Ask Bob
Chargers and Thunderstorms
by Bob Montgomery on 07/21/10
It is summer time and we are seeing a rise in charger repairs. Those pesky afternoon thunderstorms are the main culprit. Your golf car charger is sensitive to surges and lightning damage.
Your first line of defense is a good surge protector, even if you have a power company system installed. Most surge protectors have a flickering light which tells you it is still working properly. If the light is steady, the protection function is blown and needs replacing.
Some people unplug their chargers from the wall when not in use. This works great most of the time, however, the Club Car charging system will sometimes appear to be off when it is really in a maintenance mode. If you unplug it in this cycle, the yellow light will come on to tell you it is NOT finished. This feature is a good reason not to unplug yur charger.
If you find your charger is not working, give us a call or bring it by for us to fix.
Have a great summer! Bob
Front Wheel Bearings
by Bob Montgomery on 06/04/10
Today, we're talking about front wheel bearings.
When doing preventive maintenace on your golf car, remember the front wheel bearings need attention on a yearly basis.
Older cars have roller bearings which can be hand packed or packed by a packing machine. Please note: there is not enough grease on these bearings when new to last a year; they must be packed
On these roller bearings, tighten your casseletted nut tight, then back off until the bearings roll and there is minor movement of the hub up and down; then, install cotter pin
Newer cars have sealed bearings, which cannot be greased, but still have to be inspected on a yearly basis. Some manufacturers say you cannot change out these sealed bearings, but you can. Just be gentle when removing them so you do not crack the aluminum housing or hub.
When changing sealed bearings, tighten your nut tight-there should be no movement. Check your factory manuel for torque specifications.
If you are not sure how to grease or change bearings, take your car to your local dealer to have this done.
Montgomery Golf Car will be happy to do this for you.
Remeber, preventive maintenance now is always cheaper than repairs later.
Brake Maintenance
by Bob Montgomery on 04/30/10
Brakes can last from one to six years, depending on usage and connditions. If you clean and inspect your brakes yearly, you can optimize their life.
For you do-it-yourselvers, when you clean and inspect your brakes, make sure the cables have enough looseness to allow the self adjuster to ratchet all the way back. Also, check the lever mechanism to make sure it slides back and forth when you bump the bottom of the shoes with the heel of your hand. If it does not, clean and lubricate.
If you are not a mechanic, take your golf car to a reliable shop for maitenance.
If you can hear a squeak, DO NOT DELAY, your brakes are probably rubbing metal to metal.
Battery Maintenance
by Bob Montgomery on 04/21/10
It's always best to wash off your batteries with a strong stream from your garden hose to remove dirt and debris from the tops before filling, being sure to use enough water to wash off the frame, as well, to dilute any spilled acid.
Using distilled water when you fill your batteries increases the overall life of your batteries.
After your batteries have dried, it is best to coat the terminals with an anticorrosive protectant.
Be sure to wash your batteries over grass or dirt as acid may stain your drive.
Bob Says
by Bob Montgomery on 04/09/10A question we're asked often is this;
Should I plug my charger in every time I take out my golf car?



