Rear Tire Wear Normal?

Todd Kageals · Joined: 15 Jun 2012 Posts: 271

Guys,

As I am making final prep. for my next track day (1 week from today), I have noticed that the rear tires on my older kart have worn inside edges. Is this normal? If not, any idea what might cause it? The kart handled terribly but I have since discovered that I had the front and rear way too narrow. My corner weights are also off in the front. They equalize with a very slight turn of the steering wheel. I believe the front alignment might be "off". Any instructions on how to align it????

Thanks,

Toddd

joseph hollinger · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 10:37 pm Post subject: Re: Rear Tire Wear Normal?

Matt Dixon · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 10:46 pm Post subject: Re: Rear Tire Wear Normal?

Todd Kageals · Joined: 15 Jun 2012 Posts: 271

It is normal to see that sort of wear pattern on the rears.

As for the fronts: karts are designed so that the inside front tire lifts that corner of the chassis when you turn. So if you are turning left, the left front tire will lift the left front of the kart when you turn the steering wheel to the left. If you are turning right, the right front tire lifts the right front corner when you turn the steering wheel in that direction. So if you have an weight imbalance in the front, you can almost always "correct" it by turning the steering wheel. But it uncorrects itself as soon as you release the wheel.[/quote]

Well....that seems WAY of for the weight imbalance (my GP is a perfect 42/42). How would I go about correcting it. I still think the alignment is off because it LOOKS off and one of the tie rod has a slight bend in it. Any way to measure without spending $300 on a laser kit?

Brian Degulis · Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 5:47 am Post subject:

You can measure toe in/out using a straight edge clamped to the rear wheel pointing forward past the front. Center the steering wheel and lock it in place then measure from the straight edge to the front wheel. 1-2 MM of toe out is standard.

You can measure camber by leveling the chassis and using a level on the front wheels. Again the steering wheel must be locked center and toe in/out should be 0. It's best to do this with the kart on the ground and the driver plus gear in the kart.

Both methods aren't perfect but much better than just eye balling it.

Brian

Matt Dixon · Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 8:46 am Post subject: Re: Rear Tire Wear Normal?

Todd Kageals · Joined: 15 Jun 2012 Posts: 271