List of All Go-Kart Parts & Accessories

It takes a lot of essential parts to make a go-kart. Everything from engine parts to tires to transmissions to a kart axle make it function.

Our go-kart parts list covers all the necessary parts you may need.

You’ll find part names and detailed descriptions to comprehend how each part works.

There will also be a discussion of racing, off-road and homemade go-karts, both with electric motors and gas-powered.

Air Filters

As the name implies, an air filter is a device that attaches to the air intake manifold of a go-kart engine or carburetor. Before particles from the air enter the combustion chamber of the go-kart engine, it helps filter them out. The air must be free from dust, debris, and dirt to prevent damage to your engine.

It’s most common to find them on race go-karts, which have a carburetor that mixes fuel and air before it enters the engine. Electric go-karts do not require air filters because they run on electric current rather than gasoline.

Axles

Go-kart axles consist of two shafts connected by hubs at the rear that serve as driveshafts for the wheels. The jackshaft of a go-kart often has a sprocket connected via a chain to the crankshaft.

The axle causes the rear wheels to rotate by passing torque from the engine to it. The rear axle on go-karts must be live since rotational power transmits directly to the rear wheel by the engine.

A live axle is simply a rear axle that evenly distributes power between both wheels of a go-kart. There is no front axle on go-karts since the two front wheels connect to the kart chassis via spindles.

Batteries

Electric go-karts use batteries connected to the motor that stores energy. You can use a variety of batteries on go-karts. Lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries make up the majority of go-kart batteries. Depending on the motor size and the go-kart’s weight, it will require a different amount of batteries.

It is common to connect a go-kart’s batteries in sequence so that the speed controller can match the speed of the electric motor. Most go-kart batteries have a 12-volt rating and a capacity between 3 and 6 amps.

Bearings

An axle bearing is a mechanical component that helps rotate the axle and support it. There are usually two races: one between the outer and inner race, and in-between the two races are rolling elements made of a high carbon chromium steel. It is important to note that this helps support the axle and reduce friction when the axle is rotating.

Pillow blocks inserted into the go-kart bearings keep them securely in place. By mounting the pillow blocks to the go-kart frame, the axle is held securely in place. There are two bearings up front and two at the back of every go-kart.

Belts

When a go-kart has a torque converter instead of a clutch, it uses belts. This belt transfers torque from the driving pulley to the driven pulley. The torque converter needs a rubber belt of a specific size to fit.

The outer circumference and top width of drive belts differ. Asymmetrical and symmetrical belts are also available depending on the design of the torque converter pulley. For a go-kart’s torque converter to run optimally, it needs to be the right size. An incorrect size will result in faster wear and damage.

Brakes

The only way to actively slow down your go-kart is through the use of brakes. Based on the design and type of go-kart, there are different types of brakes available. For go-karts, disc brakes are most common, as they are most effective and use calipers to clamp on the brake disc.

Drum brakes work by applying friction to the drum to slow a go-kart down. Simplest of all brakes, a band brake tightens the brake band on the drum. DIY go-karts are more likely to have a drum and band brakes, while race go-karts are more likely to use disc brakes.

Carburetors

Go-kart carburetors are mechanical parts attached to an engine. A carburetor’s job is to make sure the air and fuel ratios are optimal before entering the combustion chamber. It needs fuel via its fuel inlet and air via its air intake to accomplish this.

Carburetors are mostly found on go-karts, built for performance. Consequently, they occasionally mount on off-road vehicles and homemade go-karts. It’s not necessary to have a carburetor to drive a go-kart but balancing the air-fuel ratio can enhance performance.

Cables

Cables serve an important purpose for go-karts, as they connect different components. Go-karts contain various types of cables running along with their frame. The most common ones include;

The cables are much more prevalent on gas-powered go-karts. There is no need for these cables in electric go-karts, as their components connect through wires that run between the components and the speed controller.

Clutches

One of the two transmissions used in go-karts is the clutch. It is a mechanical device on a go-kart that attaches directly to the crankshaft. In a manual transmission, the clutch engages at a specific engine speed (rpm), which causes it to rotate automatically and transfer power to the rear axle.

