Welding bearing hangers on....getting it perfect.

[gokartmozart]

I am going tonight or tomorrow weld my bearing hangers on for my axle. The frame is round tubing, so what is the best way to get them mounted accurately?

Do you guys do anything special, any tricks?

 

[anderkart]

I think I'd install the bearings and axle while tacking. (maybe wrap a wet rag around the bearings to keep any slag out) Then pull everything back off to weld.

You could use a good accurate carpenter's square to help line up your axle.

 

[theo]

Center it down the tube and tack weld it, square it and tack weld the other side. Check for square if, ok weld it on, but don't weld all one one side.

 

[redsox985]

Tack weld both sides multiple times then weld in short spurts on alternating sides while constantly checking for warping. Those hangers are thick and will require a good bit of juice going in to weld it so warping is a possibility.

 

[KieranM]

maybe wrap a wet rag around the bearings to keep any slag out
.

I second that even the smallest bit of weld causes serious problems to the bearing surface.

 

[rgvkid]

I welded mine with the axle in it to keep it level. You can't weld all one side first because it will pull to that side. Tack the ends and then 2 tacks on center on both sides of plate on both plates. Then weld each plate in 4 sections, but weld one section then move to the plate on the other side, weld one section, and so on going back and forth to keep from over heating it and warping.

Use anti spatter sray on the axle, bearing, nuts, bolts and plates to keep eveything clean from spatter. If you don't have anti spatter spray you can use Pam frying spray. The Pam goes on heavy so you can wipe it down a bit so your not trying to start the arch on a wet oily spot.

 

[gokartmozart]

Okay, I did them. The way I did it was I stood the kart up on the front and then leveled it out. I then used magnets to position the bearing hangers and hold them in place. That way I could adjust them as needed. I used a level to get them even, considering the kart was level. Then to make sure they were pointed forward I used a string with a weight (I think it is called a plumb-bob). I then tacked them.

One question. I have not fully welded the brackets but I am worried about them moving or bending under load. Should I brace them more?

Another question. What keeps the axle from lateral movement, side-to-side. I noticed there are some set screws on the bearing. Are those to hold the keys, or lock the axle? They dont look like they would be strong enough.

 

[gokartmozart]

Here is my web page with pictures of my kart build.

http://www.angelfire.com/pa5/davidfiero/gokart.html

 

[redsox985]

I believe that simple locking collars on the inside or outside of the bearing hangers will be enough to hold the axle in place and stop lateral shifting. You can build a box around the bearing hangers as many swing arm karts use. I think the SideWinder has the hangers built into the triangular swing arm.

 

[gokartmozart]

Locking collars? What are those?

I will weld the heck out of those hangers, and add some steel to them. I'm just thinking in the yard, trying to do a donut, they will snap off.

 

[KieranM]

Darn, I can make one of those.

But, will that hold? I mean there is no mechanical lock it is all friction.

yea there easily made hence the price, its just a allen head set screw to hold it in place, works real good.

 

[briggsman]

Ive used them alot, and thrashed on the karts that I used them on and never had any problems. i always use one on each side of the bearing hanger 4 total. and used a lil red loctite on the set screw.

 

[anderkart]

Another question. What keeps the axle from lateral movement, side-to-side. I noticed there are some set screws on the bearing. Are those to hold the keys, or lock the axle? They dont look like they would be strong enough.

Those screw down against the axle to stop lateral movement and that's usually all you need. If they wont hold yours you can simply drill part way into the axle to give these set screws a better grip, but there's no need to use any additional lock collars.

 

[briggsman]

The locking collars work real well, ive used them a bunch, here is a link to some

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_35037_35037

 

[gokartmozart]

Darn, I can make one of those.

But, will that hold? I mean there is no mechanical lock it is all friction.

 

[redsox985]

They usually have a set screw. Or you could make split locking collars.

 

[1stCart]

I recently replaced the whole rear rotating assembly and was also concerned with lateral movement so I opted to go with 2 piece shaft collars to sandwich all the components and the axle.

 

[gokartmozart]

Okay, what is a two piece shaft collar?

The outside I can use a bolt, but on the inside the only thing I can think of is drilling the axle and inserting a key.