My New Kart!

[MARGR4V3Z]

So I decided to get this Kart today! It runs perfect except for I found out that the right axle is bent. I have been researching and found that this is the part # for a new axle-11797H-16. Is it possible to fix a bent Axle or does it have to be replaced? Also the chain is a little loose, how do I fix that? Let me know your advice on this!

Video of Axle:

 

[souperman000]

Nice kart. Im sure you could find a way to fix it. If nothing else...hit it with a hammer!

 

[qtband]

Nice pickup! I think you'll like it! How bad is the axle bent? To tighten the chain, just loosen the engine mounting bolts and slide the engine forward until your chain is tight enough. Don't over tighten it.

 

[Blazkowiez]

Awesome deal. The axle is a hex isn't it? Those are amazingly resilient and strong, you can bend them back into shape with patience.

If worse comes to worse you can always purchase a new axle...

 

[MARGR4V3Z]

Nice kart. Im sure you could find a way to fix it. If nothing else...hit it with a hammer!

Thanks! is it ok to hit it with a hammer?

Nice pickup! I think you'll like it! How bad is the axle bent? To tighten the chain, just loosen the engine mounting bolts and slide the engine forward until your chain is tight enough. Don't over tighten it.

Thanks! Seems to be pretty badly bent on the right side. I posted a video on the bottom if you click it you can see.

 

[souperman000]

Thanks! is it ok to hit it with a hammer?

If you do try to hit it with a hammer, be very very gentle. Or do what Blaz said

 

[MARGR4V3Z]

Awesome deal. The axle is a hex isn't it? Those are amazingly resilient and strong, you can bend them back into shape with patience.

If worse comes to worse you can always purchase a new axle...

Yeah I paid $350 for it and thought that was a good deal! Yes it has the Hex Axle.

If you do try to hit it with a hammer, be very very gentle. Or do what Blaz said

Yeah I will try that and see what happens.

 

[buddyochoa]

If you hit it with a hammer, the worst that could happen is buying another axle anyway.

 

[qtband]

I think I'd put the nut on the axle and get a big pipe and try to bend the axle straight. The nut will protect the threads. I use a big jack handle.

 

[OzFab]

Hang on, it's not that simple, there's a technique to straighten an axle:

First, you have to determine exactly where it's bent (to the nearest millimetre), then, while supporting the axle with wood on either side of the bend (one support at the end & the other at the same distance on the other side of the axle) with the bend pointing up, again, using a piece of 2 x 4 against the axle, hit it on the narrow side & check it with a straight edge after every hit.

Just simply taking to an axle with a hammer or, as qtband suggested, a big pipe may create a wave effect in your axle

 

[MARGR4V3Z]

Discovered this bracket next to the brake and I don't know what it's for.

 

[OzFab]

Nice close up but, it takes away the perspective. I suspect it may be a parking brake attachment

 

[Dvrice]

Yes, slip that onto the brake pedal as a parking brake

 

[MARGR4V3Z]

Nice close up but, it takes away the perspective. I suspect it may be a parking brake attachment

Well you were right lol. I went out and flipped it around and it is definitely a parking brake which is cool. I dont think the previous owners used it before.

 

[OzFab]

Well you were right lol.

I usually am

 

[MARGR4V3Z]

When I was looking at the axle I noticed that the axle bearings are alittle bent? Are they suppose to be like that?

Left Side:

Right side:

 

[OzFab]

It's not ideal but, they're fine. If/when you take the axle off, you'll notice that the outer edge of the bearing is curved, as are the plates holding them.

 

[MARGR4V3Z]

Ahhhh ok good. Also this sprocket looks to be not the original one since the cover on the bottom isnt attached or else it would hit the chain? Does this size sprocket make it go faster or slower and can it be changed?

 

[landuse]

A bigger sprocket will give you a lower gear ratio. This means that you will have more torque, but a slower top speed. You have to go for a balance between the two. Too high a gearing fries your clutch, too low and you will have a stump puller but no speed.

Count the teeth on the axle sprocket and your clutch and post them here. We can then tell you what gearing you have. Also post the tyre diameter

 

[MARGR4V3Z]

A bigger sprocket will give you a lower gear ratio. This means that you will have more torque, but a slower top speed. You have to go for a balance between the two. Too high a gearing fries your clutch, too low and you will have a stump puller but no speed.

Count the teeth on the axle sprocket and your clutch and post them here. We can then tell you what gearing you have. Also post the tyre diameter

Oh alright that makes sense. The clutch is a 10 teeth sprocket and the axle is 64 teeth. My rear tires are 18x9.5-8. Let me know what you think!