Axle advice

[martin934]

Hello,

I am hoping to get some technical assistance with a go kart I am repairing.

Part #AZ1412-40 (1" Deluxe Flexpruf Solid Steel Axle Short End 40") was backordered. http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/AZ1412-40.html

I want to make sure I am doing the right thing.

The kart was originally a 5hp single wheel drive kart. The axle (which bent) was 1" diameter and 36" long. It was held in a "live axle setup" The single drive wheel often slipped.

The frame dimentions are 26" frame (bearing hanger to bearing hanger) and the tires were placed 35.5" apart (center to center)

The old axle appeared quite different than anything I've been able to find, so I'm winging it. The drive side of the axle was 1" and threaded. The other side stepped down to 3/4"- about 5" from the end and held a hub with bearings (free wheel.)

My general plan was to switch to a bilateral live axle. My kids use the kart on grass. It has 13x5x6 turf saver tires and a centrifugal clutch.

I purchased these wheel hubs, 53-681 (Steel Hub for 1" live axle. No step) http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/53-681.html

My questions are as follows.

Will I burn out the centrifugal clutch with these small tires on grass? I would really like better traction.

Will the above axle, with the 37" shoulder to shoulder, get me to the place I need where the tires are about 35.5 inches apart as before? According to my calculations, if the hub is "centered", I should be approximately 35.5 if I let the hub hang off the end of the axle about 3/4".

Will I need spacers to hold the hub in place against the bolts at the end of the axle? If so, where do I get them?

Thank You!

 

[Silvergrizz]

My questions are as follows.

Will the above axle, with the 37" shoulder to shoulder, get me to the place I need where the tires are about 35.5 inches apart as before? According to my calculations, if the hub is "centered", I should be approximately 35.5 if I let the hub hang off the end of the axle about 3/4".

Will I need spacers to hold the hub in place against the bolts at the end of the axle? If so, where do I get them?

Thank You!

I can't speak to the clutch issue you asked, but as far as the axle and components you ordered. You shouldn't have any issues. Wheel spacing will depend somewhat on your rims and the backspacing associated with them. As for holding the hubs against the nuts at the end of the axles, you will need a couple of locking rings to keep the hubs in place.

http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/4-9267.html

Spacers can be found here:

http://www.mfgsupply.com/GoMiniHardwareBushings.html/mv_session_id=PuY3JXHI

You can use combinations of these with washers to get the rims & tires centered where you want them. I don't think you would have any issues if the back was a bit wider than the front, but others may be able to offer more on that. I think your on the right track.

 

[martin934]

Thanks for the quick reply. The locking collar looks like what I was hoping for. I appreciate the advice. My boys are so excited. I really want this to work.

Any further help is appreciated!