Metalic Grinding in Brakes

Rammer

I have an 02 DS, with S/N AQ0233-182007, and I recently replaced both U bolts on the rear end that held the axle and leaf springs together as the existing ones were bent and loose. I noticed there was a bracket connected to the brake cables that is supported by those u bolts as well. Well, my question is now that I have new bolts in there that are nice and tight, I am hearing a metalic grinding/dragging/rubbing noise coming from the year end under normal operation that i didn't hear before. I wondering if when I tightened the new u bolts in place, the brake cables were stretched a little causing the brakes to engage just a little. Any ideas or thoughts? Thanks.

BGW

__________________
This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum

OLD MEC

You may have moved the rear axle enough that cables are pulling brakes on slightly? This happens often when lifts are applied as axle is moved in another location. Pull clevis pins where cables connect to brake activation arm at backing plate and see if cables are too tight? If so adjust cables at pedal end of cables.
Its also possible that if you used a hammer or air wrench you might have broken dirt and brake dust loose inside brakes causing sound? Remove drums and check for free operation, lubrication and clean. WARNING Some after market, and older carts brake shoes are made of ( ASBESTOS ) so DO NOT blow off residue with air pressure. Wet down with water and wipe clean with rags while wearing disposable gloves and place all in sealed bags for disposal.

Rammer

Thanks. Initially, I was thinking I moved those brake line brakets back just enough to cause some tension on the brakes. However, the noise didn't start right away, it began to hear it more as I rode more. I did in fact wash the cart THOUROUGHLY and shot the back wheels from the underneath with the water hose so I am thinking now it may be the dirt issue you mentioned because there was A LOT of dirt/mud caked around those wheels. I didn't know there was a brake line adjustment, thanks, I'll try that just to make sure.

OLD MEC

If adjustments are OK and cables are free, you may need to remove brake drums and clean as I indicated before? While apart check shoes for wear as this would be the time to replace linings, brake spring kit, clean and lubricate brake cables and internally shoe backing plate contact points and automatic adjusters as well. You might even find that loose or worn lining is causing noise and just showed up now?

Rammer

Yeah, I think it's about time for new brakes anyway. I wasn't able to tell before since the rear end bolts were so loose, but after i replaced them and go the bolts tight, I noticed the brakes seem really tight in the pedal but not much "stoppage". Would that be a brake line issue or worn shoes/brakes?

OLD MEC

Tightness on pedal could be caused by cables too tight after bolt replacements causing lining to heat up and loose ability to stop or possibly shed linings off of shoes?

Rammer

ok, it sounds like i need to check the brake line "tightness" first and make adjustments accordingly. Thanks OLD MEC!

scottyb

100% of the carts I get in for service have glazed brake shoes... partially due to the fact that they are undersized and get too hot when used a lot. Remove the drum and use 60-80 grit sand paper on the shoes and emery cloth 120-220 on the drum surface... then adjust to where you can just hear them drag the slightest bit in one spot upon rotating the drum by hand and you should be good if the cables are not too tight....

Rammer

thanks scotty - based on how tight the pedal is, I'm going to check the cables first and see if I can find the adjustment point on the pedal side Old mec mentioned. After that, I will take the wheels off and check out the drums, shoes, etc. thanks for the tips.

TahoeDawgZ71

It's probably the spring retaining plates. You're supposed to hold them away from the drum while tightening. I guarantee you it's dragging on the inner rim. Take a hammer and knock it around a bit.