abnormal wear on tire and scratchy sound

[Hubadub]

Here's a riddle for you guys. On my 2003 EZGO PDS I have a driver side rear tire that is wearing towards the edges and not in the middle. It's wobbling some and becomes noticable at higher speeds. Recently, I've started hearing a grinding or scratching sound from the rear of the cart. The noise is noticably loud after I let off the gas pedal and coast to a stop. It almost sounds like it's coming from the motor, but the motor is 8 months new. I suspect there are bearings somewhere inside the rear end of the cart that need to be replaced? Or is it possible the noise is coming from a new motor? I've starting breaking down the cart, but haven't reached the bearings. I took off the motor and everything looks normal and I can't replicate the sound while turning the gears. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[JohnnieB]

Tread wear on the edges, but not in the middle typically indicates an under inflated tire.

Pull the pan on the differential and check for metal shavings.
My guess is that the oil has never been changed and it is 10 years old.
Should be changed every 5 years.

Could also be a wheel bearing. Down load the service manual from the stickies.
http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/elect...g-manuals.html

[yurtle]

Here's a link to the Dana Axle:

Dana Axle:
http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/attac...5-28148g01.pdf

[Hubadub]

Thanks guys! I'll get to work on it.

[Hubadub]

I pulled the pan and there were small metal shavings in the bottom, no bigger than pieces of glitter. No large chunks of metal only some shavings. Would changing the oil suffice, or do I need to further break down the gears? Also would the abnormal wear from the low tire pressure cause the tire to spin like a warped basketball or do I need to look at the left axel.....surely it's not bent?

[Hubadub]

Left rear wheel bearings are shot and appears to be the source of the noise when I turn the axle by hand. I'll replace them.
So how do I get the wheel to quit wobbling?

[Taylor Dunn NV]

After replacing the defective wheel bearing, the wheel shouldn't wobble anymore.
You might consider replacing both sides as they should be the of the same age and mileage.

[JohnnieB]

After ten years, finding some glitter isn't surprising.
Clean out pan good, refill with fresh oil, run for a few month and replace oil again.

FWIW: I use Lucas 80W-90 gear oil with 10% Lucas oil stabilizer added.

Taylor Dunn NV gave some good advice about replacing bearings on both rear axles. Might want to check front axles also.

[Hubadub]

Thanks for the advice on the oil, I'll do just what you recommended there. I've got both rear axle's pulled and the bearings were a cinch to remove. Shouldn't be a problem on the front axle to replace those bearings as well.