Preventative Maintenance

Rock

Hey guys and gals. I have a 2000 PDS cart that initially I was attempting to get more speed out of. I've been doing a great deal of lurking on this site and the only upgrade I have done so far is build and install my own Freedom Chip which got my cart from 16 mph to approx 18-19mph. While reading through different posts on this site I see where some are typically upgrading motors and controllers to get the necessary speed they are trying to achieve and it got me to thinking. My cart is 8 yrs old and I have owned it since last year. I am not sure of any preventative maintenance that it has had in its life time and I figured that maybe I need to start there before I start with all of the aftermarket upgrades. I dont have the finances right now to start any high end upgrades but I have noticed that most of the smaller components on these carts are inexpensive in comparison. What parts would you start replacing first to insure the most out of your cart? Not necessarily more speed or torque, but just mearly longevity. This way when I do have the money to start my big upgrades I can rest assured that all of my minor components are well maintained. Thanks in advance for any help.

BGW

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Jibba

Cables....Upgrading to 4 gauge welding cable and HD Lugs is a great start. All battery & motor connections.
Making sure the batteries are up to snuff. Clean and water levels maintained with distilled water.

gornoman

Bearings, brakes, brake cables, chassis lube (2000 PDS may be lubed for life), terminal protectant, battery rack rust removal and protection, charger port nice and clean.

Rock

Thanks guys. Actually doing a brake job on it this weekend. What do you mean "lubed for life"?

How about the electrical components such as solenoids, F/R Switches, micro switches and so forth?

gornoman

On my '97 TXT front suspension there are seven or so zerk fittings for a grease gun. On later models there are no fittings because the pivots are "sealed".

Solenoids are sealed, no service. Same for microswitches. F/R on a series cart can be cleaned with a nice bath of contact cleaner, but no water because of the microswitches. All other electrical just keep after any corrosion. Battery cable lugs tightened once a month, unless they are loose when you check them, then increase the frequency.

Rock

so if I understand, there is no need to change out the electrical components until they go bad???? I just am trying to be preventative.

gornoman

No sense in spending money you don't need to spend. Put that money towards upgrades, and start a fund for repairs.