Front Wheel Hubs

[DonH57]

So here is my question. Our 2013 Yamaha four seater will have had a third set of front wheel hubs as soon as I get them. I've had them replaced but since I have the tools I want to do it. Our cart does have nearly 38,000 miles on it and both myself and my wife are larger people. Should they be wearing out so quickly? The only reason I ask is I'm trying to find out what the clearance should be on the steering knuckles where the bearing sets so if I need to I can order them as well.

[DOOmsman]

The tires on a golf cart are much smaller than a carI think they could be 1/2 the circumference meaning they spin much more per mile.

[DonH57]

It's just that our other 2013 Yamaha gas cart has 61,000 miles and neither we or the previous owner never had to replace the front wheel bearing hubs. I'm beginning to believe the Steering Knuckle surfaces are worn. I'll find out Thursday when I get into it.

[DonH57]

It's been a while since I replaced both front wheel hubs on our troublesome Yamaha cart. The noise is back on the passenger side. I examined the wheel hubs I removed in November. The bearings were fine, the steering knuckles the hubs are mounted on show no abnormal wear. I only found a curved ring in between the bearings loosely sitting in place. I found no critical failure in regards to safety. Any idea what I should look at next. I will contact the source of the parts to see if they'll replace them.

[Cartmaster]

Can I just ask where you are buying these hubs from and comparatively how long do these last compared to the originals. Personally, I would have just fitted new good quality bearings into the original OEM hubs. I am also curious about this curved ring you mention. Maybe show us some pictures of what you are describing?

[DonH57]

Originally Posted by Cartmaster

Can I just ask where you are buying these hubs from and comparatively how long do these last compared to the originals. Personally, I would have just fitted new good quality bearings into the original OEM hubs. I am also curious about this curved ring you mention. Maybe show us some pictures of what you are describing?

The originals were replaced three years ago by a golf cart technician and those lasted a year. I took the part numbers off the receipt and ordered those from 10LOL. All the bearings had matching part numbers. As soon as I can get to it I'll post pictures.

[kgsc]

I think the bearings used are part number 6005 and 6204. Should be able to get those at your local parts store.

[Cartmaster]

So if your data is correct along with my calculations, the original bearings/hubs lasted around six years and the replacements lasted only 1 year, I would suggest that those replacements were not genuine Yamaha or quality replacement parts. If kgsc is correct on part numbers for the bearings, I would be looking to replace those with a good brand bearing such as NSK or similar. 6005 and 6205 are very common bearings and can be found anywhere, and probably a whole lot better price than complete overseas hubs. I do not know YAMAHA carts, but I am surprised they use those type bearings and not taper roller bearings that can handle side loads much better and are easier to maintain.
Edit.
I have looked at the Web site for 10L0L and was not surprised to see it is for a Chinese supplier. I for one would not consider the possibility that their parts are of any sort of quality. These companies rely on the consumers that look for the cheapest option when buying spare parts and accessories.
I understand this if fine for many consumers due to budget, but if those parts lasted a year compared to maybe six years for OEM. Which becomes the cheaper option in the long term?

[DonH57]

Here is a picture of one the Yamaha front wheel hubs I removed and steering knuckle. I think you're both correct. I will order a better quality bearing and yes the bearings in each are two different inside diameters. I will need to find someone with a bearing press. I wish I could describe that curled sleeve better and have been unable to find any detailed drawing of that bearing assembly. It's really odd our other Yamaha made the same year has never had them replaced but as a former HVAC tech I've seen two identical units come off the assembly line and one ended up having multiple failures and not the other![IMG][IMG]Yamaha Steering Knuckle[/IMG][/IMG]

[kgsc]

I doubt that they are in there that tight. Put the hub in the wheel and put a couple of nuts on it. Then take a socket with an extension and knock out the smaller one. Flip it over and switch to a larger socket to drive out the other one. Use the old bearings with a hammer and seat the new ones.