6 Common Evolution Golf Cart Problems (Solutions Included)

If you’ve invested in an Evolution golf cart to make getting around the course a breeze. While Evolution carts are well-built and designed to handle the demands of frequent use, like any vehicle, problems can crop up over time. Maybe your cart is losing power, making strange noises, or just not running as smoothly as it used to. Don’t panic, many common Evolution golf cart issues are easy to diagnose and repair yourself.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the most frequent problems Evolution cart owners experience and provide step-by-step solutions to get you back on the green in no time.

Evolution Golf Cart Problems with Solutions

1) Battery Problems in Evolution Golf Carts

If your Evolution golf cart won’t start or isn’t holding a charge, the problem is probably with the batteries.

Many shops that sell and service golf carts can load-test your batteries to determine if it’s time for a replacement.

If your batteries are still within their usable life, the issue could be corroded connections or a bad cell in one of the batteries. Pop the hood open and inspect the battery connections. Clean any corrosion off the terminals and cables with a wire brush, baking soda, and water. Tighten any loose connections. This simple fix can often get your cart started again.

If cleaning the connections doesn’t work, you may have a bad cell in one of the batteries. Use a hydrometer to test each cell in each battery. Any cell reading below 1.250 means that the battery needs to be replaced. When one battery goes bad, it’s best to replace all of the batteries at once to ensure even performance.

New Evolution golf cart batteries will typically run between $200 and $500 each, depending on the amp-hour (Ah) rating. Higher Ah means more power and a longer run time. It’s best to replace your batteries with ones of the same size and rating as the originals. Once you’ve installed the new batteries, fully charge them before driving your cart.

With fresh, properly maintained batteries, your Evolution golf cart should run like new again. Be sure to keep those connections clean and the batteries charged to maximize their lifespan.

2) Motor and Controller Issues

If your Evolution golf cart isn’t running quite right, the problem could lie in the motor or controller. These high-tech components power your cart, so issues here can impact performance. But don’t worry; many common motor and controller problems are fixable if you know what to look for.

The motor is what moves your cart, so a lack of power or strange noises usually means it needs attention. If your cart is sluggish, the motor brushes or bearings may be worn down. Brushes conduct electricity to spin the motor, so replace them if they’re visibly damaged or worn. Bearings support the motor shaft, and worn or broken ones can cause grinding noises, reduced power, or difficulty accelerating.

The controller acts as the “brain” of your golf cart, controlling speed and power. If your cart won’t start or move, won’t charge, or is stuck at low speed, the controller likely needs replacement or reprogramming. Controllers can malfunction due to age, water damage, or power surges.

Other issues, like corroded connections or a dead battery, can also mimic motor or controller problems. So do some troubleshooting—check connections, charge the battery, and test components if possible. If problems persist, have a certified technician test your cart’s motor and controller to determine if replacement parts are needed. With some TLC, your Evolution golf cart will be back on the move in no time!

3) Brake Problems: Squeaking, Grinding, or Slipping Brakes

One of the most common problems with Evolution golf carts is issues with the braking system. Squealing, grinding, or slipping brakes can be dangerous and require service right away.

Squealing Brakes

If your Evolution golf cart’s brakes are making a loud squealing or squeaking noise when braking, it usually means the brake pads have worn down significantly and need replacement. Brake pads are the friction material that presses against the brake rotor to slow and stop the cart. Over time and use, the pads wear down. Once they reach a certain point of wear, they start to squeal, indicating it’s time for new brake pads.

To fix squealing brakes, you’ll need to replace the brake pads. This involves removing the wheels to access the brake calipers, where the pads sit. Clean the calipers thoroughly, then install new brake pads, caliper bolts, and wheel studs.

Be sure to pump the brakes a few times to restore brake line pressure before driving the cart. Replacing brake pads is something you can do yourself to save money, but if you’re not mechanically inclined, it’s best left to a certified Evolution golf cart mechanic.

Grinding Brakes

Grinding brakes usually means the brake pads have worn down completely, and now the metal brake caliper is grinding against the metal brake rotor. This can damage the rotor, so grinding brakes need to be addressed immediately.

The fix is the same as for squealing brakes: replace the worn-out brake pads and inspect the rotors for damage, replacing them if needed. Driving for too long with grinding brakes can require resurfacing or replacing the rotors to restore safe braking ability.

Slipping Brakes

If your Evolution golf cart’s brakes feel loose and spongy or aren’t slowing and stopping the cart effectively, you likely have air in the brake lines or there’s a leak in the hydraulic brake system. This can be dangerous to drive with, as you may not have full braking power when you need it.