When the crankshaft spins, centrifugal force propels friction shoes against the drum. Typically, clutches are used in racing go-karts. Usually, they come with a multi-disc clutch to improve performance. Off-road go-karts tend to use torque converters rather than centrifugal clutches on homemade karts.

Chains

There are various applications for go-kart chains and roller chains based on the configuration and type of go-kart. Its primary function is to transfer rotational power from one sprocket to another by connecting two other sprockets.

The most significant application of the chain is to connect the rear axle sprocket or the jackshaft to the crankshaft sprocket. If a jackshaft or torque converter powers the go-kart, the chain will connect the jackshaft to the rear axle. The diameter, pitch, diameter, and width of roller chains vary.

Controllers

Electric go-karts use speed controllers, which have very specific functions. Besides controlling the speed of a go-kart, these systems also control reversing and dynamic braking.

The battery, accelerator, brake pedal, and speed controller are all connected to the electric motor. Motor speed controllers are available in different types based on voltage, wattage, and type (brushed and brushless motors have different speed controllers).

Engines

In go-karts, the motor is either electric or gas-powered. In addition to being known as gas engines, internal combustion engines are also kind of heat engines.

Engines like these use a combination of fuel and air to power the kart. The pistons in the cylinder move due to internal combustion, which turns the crankshaft.

The types of go-karts use either two-stroke or four-stroke engines. Off-road and standard go-karts commonly use one-cylinder engines like the Predator 212 cc or the Briggs & Stratton 550. The Rotax 125 Max DD2 Evo is one such performance go-kart equipped with a powerful four- or two-stroke engine with multiple cylinders.

Electric Motors

It’s becoming more and more common for indoor rental go-karts to have electric motors. Due to the low noise and lack of pollutants, they are perfect for racing indoors and outdoors. It is fantastic that electric motors are easier to maintain and require fewer parts to operate than gas engines do.

Various factors determine the size, power, voltage, speed, and design of electric go-kart motors. The motor power output of an electric go-kart is measured in watts. Batteries power them, and a speed controller regulates the motor’s speed.

Fuel Filters

Fuel filters play a critical role in go-karts. It prevents contaminants from entering the carburetor and engine. There are two fuel lines connected to it. The fuel tank connects to one of them and the carburetor to the other with a fuel line.

Fuel filters for go-karts come with magnets that prevent rust from growing in the fuel. Additionally, a sieving material separates other impurities. Fuel filters are critical since contaminated fuel can harm the engine or carburetor. In addition, carburetors have tiny jets that can clog, meaning that not enough fuel is getting delivered to the engine.

Fuel Tanks

Fuel tanks are containers for holding the fuel for a go-kart. Go-karts with racing engines typically have their fuel tanks below the steering column to save space.

Fuel tanks may be mounted on the side, near the engine, or toward the back. Due to their ample space, off-road go-karts have their fuel tanks located at the back of their vehicles.

The fuel tank on a go-kart also comes in various shapes and sizes. Fuel tanks for off-road go-karts are usually made of either stainless steel or aluminum. They are extremely lightweight compared with tanks for racing go-karts made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Fuel Pumps

Fuel pumps ensure that fuel flows continuously from the fuel tank to the carburetor. Racing go-karts have fuel tanks because a constant fuel supply gives them better performance.

Due to the fact they are a mechanical device that does not require power, vacuum fuel pumps are the most popular fuel pumps found on go-karts. The suction created when the piston in the cylinder moves downward makes the diaphragm open, allowing fuel to flow down the fuel lines.

Frames

Go-karts use a frame, also called a chassis, as their main support structure. Each component of the frame attaches either directly or indirectly to the frame. The frame acts as the go-kart’s solid base, as well as securing parts to it.

AISI 1018, AISI 4130, or other types of steel are commonly used for frames. Race go-karts are essentially tubular frames made of magnetic steel with a 28 – 32 mm tube thickness, which provides lightweight and structural integrity. Metal frames are more durable on off-road go-karts.

Hubs

Go-kart hubs are the intermediate hardware between the go-kart’s rear axle and wheel. They function as an adapter and hold the wheel firmly in place. Wheel hubs need to be heavy-duty and light, so they are usually made from aluminum or stainless steel.

