Push trolley brake not working: fixes

Which brake does your trolley have?

Fixing a foot brake

Many foot brakes work by pushing a pin or toothed part into the wheel hub. If those teeth are worn or packed with mud, the brake can slip. Cleaning often solves it. If parts are worn or broken, the maker or a golf retailer can usually supply replacements.

1. 1

   Fold back any mud flap and clean mud, grass and grit from the pedal, the brake mechanism and the wheel hub.

2. 2

   Press the pedal fully and check it clicks or locks into the engaged position.

3. 3

   Check the wheel is fully seated on its axle; a wheel that is not clicked home may not engage the brake.

4. 4

   Look for wear or damage on the teeth, pin or pad the brake uses to lock the wheel.

5. 5

   Test on a gentle slope with the bag on.

Fixing a hand brake

Hand brakes, like the front-wheel hand brake on the Clicgear 4.5, use a cable from a lever on the handle to the brake at the wheel. The Clicgear 4.5 listing mentions an internally routed brake cable. Over time cables stretch and brake parts wear, so the lever needs more travel to work.

Folding can pull on brake cables, so check the cable is routed as the maker intended and not trapped in a joint. A frayed or kinked cable should be replaced rather than adjusted.

1. 1

   Squeeze the lever and see how far it travels before the brake bites.

2. 2

   If there is a barrel adjuster at the lever or wheel, turn it a little at a time to take up slack.

3. 3

   Check the brake pad or shoe at the wheel for wear and contamination.

4. 4

   Check the cable for fraying, kinks or damage where it bends at the fold.

5. 5

   Test the brake on a slope, then fold and unfold the trolley and test again.

Wheel and frame checks

A brake can only hold if the wheel is properly fitted. Check quick release wheels are fully clicked in, that axles are not bent and that the wheel spins true. On three wheel trolleys, a front wheel tracking adjustment that is way off can also make the trolley drift when parked on a camber. If you have recently fitted winter wheels, check they work with your trolley's brake; see our winter wheels guide.

Compare push trolleys and their brakes →

Which parts can be replaced?

Contact the trolley maker or your retailer with the model name and number. If the trolley is old and parts are hard to find, compare the cost of repair with a new trolley; our push trolley guide and compact guide list current models and their brake types.

• Brake pedals and springs on many foot brake designs.
• Brake cables and pads on hand brake designs.
• Wheels, often sold individually by the maker.
• Handle grips and levers.

Note:Until the brake is fixed, park the trolley across the slope rather than facing downhill, and never leave it near water, bunkers or other golfers on a slope. Turn the front wheel sideways if your design allows.

Preventing brake problems

Clean mud from wheels and brakes after wet rounds and let the trolley dry before folding it away. Check the brake at the start of each round. If your trolley lives in a damp garage over winter, a quick clean and check in spring keeps the brake working when you need it. Our folding guide covers keeping joints clean too.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my golf trolley roll when the brake is on? Usually mud in the brake, a wheel not fully fitted, worn brake parts or, on hand brakes, a stretched cable.

Can I adjust a push trolley hand brake? Often, yes, using a barrel adjuster on the cable. Turn it a little at a time and test.

Where can I get replacement brake parts? From the trolley maker or a golf retailer that stocks parts for your brand.