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I have a 2008 rxv (electric). When the cart slows down or goes around a corner I get a noise coming off of the drivers side rear wheel. Also going over bumps - I get a (different) noise. Doesn't happen all of the time - if it did I'd think it was the bearings. Any thoughts?
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The RXV motor itself is very quiet, at least part of the noise you’re hearing is likely coming from the rear end. This is usually gear whine, which is becoming common for these models around that year. The noise could be due to problems with the bearings. Replacing the input shaft bearings can help in many cases, but it only fully resolves the issue about half the time, and even then some noise might remain.
Sometimes the bearings aren’t the only problem. The input shaft gear itself or the gear it meshes with may be worn or damaged which can worsen the noise and necessitate more expensive repairs, possibly requiring the replacement of the entire input shaft or the meshing gear. The input shaft connects the motor to the differential, transmitting power to the wheels. When these bearings or gears wear out they typically produce a whining noise.
Before jumping into major repairs, I recommend starting with a fluid change. Sometimes simply changing the differential fluid can reduce noise. Make sure to replace the stock fluid with actual gear oil that has a friction modifier. A friction modifier is an additive that reduces friction and wear, especially important for the posi-traction system in your RXV.
If the noise persists or gets worse after the fluid change, then it might be time to consider replacing the input shaft bearings. This could help reduce the noise, though keep in mind it’s not always a complete fix. If you’re still experiencing issues after replacing the bearings, you may need to look at the input shaft gear and its meshing gear, which could be contributing to the problem.
The RXV rear takes about 25 oz. For the quietest operation use recommend 75-90 gear oil. Some RXV owners use a mix of 50% Lucas oil stabilizer, 50% gear oil, and 2 oz of friction modifier for extra insurance especially for noisy posi units. While others prefer Yamaha's "friction modified shaft drive gear lube" (part number "ACC-SHAFT-LU-00"), you can also use any 75-90 GL-5 gear oil with a friction modifier. If you have any questions feel free to ask!
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