2007 Star EV 36V Cart - grinding in rear end

[racerx3]

Hi all,

First post, but I've stalked for a while. I made the questionable decision to buy a 2007 Star 36V, and finding that information on them is about as common as hair on a toad. Guy I bought it from originally told me it was an EZGO, but upon driving to his house 5 hours away, I discovered it wasn't.

After putting batteries in, I've got a persistent and loud grinding at all speeds coming from the rear end, and I'd like to diagnose it as much as possible before I rip everything out. I seem to hear it mostly from the right side, but that's possibly just a matter of the left-side seating position I'm in.

It gets up to 17+mph, but there is obvious drag when letting off the throttle.

The differential was full of oil which looks like the right viscosity. I haven't dropped the pan to inspect the gear yet, but I'm wondering how to diagnose an axle bearing vs. a hub assembly. In either case, if I need new parts, what are my best options?

Shelling out big money for parts isn't an option, so I'd like to rebuild if at all possible.


Thanks!

[racerx3]

Anybody have any ideas before I rip this thing apart and figure out I can't get parts? lol.

[Capt. Lenny]

The first thing I would check is the rear brake drums or hubs. Star used a lot of EZGO parts from what I’ve heard and the splines have a tendency to strip out. Does seem odd that you can get up to 17mph. Next thing to do is take the cover off and look for metal shavings. I see it’s a Jaguar!

[mlj427]

Not sure on a 2007 but does it have regenerative braking causing the drag? The noise could be brakes, gears, bad bearings, etc. like others have said pull the brake drums and check inside then drop the pan and check it out.
Good luck