Yes, you can absolutely change a golf cart tire yourself! Changing a golf cart tire is a straightforward repair task. This guide will walk you through every step for a successful golf cart tire replacement. We will cover everything needed for fixing a golf cart flat tire repair or simply changing golf cart wheel assemblies.
Getting Ready for Your Tire Change
Before you start working, make sure you have the right tools and a safe spot. Fixing a tire safely is the most important first step.
Essential Tools for the Job
Having the best golf cart tire tools makes the job much faster and safer. You do not need specialized shop equipment for most home repairs.
Here is a list of what you should gather:
- Jack: A sturdy bottle jack or floor jack works well.
- Jack Stands: Safety first! Always use jack stands after lifting.
- Lug Wrench or Socket Set: You need the right size socket for your lug nuts. Check your cart manual if you are unsure of the golf cart tire size measurement for your lug nuts.
- Tire Iron or Bead Breaker (Optional): Needed if you are just replacing the tube and keeping the existing rim.
- Tire Pressure Gauge: To check the final air pressure.
- Safety Gear: Gloves and safety glasses are recommended.
- Tire Chocks: To stop the cart from rolling.
- Replacement Tire or Tube: Make sure it matches your existing golf cart tire size.
Determining Your Golf Cart Tire Size
Knowing your golf cart tire size is crucial for buying the correct replacement. This information is usually stamped right on the side of the existing tire sidewall.
Common sizes look something like this: 20×10-10.
- 20: This is the overall diameter of the tire in inches.
- 10: This is the width of the tire in inches.
- 10: This is the diameter of the wheel rim in inches.
If you are changing golf cart wheel assemblies (rim and tire together), this size guide is vital. If you are only doing a golf cart tube replacement, the size is still important for proper fitting.
Parking Safely
Find a flat, hard surface to work on. Never try to change a tire on a slope or soft ground. Gravel or dirt can cause the jack to sink or slip.
- Park the cart on a level surface.
- Turn the key to the “Off” position.
- Set the parking brake firmly.
- Place tire chocks in front of and behind the tire that is not being lifted. This prevents the cart from moving.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing the Golf Cart Wheel
The first main part of golf cart tire replacement is taking the old wheel off the axle.
Loosening the Lug Nuts
Do this before the wheel leaves the ground.
- Locate the lug nuts holding the wheel onto the hub.
- Use your lug wrench or socket set. Turn the nuts counter-clockwise to loosen them.
- Do not remove them completely yet—just break them loose enough to turn by hand later.
- Follow a star or crisscross pattern when loosening. This prevents warping the wheel studs.
Lifting the Cart
Safety is paramount when removing golf cart wheel assemblies.
- Place the jack under the frame closest to the wheel you are changing. Check your cart’s frame or manual for the proper jack points. Using the wrong spot can damage the body or suspension.
- Slowly raise the cart until the tire is fully off the ground. You need enough space to easily slide the new tire on later.
- Immediately place a jack stand under a strong part of the frame near the jack. The jack stand holds the weight, not the jack. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
Taking Off the Wheel
Now you can fully remove the lug nuts.
- Finish unscrewing the lug nuts completely by hand. Keep them safe! Put them in a small container so they do not roll away.
- Grasp the tire firmly. Pull it straight towards you off the wheel studs. If it is stuck (common with rust), you might need to rock it gently back and forth.
- If you are just doing a golf cart flat tire repair and the tire is staying on the rim, you can stop here and work on the ground. If you are changing golf cart wheel assemblies, set the old wheel aside carefully.
Repairing the Flat Tire or Installing a New Wheel
This section changes based on what you are fixing: just the tube, or the whole wheel.
Option 1: Golf Cart Tube Replacement (Fixing a Flat)
If you are reusing the existing rim, you need to get the old tire off the rim first. This is where tire irons and bead breakers shine. We are essentially doing an ATV tire change on golf cart style, but on a smaller scale.
Breaking the Bead
The “bead” is the edge of the tire that seals against the rim. It must be separated from the rim for removal.
- Lay the wheel flat on the ground (or use a sturdy work surface).
- Use a dedicated bead breaker tool, or carefully use a heavy object (like the back end of a truck) or a large clamp tool to press the sidewall down near the edge of the rim. Push hard until you hear or feel the bead pop loose from the rim edge.
- Repeat this process on both sides of the tire.
Removing the Old Tube and Tire
- Deflate any remaining air from the tire valve stem.
- Use tire irons to carefully pry one side of the tire bead up and over the edge of the rim. Work slowly around the circumference.
- Once one side is off, reach inside and pull out the old, damaged inner tube.
- If you are replacing the tire entirely, pry the second bead off the rim using the irons as well. If you are just replacing the tube, leave the tire on the rim.
Installing the New Tube and Mounting Golf Cart Tire
- Inflate the new inner tube just slightly—just enough so it holds its shape. This prevents it from twisting during installation.
- Insert the valve stem through the hole in the rim.
- Carefully push the rest of the tube inside the tire casing. Ensure it is not pinched between the tire and the rim.
- Now for the tricky part: mounting golf cart tire onto the rim. Start by pushing the lower bead back onto the rim by hand.
- Work your way around, using tire irons only for the final stubborn section. Be very careful not to puncture the new tube with the edge of the tire iron. Go slow!
Option 2: Installing Golf Cart Rim with New Tire (Full Replacement)
If you bought a complete wheel assembly (tire already mounted on the rim), this is much simpler.
