Arrow Karts Owner’s Manual KART SETUP GUIDE
Arrow Karts Pty Ltd 57-59 Nantilla Road, North Clayton VIC 3168 Australia Tel (03) 8558 4000 Fax (03) 9545 3743 (Int’l: Tel +61 3 8558 4000 Fax +61 3 9545 3743) www.arrowkarts.com info@arrowkarts.com Arrow Karts are designed strictly for racing purposes only, and not for any type of commercial and/or rental use.
‘Advanced’ ‘Beginners’ Contents 2 Use and Safety Guide 3 Cornering Diagrams 5 Rear Track 7 Front Track 8 Tyre Pressures 8 Rear Wheel Hubs 9 Crash & Sidepod Bar Adjustment 10 Front End Alignment 15 Height Adjustable Front Stub Axles 16 Seat Stays 16 Adjustable/Removable Torsion Bars & Clamps 19 Axle Bearing Adjustment 20 Height Adjustment of Rear Axle 21 Axles & Wheels 23 Seat – Fit and Position 24 Weighting the Kart 24 Wet Weather 25 Brake Adjustment 26 Adjustable Brak
General Use and Safety Guide Please read carefully Congratulations on choosing an Arrow Kart. Since 1973, we have been 100% committed to the Kart Industry. It’s our life, our passion and our livelihood, so you can count on us being there when you need us. In producing your kart, we have used only the best and highest quality materials and components, and all possible care has been taken.
Modification Please note that under no circumstances does our Company authorise or recommend modifications of any type whatsoever to Go Karts or components we produce. This includes any alternative methods of assembly of any components. Any such alteration or modification performed is totally and solely the responsibility of the person/persons carrying out the same. Arrow Karts are designed strictly for racing purposes only, and not for any type of commercial and/ or rental use.
CORNERING diagrams Many of the problems and kart behaviours mentioned in this Guide refer to the kart ‘understeering’ or ‘oversteering’, and also to the different parts of a corner where the behaviour occurs. The diagrams below graphically explain these terms and behaviours.
Rear Track Problem: “There’s no traction/the kart is oversteering coming from the apex out of a corner” Solution: Reduce the rear track width by 3mm on both sides at a time. Problem: “The back slides/the kart oversteers going into the turns” Solution: Increase the rear track width by 3mm on both sides at a time, being careful not to exceed the maximum regulation width overall of 1400mm.
Rear Track (continued) Rear Track (overall width to outside of rear wheels) Important: Rear track is one of the most important single variables on a kart chassis. Different driving styles and different tracks will require different settings. The standard setting is the best starting point and we suggest you vary the rear track by no more than 5mm each side per change.
Front Track Problem: “Understeer on turn-in to the apex of the corner” Solution: Widen the front track by a 5mm wheel spacer at a time. Problem: “Oversteer or very sensitive front steering causing the rear to slide.” Solution: Narrow the front track width by a 5mm wheel spacer at a time. Front Wheel Spacer Adjustment Wheel Further Out (more spacers inside wheel) For setting the front track width, a good starting point is...
Tyre Pressures It is imperative that your tyres do not overheat during a race, as they will lose grip and you will lose speed! We recommend that you ‘Hot Pressure’ your tyres at the end of each session (i.e check the tyre pressure immediately at the end of a session) then adjust all of the tyres to the working hot pressure. Below is an approximate cold & hot pressure guide. For specifics, contact your local dealer.
Rear Wheel Hubs (continued) Note: If your Arrow is fitted with a 40mm axle the wheel hubs incorporate a unique design with a wheel-locating insert. Fit the insert if you have your wheel hubs over the end of the axle and remove the insert if you want to slide your wheel hubs further inwards for a narrower rear track. Important: To remove the insert slide your wheel hub onto the axle and tap the hub against the end of the axle until the insert falls out.
CRASH & SIDEPOD BARS (cont) Front Crash Bar: The bolts securing the front bar are best left firmly tightened but do not over tighten. Loosening the front bar will reduce the front steering/grip. Note: If your kart has a front crash bar that also has two vertical bolts holding it to the front pedal bar, then be sure that these remain firmly fastened at all times. Front END Alignment It is important to remember that all karts need to have a wheel alignment done prior to each new day on the track.
Front End Alignment (cont) 2. Adjustable Ackerman Problem: “The kart lacks steering into and through the middle of a corner” (i.e. I need to turn the wheel excessively to steer through the corner) Solution: Increase the amount of Ackerman by moving the tie rods to the inner mounting holes on the stub axles.
Front End Alignment (cont) this in a car or, in our case, kart is called Ackerman. The outside holes give almost parallel steering meaning front wheels turn at almost the same rate one to the other. In using the inner hole offered on each stub axle, the kart will have more Ackerman or, in other words, the more the inner stub axle will turn in ratio to the outer stub, (or, if you like, the more the toe-out increases as the steering wheel is turned.
