gokart loom

[itsid]

A quite similar part I had on my pedaled kart when I was a kid was meant to keep the bearings at a certain distance since no bearing collars were milled into the free wheel rims.

Maybe this one serves a quite similar purpose, depends on weather it is between two bearings or just in front of one bearing.
It might even keep the wheel at a defined distance from the collar of the axle, I can't tell from the pic where it has to go on the kart.

What I can tell you is: If you do NOT KNOW what it does, better have it in place!

'sid

 

[Poboy kartman]

It there's two bearings in the rim, which makes the captive's role a mystery. Allowing the wheel to move in and out along the axle is very feasible function. Maybe a "Backerman theory"?

 

[itsid]

See, now I'm somehow lost in translation... backerman?
well as I said I had similar looking plastic parts on my free wheels (front that is) on a pedal powered kart.
That wouldn't make any sense on a live axle.
Also allowing the wheel to move in and out along the axle is not really a good idea, but to restrict that movement with some sort of "spacer" might be.
Again, I cannot tell how your hubs are mounted, since you cannot provide any pictures, and I can't tell from the exploded view.
It wouldn't be necessary on any of the axles I've seen in this forum so far, so I doubt it.

But fact is, if you are unsure, then do it as the manufacturer intended, not just as you like; just to be on the safe side

Important parets are sometimes very cheap (you wouldn't scrap the fixing nut just because it's only 75ct would you?)

'sid

 

[landuse]

Allowing the wheel to move in and out along the axle is very feasible function. Maybe a "Backerman theory"?

Ackerman maybe???

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Nah- I can't see that having anything to do with it.

 

[firemanjim]

Are you guys sure he doesn't mean the plastic electrical looming Manco put on the rear axle for aesthetics? I worked on a "silver bullet" kart (pretty positive it was manco) that had plastic loom over the bare gaps on the rear axle . They do nothing but trap dirt n water on your axle and promotes rust.... Because it wasn't used on every kart, I doubt you will see it in any parts lists.....