How to Align The Steering on a Go Kart

  1. How to test proper alignment of the front wheels on a kart?

    • Front Wheel Alignment for Go Karts
      The front wheels should be "toed-in" from 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch. To check alignment, measure distance A and B to the center line (C/L) of the tires with the wheels pointed straight ahead. If dimension A is not 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch greater than dimension B, the front wheels require alignment.
    • When the steering arm on the steering column is vertical and centered, the front wheels are to be aligned directly forward (not turned). If the wheels are turned when the steering arm is vertical the steering angle either to the right or left is reduced and the wheels require alignment.
  2. What to do if my kart steering is out align?

    • Determine whether the vehicle has "leading link" or "trailing link" steering.
      Front Wheel Alignment for Go Karts
    • Determine the type of tie rods used:

      Type #1
      Front Wheel Alignment for Go Karts

      Type #2
      Front Wheel Alignment for Go Karts
  3. Leading Link Steering Alignment:

    • Instructions for Type #1 Tie Rods:
    • Remove the nuts from both rods at the spindle arm.
    • Loosen and move the jam nut away from both rod ends.
    • To make dimension B smaller, screw both rod ends inward 1 or 2 turns.
    • If B needs to be larger, screw the rod ends outward.
    • Tighten both jam nuts tightly against the rod ends.
    • Replace tie rods in spindle arm and replace nuts.
    • Tighten nuts securely.
    • BOLTS AND NUTS MUST BE IN PLACE AND TIGHT BEFORE CHECKING THE DIMENSIONS.
    • Recheck the distance and repeat the above steps above until the dimensions correct.

    • Instructions for Type #2 Tie Rods:
    • Loosen and move the two jam nuts away from the rod ends.
    • To make diminsion B smaller, screw both ends inward on both rods 1 or 2 full turns.
    • If B needs to be larger, screw the rod ends outward.
    • Tighten the jam nuts snugly against the rod ends.
    • Replace the hex head bolts thru the rod ends and spindle arms, and replace the lock nuts.
    • Tighten securely.
    • BOLTS AND NUTS MUST BE IN PLACE AND TIGHT BEFORE CHECKING THE DIMENSIONS.
    • Recheck the distance and repeat the above steps above until the dimensions correct.
  4. Trailing Link Steering Alignment:

    • Instructions for Type #1 Tie Rods:
    • Remove the nuts from both rods at the spindle arm.
    • Loosen and move the jam nut away from both rod ends.
    • To make dimension B smaller, screw both rod ends outward 1 or 2 turns.
    • If B needs to be larger, screw the rod ends inward.
    • Tighten both jam nuts tightly against the rod ends.
    • Replace tie rods in spindle arm and replace nuts.
    • Tighten nuts securely.
    • BOLTS AND NUTS MUST BE IN PLACE AND TIGHT BEFORE CHECKING THE DIMENSIONS.
    • Recheck the distance and repeat the above steps above until the dimensions correct.

    • Instructions for Type #2 Tie Rods:
    • Loosen and move the two jam nuts away from the rod ends.
    • To make diminsion B smaller, screw both ends inward on both rods 1 or 2 full turns.
    • If B needs to be larger, screw the rod ends outward.
    • Tighten the jam nuts snugly against the rod ends.
    • Replace the hex head bolts thru the rod ends and spindle arms, and replace the lock nuts.
    • Tighten securely.
    • BOLTS AND NUTS MUST BE IN PLACE AND TIGHT BEFORE CHECKING THE DIMENSIONS.
    • Recheck the distance and repeat the above steps above until the dimensions correct.