Is live axle impossible?

[Crane]

Hey everyone
I'm starting a new go kart project and I'm thinking about making it a single wheel drive and not a live axle.
My previous go kart had a live axle but it did not work so well because it did not have a keyway and the wheels were attached with a bolt through the axle. Because i had no differential, the bolts did break after a few sharp and fast turns.

A keyed axle and wheels are out of the question because of their price (in Finland)

However, a single wheel drive would not have this problem but I'm afraid it will not have enough traction or torque, since the cart will be driven mainly on sandy dirt roads.
Is it possible to have a strong enough live axle setup with no keyway?
Engine is a 196cc 4 stroke 6.5hp "Master"


Also I'm thinking about building a body for the kart from fiberglass. Will it shake and vibrate a lot without suspension?

Thanks for all the tips and answers.

 

[Kartorbust]

It could end up being cheaper in your part of the world to buy steel round stock in the length or at least the diameter you'd need for a live axle. Take it to a machine shop and have it slotted for a key way. A fixed axle (one wheel drive) can work in sand, just not as well as a live axle will. A differential isn't always needed, even quad bikes (ATV) usually just run a live axle and no differential (usually race type and some utility type).

 

[Crane]

It could end up being cheaper in your part of the world to buy steel round stock in the length or at least the diameter you'd need for a live axle. Take it to a machine shop and have it slotted for a key way. A fixed axle (one wheel drive) can work in sand, just not as well as a live axle will. A differential isn't always needed, even quad bikes (ATV) usually just run a live axle and no differential (usually race type and some utility type).

Thanks for the reply. Do you think a fixed axle would work even if the go kart is quite large?
I have a design for the frame. The rear axle is in two parts. Both sides a held to the frame with bearing carriers. (The wheels own bearings aren't very good) Only the left side is connected to the engine and both sides have a disc brake on them.

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https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dR7t3EG8LvuTapk8Z5gZfMDZ_ejEMu_w/view?usp=sharing

link for the sketch, I couldn't attach it as an image

 

[mckutzy]

Honestly I think a solid 1 pcs axle is the way to go... you need to cut your own keyways for the axle and hubs... but some patients, go slow and deliberate, and youll be able to do this...

Here's a thread on the axle portion...
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19167&highlight=cutting+keyway

As for the hubs... it can be done... it takes a bit.... but its not that impossible...
If anything the hubs are best taking them to a shop to do as he'll have a broach for the size... and itll be done right the first time and less hair pulling this way.... ...I know....

 

[Kartorbust]

If it was a small kart, you could go either way. But with a larger kart, its suggested you do a live axle, especially for off road riding.

 

[FieldstoneDriveKarts]

Just make a friend with someone here in the States, Paypal them money for the axle and postage, and have them ship it to you.

 

[Kartorbust]

Just make a friend with someone here in the States, Paypal them money for the axle and postage, and have them ship it to you.

That could get expensive fast unless sending more than one item across the pond. Plus it would take quite a bit of time to get through customs.

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On top of that, there's a difference in chain sizes, axle sizes, etc.

 

[bob58o]

It could end up being cheaper in your part of the world to buy steel round stock in the length or at least the diameter you'd need for a live axle. Take it to a machine shop and have it slotted for a key way.

Have you ever gotten quotes for this? When I wanted to get a keyway cut, the quotes were around $200.

 

[mckutzy]

Ya... Typically sounds about right...
Minimal 2hr...

 

[Joe-405]

If your slow and patient.........I’ve actually cut my own key way with a dremel type cutoff wheel on a crank before and it worked just fine. I accidentally bought a engine with no key way and didn’t wanna change the crank.

 

[Crane]

Has anyone here experience with a rather large kart and one wheel drive system?