Selection Guide
American Brands: Azusa, Manco, Kenbar, Yerf-Dog, Kartco, Taco, Bonanza, and more
Understanding Wheel Hubs
What Are Wheel Hubs?
Wheel hubs are the mounting components that connect wheels to your axle. They house bearings and provide the mounting surface for wheels, enabling smooth rotation while supporting the weight of your go-kart or minibike.
Key Functions:
- Mount wheels securely to axles or spindles
- House and protect bearings for smooth wheel rotation
- Support vehicle weight and handle lateral loads
- Provide proper wheel alignment and spacing
- Enable easy wheel changes and maintenance
Wheel Hub Types
ADAPTER HUBS
Best For: Converting between different wheel bolt patterns
- Bearings: Ball bearing or tapered roller
- Bore Sizes: 5/8", 3/4"
- Bolt Circle: 4" (4-bolt pattern)
- Studs: 1/2-20 x 1-1/4" welded studs
- Hub Length: 3-5/8"
- Finish: Zinc plated or black oxide
- Includes: Lug nuts included
- Application: Universal wheel mounting
STEEL WHEEL HUBS
Best For: 4", 5", and 6" steel wheels
- Bearings: Ball bearing (5/8" or 3/4")
- Bolt Circles: 64mm (4" wheels) or 90mm (5"/6" wheels)
- Hub Length: 2.5" to 2.75"
- Configurations: Flanged or centered
- Compatibility: P5263 sprocket pattern (some models)
- Finish: Steel construction
- Application: Standard steel wheel mounting
LIVE AXLE HUBS
Best For: Direct mounting to live axles with keyways
- Bore Sizes: 3/4" or 1"
- Keyway Sizes: 3/16" (3/4") or 1/4" (1")
- Bolt Circles: 64mm or 90mm
- Hub Length: 2.5" to 2.75"
- Mounting: Set screws to axle
- Compatibility: 4", 5", or 6" steel wheels
- Application: Solid axle go-karts
4-BOLT ADAPTER HUBS
Best For: Live axle applications with 4" bolt circle wheels
- Axle Sizes: 3/4" or 1"
- Keyway: 1/4"
- Bolt Circle: 4"
- Studs: 1/2-20 x 1-1/4" welded
- Hub Length: 3-5/8"
- Configurations: Stepped or no-step
- Includes: Lug nuts
- Application: Live axle with adapter wheels
ROLLER BEARING HUBS
Best For: Heavy-duty and high-load applications
- Bearing Type: Tapered roller bearings
- Bore Sizes: 5/8" or 3/4"
- Configurations: Sealed or open
- Bolt Circle: 4"
- Hub Length: 3-5/8"
- Advantages: Higher load capacity, adjustable preload
- Includes: Cups, cones, dust shields, lug nuts
- Application: Racing, heavy loads, off-road
Bearing Types Explained
Ball Bearings vs. Tapered Roller Bearings
Ball Bearings (Sealed Precision):
- Advantages: Maintenance-free, pre-lubricated, sealed against dirt/water
- Best For: Standard recreational use, low maintenance applications
- Bore Sizes: 5/8" or 3/4"
- Installation: Press-fit, no adjustment needed
Tapered Roller Bearings:
- Advantages: Higher load capacity, adjustable preload, rebuildable
- Best For: Racing, heavy loads, high-stress applications
- Configurations: Sealed or open (serviceable)
- Installation: Requires proper preload adjustment
- Maintenance: Periodic greasing and adjustment
Adapter Hub
Specs
| Bearing Type | Bore Size | Bolt Circle | Hub Length | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ball Bearing (Sealed) | 5/8" | 4" | 3-5/8" | Zinc Plated |
| Ball Bearing (Sealed) | 3/4" | 4" | 3-5/8" | Zinc Plated |
| Tapered Roller (Sealed) | 5/8" | 4" | 3-5/8" | Zinc Plated |
| Tapered Roller (Sealed) | 3/4" | 4" | 3-5/8" | Zinc Plated |
| Tapered Roller (Open) | 5/8" | 4" | 3-5/8" | Zinc Plated |
| Tapered Roller (Open) | 3/4" | 4" | 3-5/8" | Zinc Plated |
