Aluminum axle

[Ewok nz]

I'm just wondering what using a aluminium axle vs steel axle does for the handling of a kart . And how offen they bend ?

[tom]

I've heard a lot of different theories on why aluminium axles work well in our dirt karts. I have also tried a lot of different types of aluminium and steel axle, so have a bit of personal experience to go on here..

Main thing to keep in mind is that the stiffer the axle, the more the chassis will flex.

The aluminium axles aren't as stiff as the steel ones, and slow the rate of transfer of weight. What most people don't understand is that in most cases, this actually produces LESS grip at the outside rear tyre. What most people also don't understand, is that in the low powered classes (KT / J), less grip through the corner, and on corner exit, is what you are looking for. Less grip allows you to run a higher gear, and spin the tyres through the corner to keep engine rpm up.

If you are having trouble bogging down, slow rate of transfer of weight is a good thing.

If you notice the rear cross bar of a lot of dirt karts, it doesn't go directly from side to side, but rather has twists in it, (or a big loop forward like the BRK). This is to slow the rate of flex of the chassis, for similar results.

After seat position, the axle/chassis relationship will have the greatest impact on a dirt kart's performance.