cant turn

[pkgocart]

hi guy i just finished my go kart enough to drive but i cant turn help

 

[Bluethunder3320]

please take some pics and attach!!

are the spindles seised and are whatever linkages working?

 

[pkgocart]

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=8590
this picture is not updated i have done a lot since then but still

 

[Bluethunder3320]

i dont see a tie rod there at all

 

[pkgocart]

hmm yes i have done this i was wondering if the rear end is to wide

 

[Bluethunder3320]

i dont think it would be a problem. so you do have the tie rods, right?? haha. so it must just not turn enough is that what ur saying?

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

Live axles wont turn as well on cement as one wheel drive karts. What is your caster/KPI?

 

[pkgocart]

no idea but i think its because the axle in the back is causing it to have to much traction to far out and not enough in the front the front is also very light

 

[Bluethunder3320]

id try bigger front tires

 

[pkgocart]

i already got smaller back ones just dont have any new pictures like i said have done a lot since then

 

[Leftythenub]

i already got smaller back ones just dont have any new pictures like i said have done a lot since then

 

[Bluethunder3320]

well even if you get smaller back ones you still may need bigger front ones... its not the ratio between the 2 sizes just the amount of grip

 

[pkgocart]

they are about the same size now

 

[redsox985]

Pictures will tell it all.

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

Are those front spindles from a riding mower? if so theres one problem. Most likely have reverse ackerman, which doesnt help. I suggest making your own spindles and spindle brackets 10* caster and KPI is a good starting point.

Tire size wont effect it that much.

 

[GreyhoundOfYerfDogs]

I agree that live axles turn poorly on pavement, and that you need to try riding on dirt. I bet you'll find that it steers fine there.

The effect is magnified when pushing the kart as opposed to actually riding it. Also, the wider the axle, the more difficult the turns. Beware of making the axle too narrow, however; you don't want to turn so well that you roll.

If your kart is for on pavement use ONLY, consider a differential rear end to address the issue.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

or, just learn some sweet drift skills!!

 

[anderkart]

I agree with some of the suggestions above but the easiest way you could make your kart turn better is to move your seat forward. You wanna try for a 50-50% weight bias distribution from front to rear. (i'm guessing you've got about 75% on the back tires now) That's why race karts have their frame, pedals and front bumper extended way forward past the front wheels. This allows you to mount the seat much further forward for proper weight bias and still have enough leg room for taller drivers.

 

[pkgocart]

well i was thinking of going pro new spindles a 125cc 5speed motor and the real race tires but its hard to find these motors at fair price in canada and i wanted to extend the frame and put front suspention and use a bicycle steering columb because it has the bearings in it and mabey rear suspention depends on how it works out, opion ???

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I don't think the bicycle column is of much value to you, unless you're using it to preserve the budget. Otherwise, try 1/2" shaft and bearings. The engine upgrade will help you drift, but it won't do anything for actual steering performance. For the spindles, whatever you get should have about 10* of KPI and maybe 10-15* of castor. Also (and this is a major point in my opinion), ensure your new spindles employ the Ackermann steering principle. To verify this, install the spindles. Draw an imaginary line (or use string) from the kingpin through the tie-rod hole on the steering arm, all the way back to the rear axle. If your lines intersect the rear axle dead center, you've got it. If not, cut off the arms, reposition, and check again.

Moving the seat (and engine if you can), will help, too.