge the hub, resorting to cutting it off may be the most practical solution. Alternatively, if the axle shaft itself is stuck to the hub, employing a 3 prong pulley puller, available for rent at auto supply stores like AutoZone or for purchase at places like Harbor Freight, can provide the necessary leverage. After securing the puller around the outside of the drum, tighten the center bolt firmly and deliver a solid tap with a 3-5 pound sledgehammer. This should cause the drum to pop off the axle shaft with relative ease. If opting to beat the axle shaft out of the hub, threading on the nut slightly can protect the outer threads from damage and mushrooming. However, it's wise to have an extra nut on hand, as there's a risk of bending the nut beyond repair during this process.
Next, locate the axle bearing, which is situated in the axle shaft housing.
Locate the retaining ring or clip securing the axle shaft in place and carefully remove it using pliers or a screwdriver. Once the retaining clip is removed, slide the axle shaft out of the axle housing. If the old bearing has been destroyed leaving just the sleeve you can remove the old sleeve with a bearing puller tool or a pull hammer with a hook attachment. Take care not to damage the axle shaft housing or surrounding parts during this process.
When dealing with a stubborn axle shaft that won't pull out even after removing the C-clip, it's time to turn to specialized tools for assistance. A reliable option in this scenario is a pull hammer equipped with an axle nut welded onto the tip. This tool simplifies the process significantly: just screw the axle nut onto the shaft, then utilize the pull hammer to exert the necessary force to pull the axle shaft out. This method can be particularly effective when traditional methods prove ineffective.
Once the old bearing is removed, thoroughly clean the axle housing and hub area to remove any dirt, debris, or old grease. Remove the axle seal. Inspect the axle shaft for any signs of wear or damage, and replace if necessary.
Next, apply a generous amount of high-quality wheel bearing grease to the inner race of the new bearing before carefully pressing it into place on the axle shaft. If a press is not available, you can securely hold the axle shaft upright in a vice. Then, position the new bearing on the axle shaft, followed by a washer. Utilize an 8 inch 3/4 pipe as a makeshift drift to gently tap the bearing into its seating area. This method allows for controlled and precise installation of the bearing without the need for specialized equipment.
After installing the new bearing, carefully install a new axle seal in the axle shaft to prevent moisture and debris from entering the axle housing. Make sure that the seal is seated properly and securely not too deep into the axle shaft as there is no stop. When reinserting the axle shaft into the tube, you might encounter some resistance. In such cases, threading the axle nut onto the end of the axle shaft for protection and giving it a gentle tap can help it slide in smoothly, verify the bearing sits just beyond the c clip groove. With that done, it's just a matter of reinstalling the C clip and reassembling everything in the reverse order of removal, and you're good to go. Finally, when tightening the axle bolt, make sure that you tighten the bolt to a heavy torque specification preferably between 110-130 ft-lbs (very tight is important) and do not back off to insert the cotter pin, tighten to the next thread if anything.
To begin, you'll need to lift the rear of the EZGO cart safely using a jack or lift to provide access to the wheels and axles. Once securely elevated, proceed to remove the wheel and hub assembly to gain access to the bearing. If there is a dust cover present, remove it to reveal the axle nut. Once located, remove the cotter pin securing the axle nut, and then utilize an impact to remove the nut itself. With the axle nut removed, carefully slide off the brake hub, which will expose the axle bearing for further inspection and potential replacement.
When confronted with a stubbornly stuck rear hub, often caused by the drum becoming worn onto the brake shoes in a tongue-and-groove style, removal can be quite a challenge. If traditional methods fail to dislodge the hub, resorting to cutting it off may be the most practical solution. Alternatively, if the axle shaft itself is stuck to the hub, employing a 3 prong pulley puller, available for rent at auto supply stores like AutoZone or for purchase at places like Harbor Freight, can provide the necessary leverage. After securing the puller around the outside of the drum, tighten the center bolt firmly and deliver a solid tap with a 3-5 pound sledgehammer. This should cause the drum to pop off the axle shaft with relative ease. If opting to beat the axle shaft out of the hub, threading on the nut slightly can protect the outer threads from damage and mushrooming. However, it's wise to have an extra nut on hand, as there's a risk of bending the nut beyond repair during this process.
Next, locate the axle bearing, which is situated in the axle shaft housing.
Locate the retaining ring or clip securing the axle shaft in place and carefully remove it using pliers or a screwdriver. Once the retaining clip is removed, slide the axle shaft out of the axle housing. If the old bearing has been destroyed leaving just the sleeve you can remove the old sleeve with a bearing puller tool or a pull hammer with a hook attachment. Take care not to damage the axle shaft housing or surrounding parts during this process.
When dealing with a stubborn axle shaft that won't pull out even after removing the C-clip, it's time to turn to specialized tools for assistance. A reliable option in this scenario is a pull hammer equipped with an axle nut welded onto the tip. This tool simplifies the process significantly: just screw the axle nut onto the shaft, then utilize the pull hammer to exert the necessary force to pull the axle shaft out. This method can be particularly effective when traditional methods prove ineffective.
Once the old bearing is removed, thoroughly clean the axle housing and hub area to remove any dirt, debris, or old grease. Remove the axle seal. Inspect the axle shaft for any signs of wear or damage, and replace if necessary.
Next, apply a generous amount of high-quality wheel bearing grease to the inner race of the new bearing before carefully pressing it into place on the axle shaft. If a press is not available, you can securely hold the axle shaft upright in a vice. Then, position the new bearing on the axle shaft, followed by a washer. Utilize an 8 inch 3/4 pipe as a makeshift drift to gently tap the bearing into its seating area. This method allows for controlled and precise installation of the bearing without the need for specialized equipment.
After installing the new bearing, carefully install a new axle seal in the axle shaft to prevent moisture and debris from entering the axle housing. Make sure that the seal is seated properly and securely not too deep into the axle shaft as there is no stop. When reinserting the axle shaft into the tube, you might encounter some resistance. In such cases, threading the axle nut onto the end of the axle shaft for protection and giving it a gentle tap can help it slide in smoothly, verify the bearing sits just beyond the c clip groove. With that done, it's just a matter of reinstalling the C clip and reassembling everything in the reverse order of removal, and you're good to go. Finally, when tightening the axle bolt, make sure that you tighten the bolt to a heavy torque specification preferably between 110-130 ft-lbs (very tight is important) and do not back off to insert the cotter pin, tighten to the next thread if anything.
