Perhaps you have heard the phrase “live axle” and are wondering what it really means.
How does a go-kart live axle work?
Are live axles simply ordinary axles?
Go-karts have live axles that enable equal distribution of power between the rear wheels.
Do not worry if you find that overwhelming. We will talk a little more about live axles in the next section and explain how they work for go-karts.
We will also examine some of the advantages and disadvantages of live axles. In our final comparison, we will explore other axle types. Ready to dive deep into all the information that’s ready for consumption?
Understanding Live Go-Kart Axle
In a go-kart, a live axle is nothing more than an axle that fuels both wheels equally.
Live axles must have a single long shaft with wheels attached at both ends. It does this due to a sprocket connecting to the engine’s crankshaft through a go-kart chain.
Features:
- Solid steel shaft
- Wheels connected to both sides
- Mounted to sprocket and brake disk
- Spins wheels with equal force
A rear axle spins with precisely the same speed on both rear wheels. Unlike differential setups, which allow wheels to spin at different speeds, wheels with a go-kart rear axle setup can spin simultaneously.
In short, a live axle involves the rotation of both rear wheels simultaneously and with an equal amount of force. The spokes of a live axle rotate uniformly, regardless of whose portion attaches to the sprocket.
Go-Kart Live Axle Size
There are various independent suspension designs, sizes and dimensions of live axles. You should select a live axle with an overall length of more than 35″ and a minimum of 1″ in width. Check the axle housing length fits your go-kart as the tires and wheels will need clearance for installation.
The Best Live Axles on Go-Karts
Various dimensions and sizes are available for live axles. The type of go-kart you have and its specifications will determine which live axle is best for your kart.
To install and run a live axle on your go-kart, you need several components and parts, which are often available in a kit.
There is a separate review and buying guide available for the best live axle kits. Look into it if you’re interested in a live axle kit. Consider these factors when choosing live axles:
- Axle width
- Axle length
- Axle material
Pros & Cons of a Live Axle
Since go-karts don’t have differentials, you are aware that they lack the feature. You can use a live axle for two primary reasons. With faster acceleration, it is the first reason why it is necessary.
Due to both wheels’ direct and equally distributed power, you cannot split the torque by an intermediate component.
Therefore, both rear wheels are receiving the maximum amount of power. In addition to faster acceleration, it also results in better stability out of corners and chicanes.
Second, weight plays a role. Live axles connect both wheels by long shafts. As a result, your go-kart will be lighter than other alternatives, allowing for faster acceleration and top speeds.
To summarize, a live axle transfers power to the outside wheel more efficiently, and it is also lighter than alternatives. There are other advantages to live axles as well.
Because it has a low profile, go-karts have a very low center of gravity because they require less ground clearance. The axle shaft, two bearings, and two pillow blocks are the only parts that need maintenance on a live axle.
- Increased efficiency of power transfer
- Weighs less than alternatives
- Requires a lower clearance
- Maintenance-free
Though live axle cars are practically defined as go-karts, they have several downsides as well. This drive system’s significant advantage is its biggest weakness since both wheels receive equal power.
When accelerating in a straight line, you’d do well to have both wheels spinning at the same speed, regardless of the situation. When cornering, it’s not as good. In a corner, having both wheels accelerate at a constant rate will cause the go-kart to skid.
Inner wheels cover less ground than outer wheels because of their smaller size. It will be necessary to travel a further distance with the outer wheel hub.
You will skid your go-kart if you do this. Due to this, handling around turns is one major disadvantage.
You will also experience a little more bumpiness with a live axle, as each bump will evenly spread throughout the axle. Go-kart races, however, don’t have this problem since you’re on level ground.
- Handling around the corners
- It can cause your kart to skid
Go-Kart Live Axle & Dead Axle: What’s The Difference?
Live axles are axles on go-karts that distribute power equally between the rear wheel.
In this case, the live rear axle receives torque from the crankshaft via a crankshaft and a chain. The entire axle is a live one and is capable of transferring torque to both rear wheels.
Alternatively, a dead axle prevents torque from being transferred to the attached wheels. It only serves to support the wheels in that sense.
It’s called a “dead” axle because it doesn’t transfer power to the wheels. It may seem like go-karts’ front wheels have dead axle casing, but that is actually not the case.
Go-karts have spindles to facilitate steering wheel movement as the front wheels get incorporated into the frame via spindles. A go-kart does not have dead axles, therefore.
It is common to use dead axles for a vehicle that carries extra weight, but this is unnecessary for go-karts.
Go-Kart Live Axle & Differential: What’s The Difference?
Go-kart differential axles transmit torque independently to each wheel bearing. By doing so, it can split and distribute torque according to which wheel needs it the most. This adds to the ride quality a racer expects.
Differencing the speeds of wheels allows them to spin differently, resulting in better handling.
Unlike a live axle on a go-kart, the rear wheels of a live axle spin at exactly the same speed once you accelerate. Which is better, the live axle or the differential for a go-kart?
For go-kart racing, however, a live axle makes much more sense, which is also one of the reasons go-karts don’t have differential axles in the first place.
There is less ground clearance and maintenance required with a live axle suspension. It is crucial to create a low center of gravity for the go-kart.
A go-kart must excel in acceleration out of corners and in straight lines, so they are ideal for this. Go-karts are therefore more suitable for a solid axle than a differential.
Final Thoughts
The last thing to mention is that live axles are comparatively inexpensive.
They don’t need any other mechanism besides the solid rear axle itself. So, you can use virtually any piece of metal to make one.
And, because live axles enable faster acceleration, the kart will start moving faster than before. That’s why go-karts with live axles tend to do better in races than those without one.
