Golf Cart Model Compatibility Specifications Features and Benefits: Lower Control Arm Assembly $ The lower control arm/a-arm secures the lower part of the spindle/hub onto the vehicle’s chassis. It allows for suspension travel during operation by using a combination of rubber bushings and ball joints to secure these components together.
Full Answer
What is a control arm on a car?
The control arm is part of the suspension system that helps your car remain in full contact with the road at all times, that’s giving you necessary control. In most control arms, the two lower parts of the “A” are attached to the frame via control arm bushings, which are rubber pivot-points.
What does a golf cart controller do?
From being able to modify your golf cart speed, to managing all of the electrical components in perfect harmony, the controller really is the “heart” of your golf cart.
What allows a control arm to swing up and down?
This allows a control arm to swing up and down as front wheels roll over bumps and potholes. The outer end of a control arm has a ball joint. In some cars, a ball joint is bolted to or pressed into the control arm and can be replaced separately.
What is the difference between a ball joint and control arm?
In others, a ball joint comes with a control arm as one piece. Control arms have a very important role holding both front wheels on the road. If a control arm is excessively worn, damaged or bent, the vehicle is NOT SAFE to drive. There are a few reasons why a control arm may need to be replaced.
What happens when a control arm breaks?
What if the control arm breaks? If the ball joints are worn out then you might be facing difficulty in aligning the vehicle on road. With major damage, there might be a possibility that you will lose control over the wheels, and in the extreme case, if the control arm breaks, the wheel could fall off the position.
What causes control arm damage?
When a control arm fails, multiple things can happen. Most failures occur from the ball joint failing. Complete ball joint failure can cause a steering knuckle disconnection and loss of control of the vehicle. Control arm bushings can also wear and fail, creating clunking, wandering steering, and loss of control.
When should a control arm be replaced?
Signs your control arm assembly needs to be replaced include: The steering wheel or vehicle vibrates while you are driving down the road. Loud noises, such as banging, when you go over bumps or potholes. Uneven tire wear.
How much does it cost to fix a control arm?
If just a single control arm needs replacing, it will typically cost between $50 and $100. If the damage is to the whole system, you would need to purchase a control arm kit for around $100 to $250 .
What does a broken control arm sound like?
A broken control arm bushing will create very loud clunking noises, which won't be gradually louder like the worn bushings.
Why would a control arm need to be replaced?
Another reason to replace a control arm is when it has been damaged or bent after hitting a pothole or curb. The choice of whether to replace only a ball joint or bushings or the entire control arm often depends on the price, the overall condition of the arm and part availability.
How do you know if the control arm is bad?
Below are five common signs that your vehicle's control arms need replacing.#1) Clunking Noise. One of the first things you'll notice when one or more of your vehicle's control arms goes bad is a clunking noise. ... #2) Vehicle Pulling to the Side. ... #3) Uneven Tread Wear. ... #4) Vibrations When Driving. ... #5) Visual Damage.
How do you test a control arm?
Checking the control arm bushings is pretty easy. Place a pry bar on the control arm near the bushing. Then attempt to move the control arm back and forth (you may also want to try moving it downward, depending on the bushing design). Don't use a lot of force while doing this—be gentle.
Can I replace a control arm myself?
If you have any doubts, it's a good idea to leave the job to a professional. You'll save yourself a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. If you have any doubts you can pull off control arm replacement yourself, it's best to leave the job to a professional mechanic.
Is it worth replacing control arms?
The most common reason to replace a control arm is to improve wheel travel as part of a suspension lift. However, a new control arm can offer more than just increased ride height (lift) and additional wheel travel: Increased durability in the arm itself. A wider range of uniball/ball joint options.
What happens if you don't replace control arms?
Having damaged control arms and worn bushings or ball joints could cause suspension parts to become misaligned. When this occurs, you may experience issues with steering and handling. Usually you'll notice noises first, either while turning, stopping or driving over speed bumps.
Are control arms expensive to replace?
A new control arm can set you back anywhere between $50 to $100, depending on your car or truck. As it is an advanced task, the replacement of this component can cost you more than $100 and go way up to $400 or more.
How does a golf cart work?
On a golf cart, pressing the accelerator pedal down does two things…first, a microswitch energizes the system by activating a powered solenoid. Second, the linkage either operates a potentiometer or a plunger that passes through a Throttle Position Sensor. This sends a variable electrical signal to the controller. This signal, based on the strength it sends, tells the speed controller what level current to send to the motor.
What does a speed controller do in golf carts?
As the name implies, the speed controller will change the golf cart speed to the golf cart driver’s preference, but because of advances in technology, it does much more. The speed controller can offer the following functions: A controlled ramp up to speed if the full throttle is applied suddenly. From a standing start, AKA locked armature, ...
