EZGO rear axle moves in and out HELP!!

[KM1218]

My EZGO drivers side rear axle is popping out when I turn right and pops back in when I drive straight. I've taken off the back hub, bearing, and axle and everything seems ok to me. The groves seem to be in good condition. The bearing is in tact and doesn't move around and the C clips are on. Now I'm a female and don't know much but I'm trying to learn lol. What could be causing that??

[cybercart]

Are you using the correct c clip?? It’s the only thing that holds it in. Can you pull the whole shaft all the way out when it pops or is there resistance?

[KM1218]

Well it’s the C clip that’s been in there the entire time so I’m sure it is. It doesn’t look broken or anything. I took it off before I pulled it all the way out but as far as I know I can only pull it so far but I didn’t try to pull it with all my force either. When I’m driving it only came out so far and then popped back in.

[golfcartg]

Well it’s the C clip that’s been in there the entire time so I’m sure it is. It doesn’t look broken or anything. I took it off before I pulled it all the way out but as far as I know I can only pull it so far but I didn’t try to pull it with all my force either. When I’m driving it only came out so far and then popped back in.

I understand how frustrating it can be when your golf cart isn't working properly especially when you're eager to get your EZGO back on the road. This issue could be caused by one of three things: the C-clip, the bearing, or the C-clip channel. Once the C-clip is removed, you can pull out the axle shaft. You'll need to pull it all the way out to access and remove the bearing. I recommend following this bearing removal guide for detailed steps on how to do this.

Once the axle shaft and bearing is removed, inspect the C-clip channel for any signs of damage or wear. Even slight wear in the C-clip channel can cause the axle to pop out. Replace the old bearing with a new one. Also replace the C-clip with new one if possible and clean the channel with brake cleaner to removal all oils and residue. New C-clip and bearings will secure the axle shaft firmly in place and prevent it from pulling out during turns.

With new bearings and C-clips installed, and after inspecting the C-clip channel for damage, your axle should remain securely in place solving the issue of it popping out when you turn. If the problem persists after these replacements, it might indicate a more complex issue within the axle tube c-clip channel that may require further inspection.

Here is the guide for bearing removal once the axle shaft has been removed, if you have any questions feel free to ask!

[KM1218]

Thank you! I will try that and see what happens!

[KM1218]

Well I replaced bearings, C clamps, and oil rings on both sides and it’s still doing it. Any other suggestions on how to figure it out?

I understand how frustrating it can be when your golf cart isn't working properly especially when you're eager to get your EZGO back on the road. This issue could be caused by one of three things: the C-clip, the bearing, or the C-clip channel. Once the C-clip is removed, you can pull out the axle shaft. You'll need to pull it all the way out to access and remove the bearing. I recommend following this bearing removal guide for detailed steps on how to do this.

Once the axle shaft and bearing is removed, inspect the C-clip channel for any signs of damage or wear. Even slight wear in the C-clip channel can cause the axle to pop out. Replace the old bearing with a new one. Also replace the C-clip with new one if possible and clean the channel with brake cleaner to removal all oils and residue. New C-clip and bearings will secure the axle shaft firmly in place and prevent it from pulling out during turns.

With new bearings and C-clips installed, and after inspecting the C-clip channel for damage, your axle should remain securely in place solving the issue of it popping out when you turn. If the problem persists after these replacements, it might indicate a more complex issue within the axle tube c-clip channel that may require further inspection.

Here is the guide for bearing removal once the axle shaft has been removed, if you have any questions feel free to ask!

[golfcartg]

Alright, let’s think this through a bit. Could it be that the axle shaft is incorrect? If the lip on the axle shaft is in good shape (see attached pics), the bearings are new, and the C-clips are in place, your axle should be securely in position. These components work together to keep the axle from sliding in and out. The bearings support the axle and allow it to rotate smoothly, while the C-clips hold the axle in place within the housing. Note: there is an inner and outer C-Clip. If everything is correctly installed, the axle itself shouldn’t be the issue.

Now, I'd be willing to wager that it’s actually your hub that’s sliding in and out. The hubs are designed to fit snugly onto the axle shafts, the hub could be incorrect or installed wrong, or over time, the splines inside the hub or on the axle can wear out. This wear or lack of tightness can cause the hub to move back and forth, creating the issues you're experiencing. When the hub isn’t firmly attached, it can lead to inconsistent movement and possibly the movement you're noticing.

