Manco Dominator solid axle project

[landuse]

You could weld a little "tab stop" on either side of the band to stop it walking off the drum

 

[Herky]

how about a 1" piece of 1/8" strap steel with a slot cut out wide enough for the band, and just lay it across the span of the two frame members?

The brake band I pulled off of this go kart had a weird wear pattern-looked like it slipped halfway off and no one ever checked to see that it was no longer squarely around the drum!

 

[Herky]

removing or replacing band would then require sliding the axle out of the way so the band could drop straight down...

 

[DaiSan76]

You could weld a couple of bolts upright, and then bolt your strap down so you can remove it easily.

 

[OzFab]

I'm a little concearned about the articulating side of the band 'walking' over left or right off center from the drum. I was thinking about adding a guide on the top so it didn't creep to one side or the other.

I think, especially in this case, that's a real concern. Looking closely at pic 3, you can see that the band is already at a different angle to the drum; that comes down to the mountings which, IMO, aren't the best. Not trying to dis your work but, it could use some improvements:
1. The stack of washers may cause a problem, you're much better off with a solid spacer (which is not too difficult to make)
2. By tapping the top of the mounting tab towards the drum, it will force the band over at the bottom; not too much, you don't want to overdo it...
3. The actuation linkage appears to also be at an angle in the wrong direction. Again, by twisting it in the opposite direction, you will force tha band onto the drum

 

[Herky]

good ideas all...
I've noticed that when I step on the brake, it pulls ever so slightly off to one side, probl due to my linkage being bent in odd directions. I've bent it a few times, fixing the one problem, but creating a different off-angle. I'm liking the vertical bolts and guide idea right now...

btw, what is the difference in performance between a solid spacer and a stack of washers?

 

[OzFab]

A solid space can only wear at two points, a stack of washers can wear at two points per washer. Also, a solid spacer has less tendency to "crush" than a stack of washers (same principle)

Third, a solid spacer can't move upon itself like washers can

 

[Herky]

how about this? I call it the "align-o-matic 2000"!

 

[OzFab]

Great idea but, wouldn't it be better on the bottom?

 

[Herky]

I don't think so, because the pushrod (pull)-actuator attachment point is where it is most likely to go askew. Also, more likely to get beat up from rocks and dirt down low.

 

[Herky]

found a ton of solid spacers at hardware store-I'll pick one up to replace the washers next time i go.

 

[Herky]

Got my replacement #35 sprocket and TAV sprocket from JEGS...free super fast shipping! They have a handful of Kart supplies-wish they had more-super company!

AFter about noon it is so hot in my garage...doesn't cool down til about 4 in the morning! I'll try and get after it tomorrow...SOOO CLOSE to having a operable kart!!

 

[OzFab]

SOOO CLOSE to having a operable kart!!

Doesn't that feeling just suck the big one? Don't worry, it's all forgotten within the first 5 seconds of driving it...

 

[Herky]

HAAAALELUIA!!!! I finished the throttle linkage today!!!

Took her for a test drive up the street....LOADS of power AND speed!!! may even gear it down a tiny bit for kids

I have some other issues, however...the rear axle slid (I thought it could and it did!). Once it slid, the final drive chain slipped off.

Here's a few pics of the final machine!

 

[Herky]

Perfect timing today also-my dad called me today and asked if I'd be interested in an old kart sitting in a neighbor's yard for $60?? He says it's a one wheel drive, and can't tell if motor is any good or not.
I told him to snatch that thing up and I'll tear into it! Might be a while for pics, but I'll post em when I get em.

 

[mckutzy]

Check alignment on that shaft, might need to add a tensioner to it.
Looks good.

 

[OzFab]

...the rear axle slid (I thought it could and it did!).

In what direction?

 

[Herky]

The axle slid right. It didn't pop the chain off until I did a tight turn in the driveway. Tires were really gripping HARD on a section of concrete that is new.

(I ran it up the street twice, and even did some burnouts in an empty lot nearby before returning home and having the chain pop off)

Should I get a bunch of collars and put them on either side of the bearing blocks? or just grind flats into the axle for the set screws (didn't do that).

 

[OzFab]

The collars on the bearing should be enough to hold it; try drilling small divots in the axle where the set screws contact, that should hold it

 

[Herky]

I'll give it a try. Should I use a punch and a cordless drill? I even thought about using my grinder to make a small flat. REALLY don't want to take the axle out again if I can help it.