| Tapered Roller (Sealed) | 3/4" | 4" | 3-5/8" | Black Oxide |
All adapter hubs include: Four (4) 1/2-20 x 1-1/4" welded studs, lug nuts, 4" bolt circle
Steel Wheel Hub
Specs
| Wheel Size | Bearing Size | Bolt Circle | Hub Length | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4" Steel Wheels | 3/4" Ball | 64mm | 2.5" | Standard |
| 5" & 6" Steel Wheels | 3/4" Ball | 90mm | 2.5" | Standard |
| 5" & 6" Steel Wheels | 5/8" Ball | 90mm | 2.6" | With Flange (P5263 compatible) |
| 5" & 6" Steel Wheels | 5/8" Ball | 90mm | 2.6" | Centered Hub |
Live Axle Hub
Specs
| Wheel Size | Axle Bore | Keyway | Bolt Circle | Hub Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4" Steel Wheels | 1" | 1/4" | 64mm | 2.75" |
| 5" & 6" Steel Wheels | 1" | 1/4" | 90mm | 2.75" |
| 5" & 6" Steel Wheels | 3/4" | 3/16" | 90mm | 2.75" |
Note: Live axle hubs mount directly to the axle using set screws and a machine key
⚠ IMPORTANT: Be sure to match the hub bore size to your axle diameter and ensure the keyway size matches. Proper fitment is critical for safe operation.
Quick Reference
How to Choose the Right Wheel Hub
- Determine your axle type - Live axle or spindle/bearing setup
- Measure axle diameter - Common sizes: 5/8", 3/4", 1"
- Check keyway size - 3/16" or 1/4" for live axles
- Identify wheel bolt circle - 64mm (4"), 90mm (5"/6"), or 4" adapter
- Choose bearing type - Ball bearing (easy) or roller (heavy-duty)
- Consider application - Recreational, racing, or heavy-duty
- Verify hub length - Ensure proper wheel spacing
- Check compatibility - Sprocket mounting if needed
Bolt Circle Guide
Understanding Bolt Circles:
- 64mm Bolt Circle: Standard for 4" steel wheels
- 90mm Bolt Circle: Standard for 5" and 6" steel wheels
- 4" Bolt Circle: Adapter hubs with 1/2-20 studs for universal wheel mounting
- P5263 Compatible: Some steel wheel hubs can also mount sprockets with 2.875" bolt circle
Installation Tips
For Adapter Hubs (Ball Bearing):
- Bearings are pre-installed and sealed - no adjustment needed
- Slide hub onto spindle or axle stub
- Install wheel and tighten lug nuts in star pattern
- Torque lug nuts to 40-50 ft-lbs
For Adapter Hubs (Tapered Roller):
- Install inner bearing cone and outer cup into hub
- Pack bearings with high-quality wheel bearing grease
- Install hub onto spindle
- Adjust bearing preload: tighten nut while rotating wheel, then back off 1/4 turn
- Install cotter pin or lock nut
- Check for smooth rotation with minimal play
For Live Axle Hubs:
- Clean axle and hub bore thoroughly
- Install machine key in axle keyway
- Slide hub onto axle at desired position
- Tighten set screws - one on key, one opposite
- Use thread locker on set screws
- Mount wheel to hub bolt circle
- Check alignment and spacing
Wheel Hubs vs. Sprocket Hubs
Key Differences
Wheel Hubs:
- Mount wheels to axles or spindles
- House bearings for wheel rotation
- Handle radial and lateral loads from vehicle weight
- Provide wheel mounting surface (bolt circle)
- Focus on smooth rotation and load support
Sprocket Hubs:
- Mount sprockets to axles or jackshafts
- Transfer rotational power through chain drive
- Handle torque and chain tension forces
- Allow gear ratio changes
- Focus on power transmission
Dual-Purpose Hubs: Some steel wheel hubs feature P5263 sprocket mounting patterns, allowing both wheel and sprocket mounting on the same hub.
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