Drive axle idea

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BillyBob128

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I have been thinking, on a go kart would you be able to have a combination of a live rear axle but with the wheels pinned on like a traction engine as when you pull the pin out of one wheel it allows it to rotate freely on corners so the axle becomes one wheel drive.
 

r_chez_08

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Seems very overcomplicated. A kart is far lighter and simpler than a traction engine, so it is not really required. Also, I can see the advantage of the easier steering being less than the disadvantage of having to in pin the wheel on every corner. Interesting idea though.

Edit: yeah, a Brit! Where abouts you from?
 

Doc Sprocket

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It certainly could be done, but falls so far from the practical as to not be worth it. You're certainly not going to stop driving, yank a pin, round the corner, and re-pin it...

FWIW- I think you're best to examine your priorities and build based on them. If you want the best traction possible, use a traditional live axle. If you're operating on asphalt or concrete exclusively and are much more concerned about road manners and maximum tire life, then only drive one wheel or install a differential, such as a Tecumseh-Peerless 100.

If you have access to a machine shop and some high-dollar tools, there is an option you could explore that will do the same think as your pin concept but MUCH slicker-

From the agricultural tractor world- Picture a live axle, but cut off centre. One side is driven, full time. The inboard ends of the axleshafts are splined, with a similarly splined collar that can slide on those splines. A pedal (or lever) operates the collar. The collar would slide over both splined axle ends to lock the shafts together for full traction. For cornering (or whatever), that collar would slide right off one axleshaft, and rest only on the other shaft. See what I mean?
 

anderkart

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Some of the racekart guys used to instal wheel hubs equipped with a 1-way bearing inside, so both tires were driven but 1 was able to unlock around tight corners. That'd be another option to consider, but one big side effect of any open type axle is that you'd probably need some type of dual brake system for good stopping ability...
 

buddyochoa

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It almost seems like that axle idea works similar to a clutch fork. Pressing the pedal pushes the clutch away from the pressure plate. Or in this case, presses the collar over the other shaft.
 

porsche930dude

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some snowblowers use the pinned wheels. the ones iv seen have them on both sides but really you only need it on one side. would be good for going from on road driving to off road
 

Doc Sprocket

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My old Gilson has pinned wheels- Each axleshaft has two pinholes. The idea is to pin the wheel thru the shaft to drive the wheel, or place tha pin in the second hole, outside the wheel in order to freewheel. In my case, the pins DO retain the wheel- removing the pin allows you to pull the wheel right off.
 

porsche930dude

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thats certainly the simplest way to go about it. Heres what iv got. this isnt the right wheel for it but it would work with a hole hole drilled in it. 2 piece wheels are needed for clearance on these with 6" anyway

 
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