Making Trike and Quadcycle Hub Flanges Without a Lathe

Step 19 Completed Axles

Since this small segment is about a hub flange alternative, not any particular vehicle, many steps have been passed to get to what is shown in Photo 19 - the completed hub-axle assemblies. These two parts are ready to have the spokes installed, creating the ultra durable trike or quad rear wheels. Notice how clean the hub-axles look after the face has been cleaned up. Wheel building is a very relaxing and enjoyable task, including useful skills that are easily learned by anyone with a little patience.

Comments

[pineola]

Very nice work.I recently finished a motorized trike using a 3/4 live ONE PC AXEL.The major problem that occurred was "how to mount the stock factory 20in bike wheels.Problem was solved by machining a steel hub and flange which was then press fit into the stock factory wheel.Naturally i had to remove the guts first.The hub was bored to 3/4 before leaving my lathe.The flange I made was drilled to bolt to the factory flange.Result was a removable wheel with NO WeLDING nor any spoke holes to drill .Anyone familiar with trikes knows you can't have a live axel (both wheels under power) cuz' it won't steer.I solved this by letting one wheel freespin.Nice work but I still prefer to use my well equipped machine shop.

[voldemortkein]

But, What about ball bearings?-


I mean, Its a great work, and I'm new on this Trikes on Quadcycle matters.
And I dont know, This long bar is welded to hub and then this same flange is welded to the other hub, Or What did you connect both to the frame??.
Thanks

[uglymike]

First, the bearings. You use "pillow bearings" bolted to the frame to hold the axle. You'll need 2 bearings per axle segment, which brings us to your second question. The axle is cut into 2 parts. One will be the drive wheel, the other wheel will be free spinning so as to act as a differential. This is how most commercial trikes work. You'll have to figure how to attach the rear sprocket and fabricate a brake system. I'm not associated with them (other than being a fan and customer) so I don't feel bad saying you should check out the website on the author's page.

Mike