Front End Alignment (cont) Problem: “The back slides/the kart oversteers going into the turns” Solution: If camber/caster adjusters are fitted on the kart, reduce the caster setting. Problem: “There is too much steering or front end bite on turn-in” Solution: If there are camber/caster adjusters in the kart, reduce the caster. Problem: “There is understeer all the way through the turn” Solution: If there are camber/caster adjusters in the kart, increase the caster.
Front End Alignment (cont) Note: Some Arrow kart models have only two caster settings: Backward = Minimum & Forward = Maximum (see below) Front Front Minimum Caster Maximum Caster Negative/Positive Camber Negative camber is when the top of the tyre leans towards the centre of the kart. Using negative camber will reduce the amount of steering response the kart has, and will give more rear grip. Positive camber is when the top of the tyre leans away from the centre of the kart.
Height Adjustable Front Stub Axles Problem: “The front understeers on entry to 180° turns” Solution: Raise the front ride height i.e. lower the front stub axles in the chassis by one spacer at a time Problem: “The front understeers from the middle to the exit of fast turns” Solution: Lower the front ride height i.e. raise the front stub axles in the chassis by one spacer at a time. Why? Height adjustable front stub axles are an aid to achieving that ‘perfect’ kart set-up.
Seat Stays Problem: “There’s no traction/the kart is oversteering coming from the apex out of a corner” Solution: Mount seat stays on either side of the seat. In certain applications 2 sets of seat stays can be fitted. Problem: “The kart is unsettled over bumps” Solution: Remove the seat stays. Problem: “The kart is slow coming off corners, and is pushing from the rear” Solution: Remove the seat stays.
Adjustable/Removable Torsion Bars and Clamps (cont) Problem: “There is understeer all the way through the turn” Solution: 1. Turning the rear torsion blade bar towards the horizontal position will reduce rear mechanical grip while increasing rear chassis roll. If the rear torsion bar is already ‘full soft’, remove the bar completely. 2. In the case that they are fitted, remove the tensioning bolts from the side torsion bar/ fourth rail.
Adjustable/Removable Torsion Bars and Clamps (cont) Why? 1. Removable Front Torsion Bars & Clamps Removable front torsion bars and clamps affect the mechanical grip of the front tyres. Removing the front torsion bar in your kart will decrease front-end mechanical grip. 2. Adjustable/Removable Side Torsion Bar (chassis fourth rail) The tension bolts on the fourth rail on some karts are designed to allow adjustment to the stiffness of the centre section of these chassis rails.
Axle Bearing Adjustment 1. Axle Bearing Adjustment Problem: “The kart sits ‘flat’ on the exit of turns” Solution: On Arrow karts using a 3 bearing rear axle design, under certain conditions where grip level is high, less grip may be achieved by loosening the centre bearing. Remove the bolts from the alloy bearing flange and loosely fit cable ties through these holes. NOTE: The results of this will change dependent on the tyre you are running. 2.
Height Adjustment of the rear axle X1-Shifter, X1-CIK, X1E-CIK, X1-28C, AX9 125, AX9 CIK & AX9 B-MAX: These karts feature Arrow’s unique cam adjusting ride-height adjustment system. Its user friendly design makes it easy to set the ride-height for all conditions – here’s how... 1. Loosen engine clamp bolts, but do not remove the chain. 2. Loosen the seat stay bolts both at the top and the bottom. 3. Loosen all four bearing flange bolts on all three flanges. Now you’re ready to adjust the ride-height.
axles & Wheels AXLES There are many different types of axles available for your Arrow kart. Each of these will cause a different sensation and will affect the way the kart handles on entry, in the middle and on the exit of a turn. Your job, depending on the track conditions, will be to decipher which axle suits both your driving and the track conditions. Below are some examples of what they will do. Keep in mind that starting in the middle or ‘medium’ is often the best place.
axles & wheels (cont) 30mm SOLID – Mainly used in Hire Kart applications, this axle will make the kart extremely stiff, possibly generating a lot more grip and is generally not very user friendly. THICKWALL – Mainly used in cold, slippery conditions, it offers more rear grip than the thinwall version. THINWALL – This is the standard 30mm axle. It suits most racing conditions and generally makes setup of the rest of the kart quite easy.
Seat – Fit and Position How to fit a seat correctly... Picking a seat that fits you correctly and fitting it into your kart are two very important operations that will affect the performance of the kart. Firstly, make sure the seat fits you well. We recommend the Kartech RT (for ‘SL’ type tyres) or Kartech RT Stiff (for high grip ‘SL’ or ‘Open’ type tyre) seats. Place the chosen seat on the floor and sit in it with your legs out flat and arms held out as if you were in your kart and driving it.
Weighting the Kart Lead ballast should be securely fastened to the sides, rear or underneath of the seat. The best place for the majority of your lead ballast is underneath the seat at the front (Crotch area). Do not add ballast to any other part of the kart chassis. A driver with a light body weight may achieve better handling by fastening ballast as high as possible on the seat. Adding a significant amount of ballast can have a marked affect on the handling of the kart.
