THE KEY COMPONENTS OF A KART

This is the component that connects the axle and rims. Its length (with the same track width) affects the stiffness of the axle: longer hubs give a stiffer axle and, consequently, an increase in the pulling of the kart when exiting bends. On the other hand, they disadvantage support while going round bends.

The axle is the part, rotated by the engine, transmits movement to the wheels and allows the movement of the kart. There are several types, which vary according to hardness, toughness, elasticity and yield strength of the material.
The axle is connected to the chassis through three bearings arranged asymmetrically; this "unbalancing", favoured by the asymmetry of the chassis, does not generate any problems, even if the central bearing is often released to further soften the body. Its characteristics greatly affect the performance of the kart.
A harder axle is normally used on wheeled tracks and with soft tyres, trying to achieve a set up with higher torquity rigidity. With little grip, however, it is better to use a soft chassis. The key is a very simple mechanical element that binds the axle to the hubs, gearwheel supports and disc housings.

Connect the axle to the chassis through the bearing holders. Its geometry and its rigidity are the aspects that make axle bending vary with respect to the chassis.

This lever is used to transfer the force exerted on the pedal to the piston inside the pump. The ratio between the force acting on the lever and the area of the internal piston is what determines the braking circuit’s internal pressure. The lever can have different attachments for the tie rod that links it to the pedal: the higher the attachment is placed on top, the less the force necessary to brake but, on the other hand, the pedal movement itself will lengthen. Vice versa, the lower attachment requires more force from the driver, but shortens the pedal movement.

The task of the piston is to compress the oil along the entire braking circuit. Rubber pads are palced on the sides. The tightness of the pads is fundamental to the effectiveness of the system. The above drawing show two pumps: one acts on the front brakes, one on the rear disc.

The tank containing the oil is usually placed above the cylinder. This is the main component of braking. Its task is to compensate for the natural lowering of the oil level, generated by consumption of the pads, thus always ensuring the movement of the pedal.
Some pumps (such as Free Line and OTK pumps, for example) have the oil tank positioned on the upper part of the pump, thereby exploiting the difference in level and avoiding the formation of air bubbles inside the oil circuit.