Brakes are real bad, no axle, can I install disc brake? (pics)

[Jemo]

My son's go-cart is one of those that doesn't have a true axle running from wheel to wheel. It just has a sprocket attached to the left wheel and it' connected to the chain. On this somehow it has a band brake but it isn't centered. I've run out of adjustment and can't move it over any further.

I've seen mechanical disc brakes for sale. I can't find it, but are there any companies that make a disc brake for a cart without an axle? Does anyone have a write-up on how to add an axle if that is a better choice?

[landuse]

What you could maybe do is fabricate some disc brake mount that would allow you to use your sprocket as the brake caliper

[Blazkowiez]

That band brake should have greater stopping power than a mechanical disk brake if its working properly. Check to see if you can take the drive wheel apart and space the brake drum away from the sprocket using washers, you may be able to move that further to center the brake band. Also check to see if the band is worn out, glazed over, or soaked in oil.

[Jemo]

Thanks, I will try and space it. If that doesn't work, what are my options besides making a bracket for the caliper?

Jeff

[j.concepcion54321]

maybe just take off teh wheel, unbolt the brake drum, put some spacers and bolt on a disk. Then weld up a mount for the caliper. That would work.

[Blazkowiez]

Originally Posted by Jemo

Thanks, I will try and space it. If that doesn't work, what are my options besides making a bracket for the caliper?

Jeff

If you space it out and the band looks damaged there is a shop in the metroplex area at the Rockwood Go Kart Track on University. They are very nice people and will have any part you need at reasonable prices. Since they're local to you it would be worth seeing what your options are with them.

I'd advise that since the brand band working correct WILL fully lock up that wheel there is nothing a disk brake can additionally offer you given its one wheel drive. If you wanted to mount a hubbed wheel on the passenger side and attempt dual brakes you could, but again, you could just go dual band for 1/3 of the cost of dual disk.

[landuse]

Like Blaz says, maybe try get the band brake working first. With a disk brake you are going to have to do some fabrication. It is not impossible, but might take a bit of work