Help for a newb.

[SwimSquirrel]

Hi, I'm new at building go karts (and new to this forum), and I have a simple design for one based off of a 50's go kart I have yet to fully identify. Anyway, the old one uses scrub brakes, and I would like to replace those in the new design with drum brakes. It will use a stationary axle with single wheel drive. So here is my question: should I use just one drum brake on a rear wheel (if so, which wheel?) or should I use two drums, with one on each rear wheel? What size drums should I use? How should I mount them? Any other advice regarding this plan would be great! I'll try to post an image of my design once the 3d model is done.

Thanks!

EDIT: I've found out from the DIY Go Karts article on brakes that you generally only need 1 drum brake. Is this true for a single wheel drive, fixed axle kart? I am planning to get a drive sprocket machined to work with a 4 1/2" brake assembly.

 

[anderkart]

I'd want brakes to both rear wheels. Even with the best brakes you'd only be getting the stopping traction of 1 tire, I'd imagine the kart would also end up with a fairly nasty pull (towards the side with brakes) while trying to stop from higher speeds on pavement. It'd probably work out alright on a lower speed cruiser kart though.

Yeah post some pics or links to the the type of Drum brakes you wanna use and we'll try to hook you up.

Hey did you mean Drum brakes or Band Brakes?

Why dont you want a live axle? (most of us seem to end up preferring them)

 

[r97]

he is prob using a fixed axle to keep things more like the 50's kart his is based off of

 

[SwimSquirrel]

I'm using a fixed axle because it will help handling on the surfaces I'll be driving on; gravel, grass, and other hard packed surfaces. I'm not planning on driving on pavement, however. Here are the drums I'll be using:
http://www.mfgsupply.com/img/azusa/az2208.jpg

I'll go with what ander said and use a brake on each wheel. The kart I'm designing is only going to have a 5 or 6 horsepower engine, so I'm anticipating a top speed of 20-25 at the most. That should be easily handled by these brakes.

 

[r97]

get these drums http://www.gokartnminibikeparts.com/4_5_band_brakes_and_components.htm
bolt drums to these wheels, http://www.gokartnminibikeparts.com/6_aluminum_tri_star.htm
then use these brakes, http://www.gokartnminibikeparts.com/4_5_drum_brakes_and_components.htm
should work out great!

 

[SwimSquirrel]

Thanks!