Mastering Golf Cart Clutch Removal: Step-By-Step Guide

Picture yourself on a beautiful day, cruising along the golf course in your trusty golf cart. The wind is blowing through your hair, and the sun is shining down on your face.

But suddenly, your cart starts making strange noises, and you feel uneven jolts as you drive. What could be the problem? It’s likely your golf cart clutch is malfunctioning, and it’s time to master clutch removal.

Don’t worry; you don’t need to be a mechanic to remove your golf cart clutch. With our step-by-step guide, you can easily remove the different components of the clutch and get your cart back to its smooth operation.

Whether you’re maintaining or repairing your golf cart, mastering clutch removal is crucial for ensuring proper speed and acceleration. So, let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

– Golf cart clutch is different from automobile clutch and is made up of two separate clutches: drive and driven.
– Clutch removal requires the use of essential tools like clutch puller, air gun, rubber hammer, and machine oil.
– Driven clutch removal is trickier than drive clutch removal and removing the belt is necessary before removing the clutch.
– It is important to remove the clutch carefully to avoid damage to other parts and to maintain the cart properly to elongate its life.

What is a Golf Cart Clutch?

You may already know that a golf cart clutch is different from an automobile clutch, but what exactly is it? Well, it’s a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) made up of two separate clutches: the drive and the driven. These clutches work together to transmit power from the engine to the transmission, allowing the cart to move forward or backward.

The components of a golf cart clutch include a sliding sheave and a wide belt. The belt rides between the two clutches, and as the engine speeds up, the sliding sheave moves the belt closer to the outer edge of the clutch, causing the clutch to engage and the cart to move.

If the clutch malfunctions, it can cause issues like uneven jolts or screeching noises. So, understanding the golf cart clutch is important for maintenance and troubleshooting.

Removing the Drive Clutch

First, loosen the bolt that secures the clutch to the shaft using an air gun, and then remove the bolt with a socket wrench.

Once the bolt is removed, slide the clutch off the shaft carefully.

Here are the steps you can follow to remove the drive clutch of your golf cart:

– Loosen the bolt: Use an air gun to loosen the bolt that secures the clutch to the shaft. Make sure you don’t strip the bolt, as this could make the removal process much harder.

– Remove the bolt: Once the bolt is loose, use a socket wrench to remove it completely. Place the bolt in a safe place, so you don’t lose it.

– Slide the clutch: Carefully slide the clutch off the shaft. Don’t force it, as this could cause damage to the clutch or other parts of the golf cart.

– Inspect the clutch: Take a moment to inspect the clutch for any signs of damage, wear, or tear. This is a good opportunity to clean the clutch and remove any debris that may have accumulated.

Removing the drive clutch of your golf cart may seem daunting, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, you can do it yourself. Remember to take your time and follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging your golf cart.

Once the clutch is removed, you can inspect it for any issues and replace it if necessary.

Removing the Driven Clutch

Now that the drive clutch has been removed, it’s time to tackle the trickier task of removing the driven clutch. This can be a bit more challenging due to rust that may have accumulated around the clutch. But don’t worry, with a little bit of patience and elbow grease, you can get it off.

First, you’ll need to remove the belt from the clutch. Once the belt is off, use a clutch puller to remove the clutch from the shaft. If the clutch is stubborn, try using machine oil to help break it free.

Be careful when tapping on the clutch, as vigorous tapping can cause dents in the clutch if it’s made from cast aluminum. With a little bit of persistence, you should be able to get the clutch off and continue with your golf cart maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a malfunctioning clutch cause other issues in a golf cart besides uneven jolts or screeching noise?

A malfunctioning golf cart clutch can cause issues such as reduced speed and acceleration. It is important to promptly fix any problems to elongate the life of your cart. Regular maintenance can help keep your cart fresh and rust-free.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when removing the clutch to prevent damage to other parts of the golf cart?

When removing the clutch of your golf cart, avoid causing damage by being cautious and taking your time. Don’t use excessive force or vigorous tapping, and remember to remove the belt first. Using machine oil can help loosen rust and make the process smoother.

Is it necessary to replace the belt when removing the clutch, or can it be reused?

Yes, it is necessary to remove the belt when removing the clutch, and it is recommended to replace it with a new one. Reusing the old belt may cause issues with performance and could lead to a shorter lifespan of the new clutch.

How often should golf cart clutches be maintained or removed for maintenance purposes?

You should maintain or remove your golf cart clutch for maintenance purposes every 2-3 years or when you notice issues with speed and acceleration. Regular maintenance will elongate the life of your cart.

Are there any alternative methods to using machine oil to break the clutch free, especially if the clutch is made of cast aluminum?

If you’re trying to break free a golf cart clutch made of cast aluminum, try using heat instead of machine oil. Heat the clutch with a torch, then use a rubber hammer to tap it loose. Be careful not to damage other parts.