I hate to ask you to jump through hoops, but could you snap a couple of pictures of the hub in both positions, pushed in and pulled out? If the hub is sliding on the axle, it might be worn out and need replacing. Also, check if there’s any play in the hub when you wiggle it back and forth. There shouldn’t be any noticeable movement.

In addition to any pictures, pay attention to any unusual wear patterns on the axle splines and inside the hub. If they’re worn down, they won’t engage properly, causing the issues you’re seeing. Another point to consider is whether the hub nut is properly torqued. An under torqued hub nut can lead to the hub not staying securely in place.

[KM1218]

I’ll look at it this afternoon and take some pics! Thank you!

[KM1218]

Ok so I’ve taken both tires and hubs back off and axle isn’t coming out. It was prior to replacing the bearing and everything. But when I drove it Friday after I put it back together it was making that knocking sound. It sounds like something is sliding and slamming back in when turning. Everything seemed to be tight and not loose. The hub looks fine to me but I literally have no maintenance skills haha. I’ll attach a few pics

[golfcartg]

Looks good, thanks for sharing. Now, just make sure to tighten that main axle bolt real good, aim for over 100 ft-lbs, especially if you've got a lift with larger wheels. You might want to give the cart a little bounce and a wiggle while it's parked to see if you can recreate that knocking sound. It could be your leaf spring bushings have worn out

[KM1218]

I had my son ride with me after I got it back together and we can visibly see the tire pop out when I turn right and go back in when going straight. I have it torqued to 80 but I can torque it tighter and see if that helps.

[golfcartg]

I had my son ride with me after I got it back together and we can visibly see the tire pop out when I turn right and go back in when going straight. I have it torqued to 80 but I can torque it tighter and see if that helps.

How much turn radius and approximate speed does it take to pop out? (use attached photo guide). Also, when it pops out, does it pop out or shift out on one side or does the other side move too?

[KM1218]

Like 60 and like 10mph maybe less. We don’t notice the passengers side doing anything. Only the drivers side. It pops out like an inch or two.

[KM1218]

Here’s two pics. One is where it’s at going straight and the other one shows how far it comes out.

[golfcartg]

When making a 60 degree turn at approximately 10 mph, the centripetal force exerted on the rear wheel can be calculated using a formula Fc = (m * v^2) / r, where m represents the mass of the cart (about 28 slugs or 900 pounds), v is the velocity converted to feet per second (14.7 ft/s), and r is the assumed turning radius (20 feet or 60 degrees). Plugging in these values yields a centripetal force of approximately 2-300 pounds, maybe less. This force indicates the lateral pull experienced by the rear wheel during the maneuver.

Depending on your comfort level and experience, and overall how much you're particularly worried about the issue, really, we'll want to simulate the lateral force experienced during a turn within a shop setting. In such a case, I'd imagine we'll need to set it up carefully. First, with the wheels on (preferably the stock steel wheels), lift the rear of the cart securely onto jack stands to keep the cart stable. Then, on the opposite side, we'll anchor the cart to a sturdy pole or beam to ensure it stays in place when we apply force. Using strong belts or straps, we'll loop it evenly around the problem wheel of the cart and run the other end through a come-along, which we'll securely anchor to another fixed point in your shop. The come-along allows us to apply controlled tension gradually. As we tighten the setup, we'll monitor everything closely for safety and stability as you apply more force until it pops. Be sure to anchor the other side of the cart in the same manner so it doesn't slide off the jack stands. This simulation will help observe the mechanical issue on the rear wheel during sharp turns in a controlled setting.

[golfcartg]

Here’s two pics. One is where it’s at going straight and the other one shows how far it comes out.

Thanks for sharing the pictures! I'd recommend avoiding pulling on those fancy wheels to prevent any potential damage; sticking with the stock steelies would be a safer option. Does it typically stay extended like that, or does it retract back? If it remains extended, could you provide a glimpse of what it looks like on the inside?

[golfcartg]

You might also want to try riding it around with the stock wheels just to easily rule out any issues with the wheels themselves.

[KM1218]

It retracts back as I go forward. I try to look at it when it’s extended and I don’t see anything. Hub is still where it’s supposed to be.

[KM1218]

I’ve had the same wheels on it since I got it over 12 years ago and have no problems til now.

[KM1218]

I figured it out! It’s the bushings.

[golfcartg]

I figured it out! It’s the bushings.

You’ve mastered EZGO rear bearings and hubs too. Well done on identifying the problem!

[KM1218]

I definitely qualify as a golf cart mechanic now