Karting1.co.uk

dustcap · Joined: 25 Apr 2011 Posts: 18

Hi Having returned from 2 weeks in the sun and gaining around 8 pounds in weight from holiday food and drink lol I could not wait to get out testing. I had a great day and even though not getting my usual times the kart was mullering most of the other karts on the track. On the last session of the day BANG my axle gave way and snapped clean in two at the bearing near the sprocket. I have heard that the Aixro can eat axles and was wondering if there was a favoured make? I was using a super soft in a Gillard kart, any info would be greatly appreciated before I go and purchase a new axle or three.

Alan Dove · Joined: 26 Sep 2006 Posts: 3766

I wouldn't say the Aixro is eating any more axles than any other engine. As you can see it's a common occurance - http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150282317660904.328556.96849620903&type=1 (if you have a pic please send me it and I'll put it in the gallery)

Soft axles appear to be the most vulnerable. You can buy inserts for the axle that provide more stress in the area of the axle which appears to be the weak point. They are often used in KZ, and will probably be mandated for everyone.
_________________
Karting1.co.uk - Karting1 Twitter - Karting1 Facebook

kai · Joined: 27 Sep 2006 Posts: 1273 Location: Southeast England

Antoine · Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Posts: 268 Location: Eastleigh

I looked at Alan's link and I think there is definitly a safty issue around axles. It would be good that somebody put a reg to sort that out.

I understood OTKs are particulary bad in this area.

alexp · Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Posts: 198 Location: london

An axle without gearbox key ways helps, they often snap at that point.

A harder axle helps.

A thicker axle helps.

Mine hasn't snapped (yet), it's a Birel 50x2x1040 F modulus

I don’t carry a spare, Im thinking to get the 50x2.5x1040 D modulus as a spare. The hardness (modulus) is similar, extra 0.5mm tube thickness, im not sure if it is available without gearbox keyways.

http://www.birel.it/it/modulo_assali.pdf

Or the 50 1040 2.5mm 'Hard' Swiss Hutless, which does come with no key ways, and is chrome plated so no rust. The hardness may affect the handling not to my advantage though.

Antoine · Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Posts: 268 Location: Eastleigh

I think the factors in braking axles are:
- The softer the more fragile
- The weight of the package
- Power on the engine (more stress)
- driving style
- The make of axle
- The track (e.g. PFi kerbs have the reputation to brake axles)

kai · Joined: 27 Sep 2006 Posts: 1273 Location: Southeast England

All of the above are surely factors, except I doubt very much that the ‘make’/brand generally makes any difference. That’s based on believing what I’ve heard: almost all of them come off one and the same production line.

Anyway, some effort to help and provide information there, dustcap, but no more word from you?

dustcap · Joined: 25 Apr 2011 Posts: 18

Hi thanks for all the replies,I have fitted a soft instead of super soft and I will keep you informed of how I get on. Once again a big thank you for the advice.