Re: Bearing Block Question
 

Im going to try to describe what we did to resolve EXACTLY the same problem.

Our bot was a 6wheel, but when using bearings we would get chains popping and alot of axel movement. On 80/20 there are 2 causes that we found..

1st. If your drivetrain is just a big square, you have to put in vertical supports otherwise there is enough flex in the length of 80/20 to allow movement of the bearings, chain, and frame.. For us a simple thin aluminum piece on the outside and inside rail at the middle solved that problem.

2nd. Parts walking in the 8020 rail. I just dont think the locking rail system was meant to handle some of the stresses we are putting on it so our bearing blocks would walk ALOT and that would cause us to have to re-align everything frequently.. PAIN in the rear.. We fabbed out of 1/2in alum a block that goes top to bottom and a extension that sits in the channel of the 80/20with a bearing pressed into it. That stops twisting of the block. Now to keep front and rear movement down we drilled 2 holes laterally through the block and would use long bolts mounted through the end of the frame to pull the block backwards, and then the chain pulling towards teh center. This keeps the chain tensioned, and the blocks secure. The center blocks we used L's and double t-nuts to keep them in place.

With this system we didnt have to adjust our chains at all durring competition. Never threw one and it ended up being a perfect sytem for us.

See the pic for a visual description, and im sorry about the limitations of paint!