Go kart

[James325]

I'm not sure about the bolts, I got the idea from here
http://www.diygokarts.com/kart-plans/steering-plan-spindles.html

 

[Robotstar5]

Depending on how quick you intend to go as to how serious a steering failure/collapse would be.

 

[James325]

I don't know enough about the science behind it. But if I replaced the bolts with something I have machined will it be stronger ?
I was thinking about replacing the bolts with a pin type arrangement, then I can take out the bit of play currently in between the bolt shank and the tube.

 

[Justme]

I would use a hardened bolt with no threads in the wear area. Keep em well greased. Easy & cheap to replace when needed.

 

[PhillipM]

I'd stick a thrust bearing top and bottom and then grease the shank, should sort that out.

Brace between the steering arm and the stub too.

 

[NTwoO]

I would use a hardened bolt with no threads in the wear area. Keep em well greased. Easy & cheap to replace when needed.

Hardened bolts break, softer bolts bend. Hardened bolts are "high tensile" bolts. They don't like to bend. An 8.8 bolt will still bend.

 

[PhillipM]

Hardened bolts break, softer bolts bend. Hardened bolts are "high tensile" bolts. They don't like to bend. An 8.8 bolt will still bend.

Even a 12.9 will bend a fair way before it breaks. Enough to jam that steering first anyway...