How to check if a golf cart has a solenoid?
THIS IS NOT a function of the speed controller. It is a separate component that turns the speed controller on. If there is no click, this check should include the microswitch at the pedal as well as the connections going to the solenoid. If you need to do in-depth testing of the solenoid, refer to the article “Bad Solenoid In Your Golf Cart? Here’s How To Test And Fix It”.
What does a golf cart controller light mean?
Most controllers will have a small light that will begin to flash a code sequence that can be compared to the golf cart manual. If the code indicates the source voltage is incorrect, then you will need to go back over the previous steps. If the code indicates a controller fault, then the controller will need a reset, repair, or a replacement order.
What is club car power drive?
Club Car’s Power Drive is a Series Motor System, on the market from 1990 and up. On the golf carts built in the years 1990 – 1994, the controller used a 0 to 5K potentiometer (36 Volt). In the years 1995 and up, they used 5K to 0 potentiometers (48 Volt).
How to control speed?
The speed controller can offer the following functions: 1 A controlled ramp up to speed if the full throttle is applied suddenly. From a standing start, AKA locked armature, a motor can initially take up to 20 times its normal operating current. This must not last more than a second or two to avoid damage to the system. 2 Protection from ground faults caused by accidental shorts. 3 Safely reversing the motor by taking the motor to a stop, then reversing polarity. 4 An overheating protection thermal shutoff to protect the controller from damage. 5 Battery voltage monitoring to prevent the complete drain of the charge. 6 Overcurrent limiting to protect the motor and electrical components from damage.
What happens if you push the pedal on a golf cart?
If you pressed the pedal, the golf cart would jackrabbit jump to full throttle.
What is the most important part of a golf cart?
Even though the speed controller is probably one of the most important parts on your golf cart, not many people understand how they work or what they do. In this guide, we breakdown the speed controller so you have a complete understanding of their functions, and hopefully come out with the knowledge to make an educated decision on the type ...
What is the center of a golf cart?
As you can see, the speed controller is the center of your golf cart, and most of the other modern day electric vehicles.
How many volts does a golf cart need?
You’ll find that most vehicles in this category run with 24 to 36 Volt battery packs.
Why is a speed controller important?
The Importance of the Speed Controller. The main objective for the speed controller is, as the name implies, to control the vehicle speed. Let’s say you try to operate that old DC motor without a controller. Any time you apply throttle, the full battery current and voltage is sent to the motor.
When upgrading your golf cart controller, do you suggest working with manufacturers that have spent the time building controllers for your specific?
When upgrading your controller for your golf cart, we suggest working with manufacturers that have spent the time building controllers for your specific brand.
What is a battery current limiter?
Battery Current Limiter: This protects the battery from excessive discharge. This also pulls back the battery current as it depletes, which prevents cell damage.
What can a controller do?
With the controller you are able to control your acceleration and deceleration, as well as the speed at which your vehicle moves.
What is a control arm?
What does a Control Arm do? Control Arms are one of the most common parts that get beefed up on a Jeep, especially when you’ve lifted it, or plan to really put it to work on the trails... Their primary function is to control the up and down movement of the suspension when you're on the roads or driving over terrain.
What is the purpose of control arms?
THEIR PRIMARY FUNCTION IS TO CONTROL THE UP AND DOWN MOVEMENT OF THE SUSPENSION WHEN YOU'RE ON THE ROADS OR DRIVING OVER TERRAIN. BASICALLY, THEY SWING INTO ACTION ANY TIME THE SUSPENSION IS MOVING.
What does a lifted Jeep do?
On a lifted Jeep, this can help keep the larger tires centered in the wheel well, for less chance of rubbing and interference.
Where are the control arms on a Jeep JK?
Jeep JK Wrangler's front control arms (there are two of them) will connect from the frame or unibody of the Jeep, up to the differential housing (or a bracket on the housing).
Can you install a control arm on a Jeep?
By installing our aftermarket Jeep control arm, you can easily augment your suspension and lift system to enhance stability and traction on any surface. You can opt for either upper control arms or lower control arms that will bolt directly onto your rig's front and rear sides.
Do stock control arms go bad?
On stock control arms, the bushings can go bad and get fatigued. More so, they come nowhere near their aftermarket counterparts when it comes to durability and overall performance. So a visual inspection every now and then is required to ascertain when and how fast you need to swap out your factory-fitted control arms. If they need replacing, we carry plenty of alternative Control Arms for different kinds of Jeeps and different types of driving here at Morris 4x4 Center.
Lower Control Arm Assembly
The lower control arm/a-arm secures the lower part of the spindle/hub onto the vehicle’s chassis. It allows for suspension travel during operation by using a combination of rubber bushings and ball joints to secure these components together.