- Ensure the new assembly matches the golf cart tire size of the other tires.
- Align the wheel’s bolt pattern with the studs on the hub.
- Slide the new assembly straight onto the studs.
Reattaching the Wheel and Finishing Up
Whether you repaired the tire or put on a new rim, the final steps are the same for installing golf cart rim assemblies.
Hand Tightening the Lug Nuts
- Place all the lug nuts back onto the studs.
- Tighten them by hand until they are snug. Again, follow that important star pattern. This centers the wheel properly on the hub.
Lowering the Cart
- Remove the jack stands completely.
- Slowly lower the cart using the jack until the tire just touches the ground, but the full weight is not yet settled onto the tire.
Final Torqueing
This is the step that secures everything properly. Overtightening can break studs; undertightening can cause the wheel to fall off.
- Use your torque wrench if you have one set to the manufacturer’s specification. If not, tighten them firmly using the star pattern.
- Tighten them in stages: Go around once, tightening firmly. Then go around a second time, making sure each is fully tight.
- The star pattern ensures even pressure across the hub face.
| Tightening Stage | Pattern to Follow | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Star/Crisscross | Snug, just seating the wheel |
| Stage 2 | Star/Crisscross | Firm pressure |
| Stage 3 | Star/Crisscross | Final torque, double-check |
Final Checks
- Lower the cart completely and remove the jack and chocks.
- Use your pressure gauge to check the air pressure. Inflate the tire to the PSI listed on the sidewall of the tire (usually between 15 and 25 PSI for standard golf carts).
- Give the wheel a good shake to make sure it feels totally secure.
Special Considerations for Different Types of Carts
While the basic process for golf cart tire replacement remains the same, electric carts (Club Cars, EZ-GOs, Yamahas) have slight differences compared to gas carts, and sometimes people attempt an ATV tire change on golf cart setups for aggressive tread.
Electric vs. Gas Carts
The main difference is accessibility. Gas carts have an engine compartment, which might slightly block access to the rear wheels or require working around exhaust components. Electric carts usually offer easier access to the wheels, especially on the rear axle. The mounting hardware is generally the same.
Dealing with Lifted Carts
If your cart is lifted, you might need a taller jack or blocks under the jack for stability. Always ensure your jack stands are placed on solid frame points, as suspension components on a lifted cart can be stressed differently than standard setups.
Why Use a Full Wheel Assembly?
Many people choose to skip the golf cart tube replacement and just purchase a complete wheel assembly. This is often faster, especially if the tire bead is damaged or rusted onto the rim. It skips the hard work of breaking the bead and ensures you have a perfectly seated tire onto the rim. This is the quickest way to finish your changing golf cart wheel task.
Maintenance After Tire Change
A successful repair is only the start. Keeping your tires in good shape extends their life.
Checking Tire Pressure Regularly
The most common cause of premature tire wear or sudden flats is incorrect pressure. Low pressure causes the sidewalls to flex too much, leading to heat buildup and potential failure. High pressure wears out the center of the tread quickly. Check pressure at least once a month.
Tire Rotation
To promote even wear across all four tires, it is wise to rotate them every 6 to 12 months. If your cart has a non-driven front axle, you can rotate tires front-to-back. If you have a 4WD utility cart (rare, but some exist), follow the rotation pattern specified by that manufacturer.
Inspection for Damage
Always look for embedded nails, screws, or cuts in the tread during your monthly pressure check. Early detection can save you from a major failure down the road. If you notice cracking on the sidewalls, it is time for a full golf cart tire replacement, even if the tread depth seems fine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use an ATV tire on my golf cart?
A: Yes, many people upgrade to ATV tires for better off-road grip. However, you must match the rim size (the last number in the size code, like ’10’ in 20×10-10). ATV tires are often wider and taller, which might require you to lift the cart further to prevent rubbing on the fender wells.
Q: How tight should lug nuts be on a golf cart?
A: Golf cart lug nuts usually require much less torque than a car. Typically, they are torqued between 50 and 70 ft-lbs, but always check your specific owner’s manual. If you do not have a manual, aim for very firm tightening in a star pattern, checking again after a short drive.
Q: What is the best way to handle a seized lug nut?
A: If a nut is completely stuck, first try penetrating oil and let it sit for 15 minutes. If that fails, use a breaker bar—a longer wrench handle that gives you more leverage. Apply steady, increasing pressure. If it still won’t budge, you may need to use a specialized lug nut extractor socket, or in extreme cases, consider cutting the nut off, which means you need a replacement stud as well.
Q: Do I need to replace the tire if I have a puncture in the tread?
A: If the puncture is small (like a nail) and located in the main tread area, a simple golf cart tube replacement or plug kit might fix it. However, if the hole is large, near the sidewall, or if the tire shows signs of sidewall cracking, replacing the entire tire assembly is much safer.
Q: Do I have to remove the wheel to replace the tube?
A: Yes. You must removing golf cart wheel from the cart first. After the wheel is off, you must also remove the tire from the rim (breaking the bead) to access and perform the golf cart tube replacement.
Q: How often should I replace my golf cart tires?
A: If you use your cart daily, expect 2 to 4 years. If usage is light, they can last 5 to 7 years, but rubber degrades over time regardless of mileage. Look for dry rot (small cracks) on the sidewalls as the primary indicator that a full golf cart tire replacement is due.