


When making a turn, the outside wheel must be able to spin faster than the inside wheel. This is because both rear wheels turn at the exact same speed. Unfortunately for the on-road set, a live axle means that turning is difficult. This is not to say that live axles don't have their drawbacks. This is great for sand, loose dirt, etc, where a single wheel would often spin out. When both wheels are turning at the same time, you'll have twice the traction. Since both wheels are locked in to the power all the time, off road go karts often use a live axle. This is accomplished with a single sprocket mounted to the live axle. Live Axles for TractionĪ live axle on a go kart means that the engine will power both rear wheels at the same speed and power. A dead axle would be where the wheels spin freely and the axle does not turn. The simplest of these is the live axle, and the more complicated use a differential.Ī live axle means that the wheels are mounted directly to the axle, and the axle spins. The most common for DIY types is the single wheel drive, but two wheel drive karts are also popular. Go karts use a variety of rear axle types. Stay Single, or Go Live? Go Kart Live Axles Great For Traction, Bad for Steering
