No brakes after new pad install

[hollywood23113]

So I have looked around on google, I have searched this page but didn’t find anything that is addressing my situation. The brakes on my 2000 TXT I’ve gotten weaker and weaker overtime, I was at a campground this weekend with bigger hills and it became an issue so I decided to install new shoes and springs. The shoes were still technically within spec but they were very close, watched a video on how to install them as I have never done rear shoes. So after the install, I don’t know if the guy doing the video missed something but my brakes are worse now than they were, I can set the parking break in the cart will slowly come to a stop. Kind of worried a little bit because I am going back to the same place in three days and I need the brakes to work. Thanks guys

[basshawk84]

Make sure you adjust the turnbuckle under the driver side floor.

[hollywood23113]

Originally Posted by basshawk84

Make sure you adjust the turnbuckle under the driver side floor.

Why would I have to adjust those, if I had “some” brakes before it should be even better now with thicker shoes?

[Doubles Shooter]

The brakes should be self adjusting. Back up at speed and spike the brakes . Do this a couple times it should help.

[hollywood23113]

Originally Posted by Doubles Shooter

The brakes should be self adjusting. Back up at speed and spike the brakes . Do this a couple times it should help.

Yes I tried that numerous times before I posted here, still no brakes

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by hollywood23113

Yes I tried that numerous times before I posted here, still no brakes

The hydraulic drum brakes on cars self adjusted in reverse, the mechanical drum brakes on EZGO golf carts self adjust when cart is moving forward and brake pedal is released before cart stops.

In other words take cart up to cursing speed on pavement, apply brakes strongly and release pedal just before cart stops rolling. Repeat until rear tires can be made to slide, or no further improvement is braking is felt after multiple tries.

Cut & pastes from service manual attached.

[hollywood23113]

Originally Posted by JohnnieB

The hydraulic drum brakes on cars self adjusted in reverse, the mechanical drum brakes on EZGO golf carts self adjust when cart is moving forward and brake pedal is released before cart stops.

In other words take cart up to cursing speed on pavement, apply brakes strongly and release pedal just before cart stops rolling. Repeat until rear tires can be made to slide, or no further improvement is braking is felt after multiple tries.

Cut & pastes from service manual attached.

Thanks I will try this tonight. I ws doing it in reverse is what I read somewhere, but now I know the correct way

[Doubles Shooter]

Originally Posted by JohnnieB

The hydraulic drum brakes on cars self adjusted in reverse, the mechanical drum brakes on EZGO golf carts self adjust when cart is moving forward and brake pedal is released before cart stops.

Thanks for straightening me out on that. I've been wrong on that many years. You can teach an old dog new tricks.

[jhnmflr]

Maybe post a picture of the way they are installed on both sides? maybe something is not right.

[kernal]

Did you adjust the brake free travel IAW the service manual?

I did mine once. It didn't go the way it does in the youtube videos. After installing I had to use the star wheel to move the shoes closer to the drum. After pushing the drum back on you should turn them by hand you should feel the shoes just barley rubbing the drum. After that you should check the free travel at the peddle. It will probably be off so do the procedure in the manual then adjust if necessary (under the floor).

Note: I'm not a golf cart mechanic but between the videos and the service manual I was able to do it and the brakes are very good now.