DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A GO-KART STEERING SYSTEM

Abstract

The steering system is one of the most important subsystems of a go-kart because it directly influences directional control, maneuverability, stability, and driver safety. This paper presents the design, development, and performance evaluation of a mechanical steering system for a small gokart. The proposed system consists of a steering wheel, steering shaft, steering column, tie rods, steering arms, kingpins, and front wheels. An Ackermann steering geometry is incorporated to reduce tire slip during cornering and improve maneuverability. The steering system was designed using CAD principles, and the major components were dimensioned according to the requirements of a lightweight go-kart. Kinematic analysis was performed to determine the relationship between steering-wheel input and front-wheel steering angles. The steering system was fabricated and assembled, followed by experimental evaluation of steering angle, turning radius, steering effort, and repeatability. Representative experimental results show that the developed system achieved a steering-wheel-to-road-wheel response suitable for low-speed go-kart operation. The measured turning radius was approximately 2.65 m, while the average steering-angle error was approximately 1.4°. The study demonstrates that a properly designed Ackermann steering system can provide effective directional control for a small go-kart.