Band brake issues

[Isaac123514]

Hi

The bracket that connects the axle to the go kart and holds the band brake bent slightly where the bolt that holds one end of the band goes. This causes the bolt to angle down wards. (See photos). This also causes the band to not align properly with the drum.The band aligns so badly that it wears rapidly and provides little stopping force. I have no idea how to fix this so I asked you guys!

Note: I know that's not the right bolt. I need to get a new grade 8 carriage bolt. The last one was grade 5 and bent so badly I had to cut it out!



https://s16.postimg.org/7vj60e4x1/20161012_161456.jpg

https://s15.postimg.org/6qoqmjiq3/20161012_161704.jpg

ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!
Thanks
Isaac

 

[maknwar]

Take a big pair of vise grips and put it right where you want to bend it. Pull the vise grips enough to bend it slightly. Don't get too crazy or you will bend it too much. Move the vise grip to any other part of the bracket that needs to be bent back.

Looks like you can put the vise grip right below the bolt hole at an angle to bend it where it needs to be.

 

[Isaac123514]

All right I'll try that but im not sure it will work because it's a bit more than a bend it's alms like a bump.

Thanks

 

[maknwar]

I had the same problem with my axle where the bolts were going down making the bearings bind. I just bent the bracket and it's good as new. It won't look the best and might have a bump but it will be straight.

 

[Isaac123514]

I was able to bend it back where it needs to be with the vise grips took a lot of bending to get it just right. It did not work at first because I still had the axle connected to the bracket. I un bolted the axle and was then able to bend it.

Thanks
Isaac

 

[Poboy kartman]

Yep... DIY and what we are here for....glad to hear we could help!

 

[maknwar]

Awesome! Sure beats making a new bracket, at least I think so.

 

[Isaac123514]

Yeah and this one has a lot of weld and is reinforced so it would be a real pain to grind it off.