Mounting kart axle in chassis
ChrisW - 29/4/12 at 09:56 PM
Anyone give me some pointers on mounting my kart axle into my mobility scooter frame?
Here are the bearing carriers:
kart bearing
Unfortunately the axle needs to be in line with the centre line of the chassis tube, so unless I come up with some way of dropping the rail at the
back the axle needs to mount on the end of the tube. The 'tubes' are 1" RHS in 1.6mm, just like a book Locost.
The only way I can think up is to have a plate laser cut, slot the end of the tube, and weld the plate in. Like this:
mounting idea
Will this be strong enough? What thickness plate should I use? Should I get a 'pro' to weld them in for me (I'm not that great with a
welder so the concept of welding 'thick to thin' on such a critical part worries me somewhat!) or just turn the amps up and give it a go?
Hints, tips, ideas, suggestions etc most welcome!
Cheers, Chris
[Edited on 29/4/2012 by ChrisW]
owelly - 29/4/12 at 10:01 PM
Can you get a pair of rod-end (spherical) bearings to go on the axle? Then mount them on the end of your chassis rails.
ChrisW - 29/4/12 at 10:08 PM
Can you get rod-end bearings with grub screws? They're needed to hold the axle in place.
Chris
Volvorsport - 29/4/12 at 10:30 PM
can you not get split bearing carriers ?
ChrisW - 29/4/12 at 10:33 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Volvorsport
can you not get split bearing carriers ?
How do you mean?
Chris
owelly - 29/4/12 at 10:35 PM
You can get the rod-ends with grub screws as I had them on a machine at work but I don't know where you'd find one! I'll have a dig
about. You could just make a pair of collars for each one?
ChrisW - 29/4/12 at 10:38 PM
quote:
Originally posted by owelly
You can get the rod-ends with grub screws as I had them on a machine at work but I don't know where you'd find one! I'll have a dig
about. You could just make a pair of collars for each one?
Even if I could get them I'd still have to find some way of screwing them into the ends of the tubes. I guess that would mean welding a nut on
the end, which isn't ideal. Not sure it's the best idea to be honest, but I'm open to being convinced otherwise!
Chris
Volvorsport - 29/4/12 at 10:43 PM
tbh , i dont think u need them , re looking at it .!
make the thick plate locate into the tube , i think it would be fine.....
ChrisW - 29/4/12 at 10:44 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Volvorsport
tbh , i dont think u need them , re looking at it .!
make the thick plate locate into the tube , i think it would be fine.....
How thick would you suggest making the plate?
Chris
owelly - 29/4/12 at 10:46 PM
OK, hows about a pair of these bolted to a couple of pieces of flat steel welded vertically on the ends of your tube?
http://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/index.php?cPath=4539
owelly - 29/4/12 at 10:49 PM
quote:
How thick would you suggest making the plate?
How heavy is the buggy and passenger/s?? To make the plates slotted into the tube, I'd say 5-6mm or to weld verticles about 6-8mm.
Chippy - 29/4/12 at 10:54 PM
Agree with owelly, I asume that the axle has to rotate, so if you used a pair of plummer blocks, you could locate the axle by putting a couple of
sleeves each side of the blocks so the axle wouldnt move side to side. IMHO Ray
ChrisW - 30/4/12 at 08:43 AM
Yes, pillow blocks (I assume they're the same) were my other idea, but I already have the kart ones so it would have been good to use them.
The only 'problem' is that the blocks will have to go vertically on the end of the chassis tubes, which will mean making some brackets. Not
the end of the world I guess - I'm more confident about doing that than welding thick plates to think wall tube!
As for weight, it will take one person, but it would be good if it was strong enough to take a pillion for a short while.
Chris
ChrisW - 30/4/12 at 11:02 AM
OK, I've ordered a pair of these:
eBay Item
Had to change my design slightly but I hope it'll all be ok.
Engine kit should arrive tomorrow. Getting excited to get on with it! 
Chris
