Live rear axle setup question

[vorkerman]

Hello,

So I had a question about a live rear axle. I just want to make sure I'm looking at all the right parts after trying to wade through posts and online sites, etc.

I'm planning on hooking up my motor (electric) directly to a sproket on the axle (middle-ish or slightly to one side more likely)

Am I correct in the parts that I will need (I know there are some options but this is the way I was leaning).

Axle (1" solid was recommended), Pillow bearings (probably 2x) mounted to the frame (I've read below is better?), wheel hubs, rims and tires? Possibly some locking collars to make sure the sprocket stays in place?

I wasn't sure if I needed bearings for the wheel hubs? Or is that only on a dead axle, or on the front axle?

Any suggestions on hub type?

Thanks,

 

[KartFab]

You are definitely on the right track. Rear axles only need two bearings. If you are going on the pillow block route, those are the only ones you need. Either pillow block, or the flangette style bearings are used.

If you look at this go kart axle kit you will notice that it doesnt have hubs for the wheels.

The 'hubs' are integrated into the wheel.

On other karts (like manco) some of the rims are seperate from the hub. So if you want to break it down into two parts for attaching the rims/tires think of it like this

1) hub/rim are integrated, 1" keyed bore
2) hub/rim are seperate. you would buy a 1" hub with the bolt pattern that matches the rim. The hub should attach just like the brake/sprocket hub with a key, but then not fall offf the end with an attached nut/collar/or snapring

which brings me to the next part of the axles, the ends

you can keep the stuff on the axles through

snapring end
threaded end
stepped end

snapring just keeps the stuff from sliding off
threaded end would get a nut, and the threads are usually 1"
stepped ends are just threaded ends, but have a stepdown to a smaller diameter. I have seen hubs that are seperate from rims on stepped ends (e.g. a 4" bolt pattern hub w/ 3/4" step and 1" bore).

hope that helps. i wish i had pictures to show you.

 

[vorkerman]

Thanks KartFab, I think I got it all without the pic! Thanks for reminding me about the ends, I had meant to ask about the stepdown vs regular threaded and I don't think I had come across (or not realized the difference) of the integrated hub/rim. That sounds like a good way to go for me, is there a reason not to? Just more expensive?

Good stuff. So one last question along these lines I think... I was told in another thread discussing frame design to kind of start with the axle. When considering the overall width, I am assuming that the length of the axle is basically the entire length? I don't have to do axle + rim width (on each side) do I?

 

[KartFab]

Maybe add 1-2" on both sides (2-4" total?) to the axle width. Just a guess. Most of the axles I have seen are 36-40"

 

[OzFab]

Pillow bearings (probably 2x) mounted to the frame (I've read below is better?)

The only difference between mounting pillow blocks above or below the frame is the amount of ground clearance you end up with...

 

[Poboy kartman]

The only difference between mounting pillow blocks above or below the frame is the amount of ground clearance you end up with...

Below is stronger....think about it.

Above you are relying on the cast ears to carry the load.

 

[vorkerman]

So, short of buying a kit, would the preferred order or purchasing/planning parts, be as follows:

1. Decide on Tires/Rims
2. Get Hub to match bolt pattern on Rim (provided I don't get integrated ones)
3. Get an Axle and the appropriate ends

Thanks,