Brake Adjustment 1. Pad Wear Adjustment Problem: “The engine has no top end speed” Solution: Verify the brakes are not dragging. If needed, increase the gap between the rear brake pads and the disc by removing shims between the caliper piston and the brake pad.
Adjustable Brake Balance Bar (as fitted on kart models with front brakes) Problem: “Too much front end bite on turn-in” (steering wheel tries to rip from your hands) Solution: On karts fitted with front brakes, adjust the brake bias to increase rear braking. The brake balance bar on karts with front brakes allows you to regulate the percentage of braking done between the front and rear wheels.
Brake Maintenance (cont) Note: After a period of 3 months it is recommended you replace the brake fluid by re-bleeding. Whilst bleeding the brake, ensure the fluid level does not drop. Ensure pad adjustment is kept within tolerance given. Lack of adjustment will result in calliper piston and bore wear becoming excessive, and leakage occurring. 3. Ensure the master cylinder lever always has free play.
‘Blue Printing’ Your Arrow Racing Kart Arrow karts are highly sensitive machines. As you will soon find out, even the slightest of adjustments can make the biggest of differences to the way the kart handles. These adjustments will have a very large impact on the final results of your race weekend.
‘Blue Printing’ Your Arrow Racing Kart (cont) Affixing Side Pod Bars Always tighten the rear bolt first as the front hole is slotted. 1 2 Proper fitment & Alignment of Rear Axle Flanges & Axle 1. Firmly tighten both the far left & far right bearing flanges into their respective bearing hangers. 2. Slide axle through L/H flange, right up to the face of R/H bearing. Now wiggle axle front to back & left too right, for proper alignment, it should move in each direction equally, relative to the bearing.
Fitting Tyres Fitting tyres will depend upon the class the kart is being assembled for. When inflating the tyre to seat the bead, do not over inflate. There is a very real risk of serious injury if the manufacturer’s advice printed on the sidewall of all tyres is not followed. To aid the seating of the bead a light coating of soap applied before inflation and using external steel tyre rings around the tyre will help.
Owner Registration Card ✂ Important: This card must be filled out by the Kart Dealer selling the kart and forwarded to Arrow Karts Pty Ltd. It is essential this registration card is on file should any queries require future attention by Arrow Karts.
gear ratio chart 9 10 11 12 13 14 64 7.11 6.40 5.81 5.33 4.92 4.57 65 7.22 6.50 5.90 5.41 5.00 4.64 66 7.33 6.60 6.00 5.55 5.07 4.71 67 7.44 6.70 6.09 5.58 5.15 4.78 68 7.55 6.80 6.18 5.66 5.23 4.85 69 7.66 6.90 6.27 5.75 5.30 4.92 70 7.77 7.00 6.36 5.83 5.38 5.00 71 7.88 7.10 6.45 5.91 5.46 5.07 72 8.00 7.20 6.54 6.00 5.54 5.14 73 8.11 7.30 6.63 6.08 5.62 5.21 74 8.22 7.40 6.73 6.16 5.69 5.28 75 8.33 7.50 6.82 6.
suggested maintenance schedule Item Every Race Meeting After After After 1 Meet 3 Meets 5 Meets 1 Season or or or or Running Every As In Run 100km 300km 500km Req’d 1,000km Remarks Axle Inspection • • Axle Bearing: Inspection Retighten Replacement • • • • • Bearing Grub Screws: Inspection Retighten • • • • Bolts & Nuts: Retighten • • Brakes: Retighten (spring nut brake line protection) • Refer to brake maintenance section on page 19 Inspection (disc) • • Inspection (pad clear
Item Every Race Meeting After After After 1 Meet 3 Meets 5 Meets 1 Season or or or or Running Every As In Run 100km 300km 500km Req’d 1,000km Remarks Chassis, including all welds: Inspection • • Cleaning • • Drive Sprockets: Inspection Replacement • • Engine: Engine Mount Clamps: Retighten Inspection (red nylon inserts) • Refer to Owners Manual Maintenance Schedule • • • Fuel line/Fuel tank: Inspection (tank) • • Inspection (hose) Cleaning (tank) Replacement (hose) • • • • Spro
Troubleshooting question & answer index PROBLEM HANDLING: Rear grip (lack of) POSSIBLE SOLUTION/S PAGE Axle Bearing Adjustment ___________________________________________________ Rear Track Adjustment ______________________________________________________ Seat Stays ______________________________________________________________________ Adjustable/Removable Torsion Bars & Clamps _ _____________________ Seat - Fit & Position _ ________________________________________________________ 19 5 16 16 23 Rear
This guide is intended as a general handling and setup guide for all karts, as well as being an Owner’s Manual for the Arrow range of karts. For more information on Arrow karts, visit the web site at www.arrowkarts.com Your Arrow Karts dealer is: www.arrowkarts.