Checking the braking system as soon as you can will help you solve sliding or spongy brakes. They will bleed the brakes to remove any air in the lines and inspect for any leaks or damage in the master cylinder, brake lines, or calipers.

Driving a golf cart with faulty brakes can lead to a loss of control or an accident, so get it checked right away. With regular brake inspections and maintenance, your Evolution golf cart’s braking system can provide safe and reliable braking for years to come.

4) Steering Column and Axle Problems

One of the most common problems with Evolution golf carts is issues with the steering column and front axle. If your cart is pulling to one side, shaking at high speeds, or making odd noises when turning, one of these components likely needs adjustment or repair.

Loose or Worn Steering Column

Over time and with frequent use, the steering column on your Evolution golf cart can become loose or worn out. To fix this, you’ll need to tighten or replace the bolts and bushings. You may also want to consider replacing the entire steering column if there is significant damage.

Bent or Damaged Front Axle

The front axle on your Evolution golf cart takes a lot of stress with each turn of the steering wheel. If you hit a large bump or pothole at high speed, it can potentially bend or damage the axle. A bent axle will cause the cart to pull to one side, shake at higher speeds, and make clunking noises when turning.

To repair a bent axle, you’ll need to replace it. The axle replacement process will vary depending on your specific Evolution model. It may require some welding and fabrication to remove the old axle and install the new one.

Worn or Damaged Wheel Bearings

The wheel bearings on your Evolution golf cart allow the wheels to spin smoothly and quietly. Over time and miles of driving, these bearings can become worn down, damaged, or start to fail. Noisy, squealing, or grinding wheel bearings need to be repacked or replaced as soon as possible.

If left unrepaired, failing wheel bearings can cause permanent damage to the axle, wheels, and tires. Repacking or replacing your Evolution’s wheel bearings is best left to a certified mechanic with the proper tools and experience.

By inspecting and servicing the steering column, front axle, and wheel bearings on your Evolution golf cart regularly, you can help avoid costly damage and keep your cart handling safe for years to come. If you do experience any problems with these components, be sure to have the issue properly diagnosed and repaired before driving your cart again.

5) Tires and Tire Pressure

The tires on the Evolution golf cart tend to lose air pressure, and when this happens while it is being driven, it could harm both the tire and any other mechanical parts. To fix this issue, fill the tire with air until it reaches 20 to 23 psi (138 to 159 kph).

Sharp items can also puncture tires, which increases the risk of accidents. As a result, inspect the surface of the tire and take out any embedded objects. Additionally, check the tires for cracks or other damage because poor tires tend to result in accidents. To lower the risk of collisions, Evolution golf cart tires should be mounted and sized correctly.

Therefore, when driving on wet or rough ground, lower your speed as much as possible. The Evolution golf cart tires have issues, especially when operated in wet weather when they could fail to maintain grip and skid. To prevent any issues, check the tension of the lug nuts frequently.

6) Electrical Issues

The battery is frequently the source of common electrical problems in the Evolution golf cart, such as low voltage from insufficient charge or poor maintenance. Additionally, faulty components like the forward/reverse switch or controller as well as weak connections, damaged wiring, blown fuses, and defective parts can cause issues.

Low Battery Voltage

To begin troubleshooting electrical issues, examine the batteries:

• The batteries should be fully charged to the recommended level.
• Keep your batteries free from rust and clean.
• Battery terminals and controller connections should all be double-checked and secured.
• Check the wires for fraying or damage, and replace or repair them as needed to avoid shorts.

Blown Fuse

• The fuse might have blown if the golf cart was inoperable.
• Look for any blown or broken fuses in the fuse box and replace them, if necessary, with new ones of the proper rating.
• Check to see if the forward/reverse switch works properly; replace it with a new one if any problems are found.

Issues with the Controller

The controller may be to blame if you’ve done all the troubleshooting techniques listed above and the electrical problems still exist:

• It controls how much power is sent to the electrical and motor systems, making it an essential part.
• Ask a specialist to examine and test the controller to ensure proper operation.
• If it’s broken, try to fix it, or get a new one that’s compatible if that’s not an option.

Conclusion

So there you have it: the most common issues that can pop up with your Evolution golf cart and how to get them resolved. While some problems may require a mechanic’s expertise, many fixes are within the skill set of a DIYer with basic tools and patience.

FAQs

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