How to Change Golf Cart Brakes

Golf carts typically have a top speed of around 15 mph, but traveling along the fairways of your local golf course on a regular basis will cause the brakes to wear. They will need to be replaced from time to time. A noise when you are braking signals that it is time to replace the brakes, and if you have access to a few tools you can save yourself some cash by doing the job yourself.

Things You'll Need

  • Socket wrench
  • Needle nose pliers
  • New brake pads
  • Brake grease
  • Screwdriver
  • Hammer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Park the golf cart on a flat surface like a garage. Put a brick or block of wood under the front wheels and use a jack to lift the rear of the cart into the air.

    • 2

      Use the socket wrench to loosen the nuts on the rear wheels. Remove these wheels and set them aside.

    • 3

      Remove the brake drums to access the brake pads. To remove each drum you will have to remove the retaining clips that are holding the drum in place. If you put the end of a screwdriver on the edge of the clip and tap gently with the hammer the clip should pop off. Depending on the make, model and year of your cart, the brake pads will be held in place by either one or two clips.

    • 4

      Remove the old brake pads and discard. Apply the brake grease to the inside of the replacement pads and put on the wheel axle. Secure in place with the clips.

    • 5

      Put the rear wheels back on the cart and tighten the nuts with your socket wrench. Lower the rear wheels onto the floor and remove the brick/wood from under the front wheels

    • 6

      With the cart stationary, apply the brakes to make sure that there is resistance, and then drive very slowly for a short distance before applying the brakes again to check that they are working adequately.