rear axle almost done, need opinion

[frank]

hey i almost have my rear axle done, after the two wheels are on, i have about 1/2" long stub on each end, i was thinking, should i...

-take the axle to some place and get it threaded

-get the axle have a groove for a snap ring (i dont have the snap ring tool though)

-use a shaft collar

[imported_robertdjung]

Have any photos? I'm not certain, but sounds like the collars might be the easiest solution.

[frank]

theo from gokartforums.com told me to drill through my axle, and bolt the collar on. I have a drill press so i can do that, but somebody told me to use a pin, and i was thinking of the pins holding racing car hoods, what do u think?

[imported_robertdjung]

Well, a hardened bolt seems like you wouldn't have a shearing issue like a pin might. No pics?

[frank]

not of the axle
and the welds are so bad i dont want to post more pics of welds UNTIL i drive it to prove that looks doesnt matter, lol

if i can drill through solid steel, i'll do it, i can also thread it after too, i got a thread tap and die set

[SL100OKI]

OK, here's the dumb question of the day from someone who has never really looked closely at a go-kart.

I've always wonder, why is the tip threaded on the axle?

I know the hubs are made to hold the tires on.

Are the thread made to hold the axle in place?

[imported_robertdjung]

It's to hold the hubs on the axle.

For a live axle, the hubs are fixed to the axle and you woudln't need to do that, but on a fixed axle where the hubs "free wheel" you have to hold them on the axle with the nuts. It's best to use nuts that are called "nylock" which have a nylon lining to make them hard to come off when you're driving.

[frank]

It's to hold the hubs on the axle.

For a live axle, the hubs are fixed to the axle and you woudln't need to do that, but on a fixed axle where the hubs "free wheel" you have to hold them on the axle with the nuts. It's best to use nuts that are called "nylock" which have a nylon lining to make them hard to come off when you're driving.
even for a real live axle, or any axle, something is needed to stop the wheels from comming off during a turn or corner.

hubs are so that the wheel spins with the axle...

i know the nylon inserted nuts work, but loctite is better

how hard would it be to drill a 3/16 hole right through a locking collar and a 5/8 axle? i have patience, but can it be done using a mini drill press?

[imported_robertdjung]

Right right... Locking collars with set screws/keyways etc for the live axle. Anyway, drill through the axle? Just use a hand drill. Anything will work.