Third bearing

[Calvin]

Hi Garry
My son drives a Q31 Rotax Max class
I am wondering, can we run the kart with the third bearing out?
what effect will this have, negative or positive?

Regards
Cal

[Garry Lobaugh]

3rd bearing, by meaning the middle bearing I assume. You might consider the following:
Take bolts out and leave the bearing and bearing hanger.

Then remove the complete assy and run only the two outer. Getting better results are a combination of testing and driver training. You can do anything to a kart set up. Taking accurate notes and set up information but only making one change at a timeis critical.

In our past years, the boys ( Tim and Chris) might run two hundred laps each over a weekend of testing. Maybe we didn't do it as scientifically as one can now, but we sure did get a lot of seat time. All of the above will help in making a better driver and crew chief. You asked a good question, now go for it!

[Tim Hollowell]

Calvin,

Removing the third bearing will help to free up the rear end of the kart in most cases. This is usually done on a track with a fair amount of rubber on it. I think the best thing to do in your case is to first take out all the bolts and put zip ties in the cassettes and have your son go out and drive the kart and see how he likes it. If the change is a positive one, I would go ahead and completely remove the bearing . I would only do this if the kart is too tight or having trouble getting freed up on the exits of corners. Hope this helps...

-Tim-