Brakes possibly sticking?

[Dneon95]

We went for a ride today and someone noticed a burning smell when we got back. The cart has been running very slow, and dying very quick. Because of this I had been troubleshooting battery issues. He suggested the brakes might be sticking, causing the slowness and battery dying quicker. It made sense. Seeing as we can't even push the cart when in neutral. I am guessing the brakes are shot, but is there a way to check if it's somehow locking the wheels? I want to know that's the issue, before I put more money into this.. If I find our this was the whole issue, I'll buy new pads and whatever else I need to. Thanks

[DaveTM]

Perhaps it's your cables that are rusted up and the springs are not pushing back? I'm sure there are some threads on here as to how to check this. It's a two person "job" as one will need to push the brake peddle on and off, while the other will need to be under the cart looking at what the cable is doing. DO NOT have the cart on when you do this. In fact, remove the key from it so the guy under the cart doesn't get.....well...you know......

[Dneon95]

I'll jack it up and see if the wheels spin. So should I be able to hand turn the wheels whether its in FWD or REV? There really isn't a neutral, unless that's considered between the 2. I know they are meant to spin in opposite directions.

[Sir Nuke]

as long as the cart is OFF....it won't make any difference whether it F, R, or N, seeing as how the wheels/diff/motor are all coupled together and obviously there is no clutch to disengage anything.

[yurtle]

Also, if you download the owners, parts, and service manuals for your buggy, there is a whole chapter on brakes.

[Sir Nuke]

Originally Posted by yurtle

Also, if you download the owners, parts, and service manuals for your buggy, there is a whole chapter on brakes.

very true.....and with that, if you are familiar with drum brakes, you can do anything with that manual, when kit comes to the brakes.

[yurtle]

The only problem I had was removing the drum, as the shoes had worn a "groove" into the drum. By backing off the star, I was able to easily remove the drum and Dremel away the lip on the groove, which allowed me to adjust it just right before replacing the drum.

I replaced the shoes, but the stars and associated non-serviceable parts were worn, so I just got a "new" backing plates from someone who just upgraded to disks.

[Dneon95]

OK so the wheels are locked up without questions. They don't turn.. The only way I even got them to move was when I was taking the Center star nut off with a breaker bar. I still cannot get the drum off. I've hammered it, oiled it and heated it. It won't budge. I am sure the brakes are locked in there. Any suggestion on how to get it off? I know there is an adjustment screw In the back, but it's so rusted I can't find it. I am pretty good with brakes on cars, but I've never come across one that's this locked up.

[cgtech]

Loosen brake cable at brake pedal, and disconnect cables at back of brakes.

[Dneon95]

I just pulled the pin and brake cable off of the arm. The cable is locked up. It has no movement when I push the pedal or when I adjust it at the junction. It's shot, permanently locked in the braking position, which is probably why the brake pads were stuck against the hub. I cant even reach the cable back to the arm now, unless the pads are completely spread. It looks like this was the problem the whole time. The actual pads don't look too bad. I ordered new cables. Thanks for the help!