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How To Rebuild Electric Golf Cart Motor (Simple Guide)

Dealing with electric golf cart motors might seem an impossible task.

A lot of golf cart owners will buy a new golf cart motor in a state of panic. We do not always recommend doing this as you might not have to take such drastic measures and put a dent in your budget.

What is the alternative to replacing the electric golf cart motor?

You will want to consider rebuilding the electric golf cart motor that’s already in place.

To rebuild an electric golf cart motor, start by disconnecting the motor from the golf cart, removing the motor head bolts, detaching the cylinder, taking off the pistons, and then adding new pistons into place before rebuilding the motor back to how it was.

Please note that each situation is going to demand a different set of parts for the electric golf cart motor. Look into this and then assess how you are going to rebuild an electric golf cart motor the right way.

This guide will showcase how to start rebuilding an electric golf cart motor and what should be considered during the process.

Is It Safe To Rebuild Electric Golf Cart Motor?

Yes, a golf cart electric motor rebuild is safe. It’s essential to assess the severity of the damage to the golf cart motor before rebuilding it. Some might be past the point of no return if the parts are mangled. Otherwise, it’s possible to take apart the golf cart motor, replace the damaged parts, and then reset the electric golf cart motor.

There will be a diagnostic step that has to be taken into account.

Go through this process and be patient while doing so.

There are numerous benefits to rebuilding an electric golf cart motor and it might be the right option for your situation. When done the right way, it is safe to rebuild a golf cart motor.

Steps On How To Rebuild An Electric Golf Cart Motor

1. Disconnect The Golf Cart Motor From The Golf Cart

When it comes to a golf cart motor rebuild, the first step is to disconnect the existing golf cart motor from the rest of the golf cart.

This includes any connectors that are running from the motor to the cart.

You don’t want electrical power coursing through the motor as that is going to make it difficult to change and it’s unsafe.

The best option is to completely detach the electric golf cart motor and then begin the process as required.

rebuild electric golf cart motor

2. Remove All Motor Head Bolts

Rebuilt golf cart motors need you to begin work on the motor head bolts.

There are specific motor head bolts that are going to be seen on the surface of the motor. You are going to want to work on removing them one by one.

What are you going to need to remove the motor head bolts on a golf cart motor?

You will require a compatible screwdriver that will let you work on taking off the bolts one by one. You will also require a wrench during this step.

3. Remove The Cylinder

Now that you have taken off the motor head bolts, it’s time to look at the next part of the golf cart motor.

With rebuilt golf cart electric motors, you need to also focus on the cylinder.

This is going to be essential in getting the electric motor to run smoothly. When there is an issue with the cylinder, the motor is not going to work.

Your goal here is to take off the cylinder and detach it.

Be patient while doing this and make sure to remember where the cylinder was as you are doing this.

4. Take Off The Nearby Piston

Just like you will be taking off the cylinder from the electric golf cart motor, you are now going to want to find the piston.

The piston is going to be near the cylinder.

You are going to want to take off the piston as it might be the reason the electric golf cart motor is not running as it should be. It is common for this part to go bad over time and it should be changed right away.

If you do this, you will see a change in how the golf cart motor works.

5. Insert New Piston Ring

Golf cart electric motor rebuilds are often going to come down to this particular part in the motor.

You are going to want to take off the piston ring and then replace it with a compatible alternative. Make sure it is compatible with the motor or it is not going to work as required.

When you have the new piston ring, you are going to set it into place where the other piston ring was.

This is going to let you make sure the piston ring works and you see good value with the electric motor and how it works.

6. Rebuild The Motor

The last step is to rebuild the electric golf cart motor.

You are going to want to replace the part that was not working the right way and then you are going to put the motor back together.

Remember that you will want to be thorough while doing this. When you make a mistake, you are going to end up harming the golf motor and it’s not going to work when you put it all together.

Be patient and diligent.

A lot of people take the time to record each step to make sure they are aware of where the parts are going to go when rebuilding a golf cart motor.

Is It Worth Rebuilding An Electric Motor?

Yes, it is worth rebuilding an electric golf cart motor. This is going to be cheaper, more efficient, and is also going to ensure the golf cart motor’s potential is maximized. It is often unnecessary to replace a golf cart motor when it can be rebuilt instead.

Of course, there are situations where a golf cart motor replacement is a better idea.

This is when the parts are mangled and/or difficult to replace without harming the rest of the electric golf cart motor.

However, in other situations, you are going to be better off making sure you are not doing this.

What Is The Cost Of Rebuilding An Electric Golf Cart Motor?

The cost of rebuilding an electric golf cart motor is going to vary depending on the type of issue and replacement part. For the most part, it will save you hundreds of dollars when compared to replacing an electric golf cart motor.

Is it cheaper to rebuild a motor or replace a motor?

Yes, it is cheaper to rebuild a golf cart motor than to replace a golf cart motor. Depending on the issue and part being replaced in the rebuild, it is going to lead to a significant saving for the golf cart owner.

It can become even cheaper for those who do a DIY golf cart motor rebuild.

Should You Use Golf Cart Electric Motor Rebuild Kits?

You can use a golf cart electric motor rebuild kit. It’s important to note some kits don’t have the part you require to fix the issue. First, assess the problem with the motor then compare whether or not the prospective rebuild kit has that particular part in it.

This is the only way a golf cart electric motor rebuild kit is going to be usable.

You will want to take the time to find the model name for the golf cart and then figure out whether or not a good rebuild kit is there.

Is It Hard To Rebuild A Golf Cart Motor?

It is not hard to rebuild a golf cart motor as long as the diagnostic stage is done properly. This entails assessing what’s wrong with the damaged golf cart motor and then rebuilding it by replacing that particular part.

Those who are meticulous with this step are the ones that are going to find it a breeze to rebuild an electric golf cart motor.

How Long Will A Rebuilt Golf Cart Electric Motor Last?

A rebuilt golf cart electric motor can last for years as long as the right issue is resolved. This is why the diagnostic phase in the rebuilding process is essential. When the right part is replaced, the electric motor is going to work like it’s brand-new again.

If you take the time to use the right battery for the golf cart, the motor is going to be fine. This includes charging the golf cart battery properly.

Final Thoughts

Look into these steps as you rebuild an electric golf cart motor.

To rebuild an electric golf cart motor, the best place to start is by disconnecting the motor from the golf cart. Next, remove the motor head bolts, take off the cylinder, and then remove the piston ring. Replace the damaged part and then rebuild the motor back to how it was.

When done right, this will help stabilize the value of a golf cart. It’s also recommended to do this when storing a golf cart to make sure it lasts a long time.