Lower Control Arm Assembly
The lower control arm/a-arm secures the lower part of the spindle/hub onto the vehicle’s chassis. It allows for suspension travel during operation by using a combination of rubber bushings and ball joints to secure these components together.
What are the control arms on a vehicle?
For the rear of a vehicle with a solid axle, any style of control arms might be used to connect the rear axle to the frame or unibody. Most often, it is three or four control arms with rubber bushings on each end. These control arms are called "trailing arms" or "rear trailing arms". When a vehicle has independent rear suspension, it may have upper and lower A-Arms, trailing arms, or some other unique design that fits the shape of the vehicle.
What is a control arm?
Control arms are one of the most boring yet mechanically impressive parts on a car. In the most basic of terms, the control arms allow up and down movement of the suspension while holding the knuckles, spindles, and axles firmly onto the car. They have been an integral part of suspension systems for nearly a century.
What is a cast iron control arm?
Cast Iron control arms are very popular on modern vehicles, especially trucks and SUVs. When used in front suspensions, they are often wishbone shaped, with bushings on the inside and a ball joint on the outside. They are extremely strong and can withstand harsh environments better than the stamped steel control arms.
Why replace a control arm?
There are many great reasons to replace a front or rear control arm assembly. The most common reason is because either the bushing or the ball joint is worn out. Replacing either of these parts individually is typically a regrettable nightmare after realizing that rust always wins, special tools are needed, and it is five times the amount of labor than replacing the entire control arm assembly. Another really common reason for a control arm replacement is due to improper towing of the vehicle. Some inconsiderate tow trucks will latch their hooks onto a control arm which easily bends it into a pretzel. This is quite thrilling because it isn't always obvious that it is bent immediately after. Usually the car will have a slight pull in one direction or the nearest tire will start wearing in a strange fashion. Diagnosing this can be a bit tough, too, because the control arm assembly may look completely fine, until you compare it to a new one. When you do, the "AH HA!" moment happens, and the world becomes a better place. The last good reason for a control arm replacement is due to an accident. Whenever a vehicle suffers damage to the wheel area, control arm damage is inevitable. Although they are extremely strong, they don't stand a chance of staying straight during an impact.
What is the difference between upper and lower control arms?
When a vehicle has a MacPherson strut style front or rear suspension, lower control arms are the only type used. An upper control arm isn't needed because the strut takes its place . This also means one less ball joint, and a couple less rubber control arm bushings to worry about.
How to set camber properly?
To set the camber properly with adjustable upper control arms, the vehicle needs to get an alignment by somebody that really understands what is going on. Some vehicles don't come with adjustable camber ability from the factory, so when a car like this arrives at an alignment shop and needs the camber corrected, panic can sometimes ensue.
What is camber adjustment?
Adjusting camber is a huge factor when it comes to racing, stance, and the lowering or lifting a vehicle. When a lowering kit or a lift kit is installed on a car or truck, adjustable control arms are often needed to correct the negative or positive camber that goes along with them.
What does a Camber do on a golf cart?
The camber is the angle of the wheels of a golf cart The camber is extremely important for maintaining the balance of the tyres on a golf cart . Golf cart owners need a good camber adjustment to ensure a smooth jerk-free ride.
What size arm lift kit for Yamaha golf cart?
One can opt for a 6’ double A arm to avoid such a problem. A rollover or crashing golf cart: A six inch A arm lift kit that suits the Yamaha Drive model can cause reduced control over your golf cart if you don’t adjust the camber of its front wheels properly.
Why is my Yamaha G-16 camber displaced?
Highly displaced camber: This normally happens if your cart is too old and the control arm bushings of your spindle lift kit are heavily worn out. The best bet is to replace the bushings with new ones or simply switch to 6” double A arm lift kit. You can also adjust the toe to fix camber problems that might arise. This happens with the Yamaha G-16.
Why is my Yamaha G9 camber bad?
Worn out or incorrect struts are a key cause of camber problems in a Yamaha G9 golf cart. Often, this, combined with excessive positive camber can wear away your tires very easily. The positive camber can be a result of worn out shocks.
Why do golf cart wheels wear out?
The golf cart’s wheels get wearied away over time due to regular rides over rough terrain, potholes and other uneven ground, to fix which , camber needs to be adjusted.
How to jack up a car with a heim joint?
Use the parking brakes to jack up your car. Then loosen the lower heim joint by loosening the nut of the lower control arm. You must adjust the nuts to bring them closer to or farther from the frame of the car if the camber is out or in respectively. Lower the car and check the camber. Repeat the steps if needed.
Can you fix golf cart camber?
While some golf cart camber problems you can fix on your own, for others, it is better to consult a professional from your local shop. Here is a guide to some of these problems and how you can fix them on your own. Positive camber: This occurs when the bottom portion of the wheels are aligned inwards.