Go-karts have different front and rear hubs. The front hubs of the wheels contain a bearing socket since the wheels attach to a spindle. It is the axle that connects the rear hubs. The nuts and bolts are used to fasten both the front and rear wheels. In addition, hub sizes are denominated in metric or US measurements.

Ignition Coils

Engines have an ignition coil near them. Spark plugs receive high-voltage pulses from the ignition coil through wires. There would be no components to transfer voltage if there was no ignition coil. In addition to converting low voltage to high voltage, an ignition coil also ignites the mixture of air and fuel in the cylinder.

Jackshaft

There are several types of jackshafts used on go-karts. Jackshafts transmit rotational force by connecting sprockets and chains to the crankshaft and rear wheels. The intermediate shaft transfers rotational forces between the rear axle and the crankshaft.

Usually, jackshafts are used for go-karts where there is not enough room for the crankshaft to connect to the rear axle directly. The jackshaft is positioned between them for easier access.

The driven pulley cannot be connected to the rear axle by itself, so jackshafts are used on go-karts with torque converters. The torque converter must therefore connect to the jackshaft since it runs on belts.

Exhausts

Exhaust systems are available on some go-karts. The exhaust system is more common on racing and off-road go-karts, while homemade go-karts do not usually have one. Either steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber exhaust pipes connect directly to an exhaust manifold.

Despite aluminum’s lighter weight, it’s not so common due to its high-temperature resistance. Catalytic converters and mufflers are also available on some exhaust systems.

Through the conversion of harmful gases into carbon dioxide and water, a catalytic converter reduces pollution. Indoor racing facilities often have these on their gas-powered rental go-karts.

Key Switches

You can start your go-kart in several ways. You may need to pull the starter cord, turn the key switch, or push the ON button to start the go-kart. There are different ways to start a go-kart, depending on its type. Most gas-powered racing and off-road go-karts use key switches for their ignition.

In addition, key switch systems are also there in some go-karts. You can install plastic or metal key switches almost anywhere on the go-kart. In addition to the 3-wire and 4-wire configurations, there is a connector for a 3-pin or 4-pin connection.

Radiators

Racing go-kart parts heat up pretty quickly, particularly if they have high-performance engines. Higher-performance go-karts are usually water-cooled through a radiator, while lower-powered models are air-cooled.

Race radiators for go-karts usually constitute aluminum or brass, which do a great job of dissipating heat. The cooling agent is either water or coolant, which circulates through the engine via a water pump.

Once it passes through the go-kart radiator, the heat disperses. Since electric, off-road, and homemade go-karts are not performance-oriented and rely on airflow to cool, their radiators are not present.

Lights

Racing go-karts generally do not have lights since they require batteries and drain power. Due to this, racing go-karts don’t typically have this configuration. Instead, there are spotlights on the go-kart track for night races.

Most electric go-karts don’t come with lights, but you can get indoor go-karts equipped with lights. Unlike most indoor lighting, LED lighting on go-karts is connected directly to the battery and helps with vision. Lights often mount on the top of or in front of off-road go-kart frames. Lights usually come from halogens or LEDs.

Pedals

There are two pedals on every go-kart. There are accelerator and brake pedals on racing go-karts and off-road go-karts.

The same applies to gas-powered and electric karts. This pedal, however, has a different connection. Unlike gas engines, the pedals on go-karts with electric engines connect via cables.

Seats

Go-karts come in different comfort levels depending on the type. Race go-karts emphasize function over comfort. Seats must be light and snug-fitting so they can fit as well as possible. This is because a lighter seat increases the kart’s performance, and a better fitting seat will allow a kart racer to lean more against corners.

A go-kart’s seat can negatively affect performance and comfort if it is too large. There is more emphasis on comfort with off-road go-karts. They also typically have larger and padded seats. It can be uncomfortable to race on uneven terrain, so padding is important. Additionally, off-road go-karts are available with multiple seats.

Seat Belts

The seat belt is a vital piece of safety equipment on a go-kart. It is not available on every go-kart, however. These are the reasons why seat belts are most common on off-road go-karts and rental karts.

