Replace a worn Club Car snubber to cut drivetrain clunk and harshness. This quick guide covers tools, safety, and step-by-step installation on your golf cart.

What the snubber does (quick intro)

The snubber—sometimes called a bumper or bushing—sits at the front of the rear leaf spring assembly where the axle cradle meets the frame. Its job is to cushion fore-aft movement under acceleration and braking. When the snubber cracks or collapses, you’ll notice clunks, harsh engagement, and added vibration. Replacing it restores smooth takeoffs and protects mounts and springs from shock loads.

What tools and materials are needed to install a snubber on a Club Car golf cart?

• Safety & support: Floor jack, 2–4 jack stands, wheel chocks, safety glasses, gloves.
• Hand tools: Metric/SAE sockets and wrenches, breaker bar, torque wrench, pry bar, rubber mallet.
• Fastener care: Penetrating oil, blue threadlocker (where specified), anti-seize (for bolts through sleeves).
• Cleaning: Wire brush, shop rags, mild degreaser.
• Replacement parts: Correct snubber/bushing for your Club Car model (DS, Precedent, Tempo, etc.) and new front leaf spring bolts/nuts if the originals are corroded.

Safety precautions

• Work on level ground; chock the front wheels and set the parking brake.
• Support the cart with jack stands under solid frame points—never rely on a jack alone.
• Keep hands clear of pinch points when jacking the frame to center the snubber.
• Soak rusty hardware with penetrating oil and allow time before removal to avoid snapped bolts.
• Always torque leaf spring and mount hardware to the service-manual specification after the cart is back on its weight.

Installation steps

Reference summary: Safely raise and support the rear of the cart. Jack the front of the inner frame to center the snubber. Remove the old snubber by taking out the front leaf spring bolts. Position the new snubber on the mounting tab. Reverse the process and tighten the leaf spring bolts to the specified torque.

1. Lift & stabilize the rear.
   Place wheel chocks at the front tires. Loosen rear lug nuts slightly (if you plan to remove wheels for access). Jack the rear axle cradle just enough to relieve leaf spring tension and set jack stands under the frame rails. Lower the jack until the cart rests securely on stands.
2. Center the snubber contact.
   Position the floor jack under the front crossmember/inner-frame point (not under thin sheet panels). Lift gently to bring the frame into neutral contact with the snubber area; this centers loads and makes bolt removal easier.
3. Remove front leaf spring bolts.
   Spray penetrating oil on the front leaf spring eye bolts and nuts. Support the spring eye with a small jack or block, then remove the nuts/bolts. Note any washers, sleeves, or alignment shims so you can reinstall them in the same order.
4. Extract the old snubber.
   With the spring eye loose, slide the worn snubber off the mounting tab (or out of its bracket). Clean the tab and surrounding area with a wire brush; remove rust and old rubber so the new part seats fully.
5. Install the new snubber.
   Press the new snubber onto the tab/bracket until fully seated and aligned. A dab of silicone-safe lube can help it slide on squarely. Ensure the contact face points toward the frame stop.
6. Reinstall the leaf spring bolts.
   Reposition the spring eye in its hanger. Insert the cleaned or new bolt from the original direction, add the sleeve/washers as removed, and thread the nut by hand. If the holes are slightly misaligned, adjust the jack under the axle or frame in small increments—never pry against the rubber contact face.
7. Pre-torque and settle the suspension.
   Snug hardware with a wrench, then remove the jack stands and set the cart on its wheels so the bushings sit at normal ride height. Now torque the front spring eye bolts and related fasteners to the Club Car specification in your service manual.
8. Final checks.
   Verify that the snubber seats evenly against the frame stop with slight clearance at rest (as designed). Test drive at low speed over mild bumps, listening for clunks. Re-check torque after the first ride.

Troubleshooting & tips

• Persistent clunk: Inspect rear spring bushings, U-bolts, motor mounts, and the axle cradle. A collapsed spring bushing can mimic snubber failure.
• Seized bolts: Apply heat carefully to the nut side only, or cut the hardware and replace with new OEM-grade bolts and locknuts.
• Ride height changes: If the rear sags or sits unevenly, consider fresh leaf spring bushings or replacement springs while you’re in there.

Maintenance after replacement

• Inspect the snubber contact area every few months, especially if you carry passengers or cargo.
• Keep the mount area clean; caked mud accelerates rubber wear and corrosion.
• Avoid harsh solvents on the rubber; use mild soap and water if cleaning is necessary.

Bottom line

A fresh snubber restores smooth engagement and protects your suspension and mounts. With proper support, careful bolt removal, correct seating on the mounting tab, and final torque at ride height, the job is straightforward and delivers a quieter, tighter Club Car—ready for many more miles on your golf cart.