Axle and Hub question

[mdfmr2]

I was given a Honda 6.5 hp engine, so I decided to put together a cart for my son. We were going to start from scratch, but we got a jumpstart by buying someone else's project. The frame is pretty decent, but everything else seems to be put together wrong.

The cart has a live axle, which turns terribly. My plan was to replace the keyed hub on one side with a hub with bearings, thus having one wheel drive. I ordered a hub (actually, they came as a pair) from Northern Tool. Unfortunately, the 3/4 inch threaded portion of the axle is not long enough to go through the hub. I did some measuring, and it's also not long enough to go through any wheels with bearings that I'm aware of. I checked the specs on several websites, and the length of the 3/4 inch section is fairly standard.

Recommendations for hubs, wheels or axles to accomplish what I'm after?

 

[fowler]

what size wheels do u have

 

[r97]

you prob just need new bearings for the live axle, keep live axle much better.

 

[DirtTrackRacer_07]

Get a differentail for your live axle if you don't like the turning.

You can get them from northern tool

If you go one wheel drive, you will be spinning everywhere but they are fun sometimes.

You got any pictures of what your working with?

If the axle does not rotate freely you do need bearings.

 

[r97]

hmmm i didn't even think of that kind of turning

 

[mdfmr2]

The wheels are 5 inch. I have the whole thing more than partially disassembled, so I'll throw it back together tomorrow and snap some pictures to post.

I'm also doing some brake work. No room for an 8 inch disc, the strap on the existing strap brake is worn out, but still has a tendency to grab the drum. Can strap brakes actually be made to work?

 

[DirtTrackRacer_07]

Most people complain about the front end pushing with a live axle when they try to turn.

If you put a differentail in it, it will allow one wheel to turn faster when turning.

But if you turn the axle and it really hard to turn it is probably the bearing starting to freeze up.

Sometimes you can shoot them with some grease and they will be good as new.

 

[fowler]

the band brakes (strap brikes) are very common and i hear they work well enough

but it dont buy northern tool ones as they are apparently S***

 

[DirtTrackRacer_07]

Strap brakes are like rub brakes.

If they will still grab, just adjust them tighter.

If they are bad worn out buy new bands, they are not that high.

But what if that is all this pour boy can afford,lol (talking about me)

 

[mdfmr2]

When you put the cart into a turn, you can hear the engine bog down and the outside tire being drug around the corner. It scrubs off so much speed, it's distracting and not much fun. I was hoping to keep this project simple and relatively inexpensive. Best laid plans....

Suggestions on a source for better quality strap brake?

 

[mdfmr2]

I should have been more clear....on the strap brake, it wants to grab when the brake is not being applied. I've tried adjusting the cable and making it looser, and adjusting the tension where the strap is bolted to the frame with no success. The thing I don't want to do is buy new parts, put them on and have the same problem!

 

[fowler]

i think just about any gokart supplyer either local or on the net will have a range

oh wait i just got the second post as i submitted mine
sorry i have no real experiance with these setups. Is the drumm spinning true

 

[DirtTrackRacer_07]

see if any where your strap mounts is bent or twisted?

 

[r97]

make sure you have the correct size band

 

[mdfmr2]

I think everything about this brake set up is bent and twisted! Rather than having a post welded to the frame, I've got a bolt through the frame. I think that the small amount of play has caused things to be out of alignment. My plan is to replace the bolt and weld it on. I just found www.shakyparts.com that has brake bands with actual brake liner material rather than the rubber stuff that's on the band I've got and it's made of spring steel. I can guarantee that the band I have is not made of spring steel, or is of very low quality if it is.

 

[DirtTrackRacer_07]

i would redo it all then.

That way you trust it and it will work better

 

[sideways]

I have a Chinese go kart with an axle set up the same way as you mentioned before. It worked quite well, the worst bit was that it meant it only had one wheel braking. Probably not a problem if your driving on the road.

You could simply get someone with a metal lathe to machine your axle so the hub will fit.

Got any pictures of your kart and it's set up?

Thanks

Hayden

 

[DirtTrackRacer_07]

one wheel braking.

i bet it was fun to drive.

 

[freeman508]

but i had the same problem on my cart but i made a new axlem for like 40$ so god price i scaped the rest