The controlled environment of indoor karting makes it possible to race without safety equipment. Thus, a seatbelt keeps a racer securely in place.

Due to the uneven terrain they drive on; off-road go-karts also have safety belts. The safety belts usually encircle the waist and shoulders in a 3-point or 5-point configuration.

Go-kart drivers rarely use seat belts in professional racing, as they want to keep from being inside the kart when it flips since they have the required safety gear.

Spark Plugs

There is an ignition coil attached to the spark plug. Moving the pistons ignores the fuel and air mixture inside the cylinder, which allows combustion. In go-kart engines, an electrolyte and insulator help disperse heat.

Go-kart spark plugs are typically made from copper, iridium, or platinum and have standard sizes. The types of materials used for go-kart spark plugs differ, and each has its own benefits.

Sprockets

Sprockets are toothed wheels, like cogwheels. Go-kart sprockets have the primary purpose of turning a shaft through a chain attached to various parts. Crankshafts, clutches, jackshafts, and rear axles contain sprockets.

There are a set number of teeth on a sprocket, hence the rear gear ratio on a go-kart. Chain sizes are also compatible with different types of sockets. It is therefore vital to ensure that you are using the correct sprockets and chains.

Steering Wheel

Go-karts have steering wheels as they serve as the primary steering devices. There is a steering shaft connected to the steering column, which holds the steering wheel in place.

There are many types of steering wheels used on go-karts. Their materials usually include steel, polyurethane foam, leather, or polyurethane foam. The steering wheel hub requires a 3 or 5-hole mounting pattern.

There are butterfly-style steering wheels as well as round steering wheels. The ergonomic features in some even offer enhanced grip and vibration dampening.

Torque Converters

Different from a clutch, a torque converter is also a type of go-kart transmission. Unlike a fixed gear ratio, torque converters have a variable gear ratio, and for this reason, are referred to as continuously variable transmissions (CVT). You can vary the gear ratio with a torque converter by pulling on a pulley system with a belt.

The crankshaft connects to a driver pulley, while the jackshaft attaches to a driven pulley. The belt expands once the crankshaft begins to turn, changing the gear ratio. Even in overdrive, the ratio reaches 0.91:1. Low-speed and off-road go-karts most often use torque converters, while go-karts that race use clutches.

Tires

Go-kart tires come in a variety of sizes and types. Weather, surface, performance, and application all affect the features of a tire. The tires on racing go-karts are usually slick and without a profile. These tires are ideal for dry tracks because of their maximum grip. In wet conditions, wet tires have a profile that allows them to operate correctly.

However, off-road go-karts use tires that are larger and have a profile. Off-road racing requires larger tires so the go-karts can navigate challenging terrain, obtain a significant clearance, and absorb shocks. Racers apply tire prep formulas to their tires in advance of a race to enhance grip and reduce lap times.

Wheels

There are several types of go-kart wheels, such as aluminum, stainless steel, and magnesium. Race go-karts tend to be wide, but they’re more lightweight than other models. Magnesium wheels are generally preferred due to their lightweight properties and durability.

The diameter of off-road go-karts is larger because of their larger tires than their narrower width. When it comes to go-kart wheels, there are numerous factors to consider. Wheel dimension, width, height, bolt pattern, material, and bolt pattern all play a role in a wheel’s performance.

Tie Rods

Tie rods connect the lower part of the steering shaft to the tie rods. Each tie rod connects to the left spindle arm and the right spindle arm. Turning the steering wheel causes the tie rods on one of the wheels to push out and the opposite rod on the opposite wheel inward, allowing the go-kart to turn.

Spindles

Go-kart frames have front-side spindles attached to them. Their purpose is to support the wheel hub. Since a go-kart has to steer, it does not have a front axle. In this case, spindle arms and tie rods are responsible for achieving it.

Can You Make Your Own Go-Kart?

Though they may seem complicated, they are relatively easy to build on your own go-kart. If you choose to use higher-quality parts, the price of building a racing kart can be higher. Those on a tight budget can get cheap go-kart parts on sale.

Additionally, it may be possible to build one for less if you’re able to find used go-kart parts at a discount. When you have all the necessary go-kart parts, it gets easier to build them!