How do control arms work?
Control arms are connected to the frame or body of a car through flexible rubber bushings, called control arm bushings. This allows a control arm to swing up and down as front wheels roll over bumps and potholes. The outer end of a control arm has a ball joint. In some cars, a ball joint is bolted to or pressed into the control arm ...
What is a control arm?
Control arms "hold" front wheels. Most cars have two control arms in the front suspension. Often they are called lower control arms. Some cars (e.g. Honda Accord) and many trucks have four control arms, two upper and two lower arms. What does a front control arm do?
How to inspect a control arm?
How a control arm is inspected. Technician checking the suspension of the vehicle on the lift. Control arms, as many other suspension components, cannot be properly inspected at a drive-through fast-lube place. The only way to inspect control arms is when the vehicle is lifted on a hoist.
How long does it take to replace a control arm?
Is a control arm easy to replace at home? On the difficulty scale from 1 to 10, replacing a control arm is 7 or 8. In the shop, it takes about 1-1.5 hours to replace one control arm.
Why is a ball joint worn out?
If it wears out, the car is unsafe to drive: the front wheel can separate from the lower suspension causing the vehicle to lose control.
Do you need to replace both control arms?
It's not necessary to replace both, left and right arms if one is bad. Often, however, if one arm is worn out, it's reasonable to expect that another control arm will likely need replacement soon. In this case, it's makes more sense to replace control arms on both sides at the same time.
Is it safe to drive a ball joint?
Control arms have a very important role holding both front wheels on the road. If a control arm is excessively worn, damaged or bent, the vehicle is NOT SAFE to drive.
Where is the governor arm on a golf cart?
Locate the governor arm of the golf cart. This is mounted above the rear axle housing and under the cart. Depending on the cart model, there may be a protection plate above the governor.
How Does a Golf Cart Governor Work?
A golf cart governor is a mechanical device that helps in controlling the maximum speed of the cart when it moves on flat ground. This device prevents the engine RPMs from increasing beyond the recommended specifications.
How to increase the speed of a cart?
Loosen the nut fitted on the cable. This will gradually increase the length of the cable. As the length increases, the speed of the cart will increase accordingly.
How to start a golf cart with a gas pedal?
Locate the gas pedal that is fitted to the governor and remove the connection. Re-route the gas pedal to the carburetor. Remove the bolt present on the shaft of the gas pedal. Slide the shaft upwards so that the gas pedal has more play. Tighten the bolt and start the golf cart.
How fast is an EZGO golf cart?
The top speed of an EZGO golf cart is usually 19.9mph and the average speed is 14mph to 15mph. With governor adjustment, the EZGO cart can go faster by 5 to 10mph.
How to change the speed of a golf cart?
Locate the spring on the differential or carburetor that helps in changing the cart speed by adjusting its tension. Increase the length of the cable that is fitted on to the body of the throttle and clutch of the two-stroke engine.
How to ride a golf cart at full speed?
Ride the cart at full speed over a course of known length. This will ensure that the governor controls the speed of the cart within factory specifications. Fasten the black plastic cover and put the seat back in place. Take care when tightening the nut. The more you tighten, the faster your cart will go.
The Importance of The Speed Controller
Speed Controller Functions
- In addition to controlling the vehicles speed, there are a few other functions that speed controllers can offer, regardless of the motor you are using. 1. Battery Current Limiter:This protects the battery from excessive discharge. This also pulls back the battery current as it depletes, which prevents cell damage. 2. Motor Current Limiter:This can ...
Programming Your Speed Controller
- Beyond the already mentioned functions of the speed controller, there are many other features available when programming the controller yourself. If you have a computer or a handheld programmer, then changing the settings on your speed controller is super easy. Easily access settings for your controller in order to customize the operation. You can even tune the performa…
Determining Your Power Rating Needed
- After you have figured out your motor type and battery voltage, consider looking deeper into the current and power rating of your speed controller. This will be based on multiple aspects including the weight and size of the vehicle (load included), your average vehicle speed, and the environment in which your vehicle will be riding in. The power provided by the controller will obvi…
Choosing The Right Controller
- Like I previously stated, you need to make sure you know what your vehicle is going to be used for! If your golf cart is going to be used for transporting 2 people or light loads on flat ground, and smooth roads, a small 200-300 AMP controller with a 2-5 horsepower motor should adequately perform. You’ll find that most vehicles in this category run with 24 to 36 Volt battery packs. If yo…
Final Thoughts
- As you can see, the speed controller is the center of your golf cart, and most of the other modern day electric vehicles. Making sure you choose the right controller for your new custom cart makes all the difference in the vehicle running safely, and smoothly. When upgrading your controller for your golf cart, we suggest working with manufacturers that have spent the time building controll…