As stated, it’s extremely crucial that both front and rear sprocket are completely aligned to prevent long-term sprocket, chain and engine damage. There are many ways in order to do this. You can either align your go-kart sprockets manually by using a straight long object, by turning the axle or by using an alignment tool. Let’s explore all three ways in more detail.

1. Align Go-Kart Sprocket by Using a Metal Ruler, Rod or Key Stock

One way of aligning your front and rear sprocket is by using any straight and long object. You can either use a long metal ruler, a rod or a key stock in order to do this. This is a cheap option and you can use any object, as long as it is long enough and is perfectly straight (it must cover the distance between front and rear sprocket). If you don’t have anything of that sort, you can simply get a key stock that will get the job done.

Firstly, ensure that the front or rear sprocket is not locked to the crankshaft and is completely loose. After that, line up the key stock flat against the rear sprocket. The reason why it works better against the rear sprockets is because it’s bigger to rest against and easier to align. Now, get the key stock to point at the crankshaft and ensure that the front sprocket aligns with the key stock, as well. You can do this with or without the chain attached. Now, all you need to do is lock the loose sprocket in place.

2. Align Go-Kart Sprocket by Turning the Axle or Wheel

The second way to align your sprockets is to rotate the rear sprocket by simply turning the axle or the wheel. This is the easiest and cheapest way to get both sprockets to align, but it’s also not as accurate as the other methods. Please use these methods cautiously.

You first want to ensure that your chain is connected to both sprockets. Also ensure that the rear sprocket is securely tightened around the axle and the front sprocket on the crankshaft is loose (not loosened, but completely loose). Now simply turn the large sprocket forward and backwards multiple times by twisting the axle or the wheels.

The more the rear sprocket twists, the more they will align. This happens because the chain moves the front sprocket parallel to the rear sprocket. After they are aligned, lock the front sprocket in place and you’re ready to go. Check out the video below, in order to see this in action.

3. Align Go-Kart Sprocket by Using an Alignment Tool

You can also align your go-kart sprockets using an alignment tool, which is specifically designed to do just that. This is the most accurate way of aligning you sprockets and is therefore my favorite method. There are two types of alignment tools that you can buy.

The first tool is a simple clamp with a rod attached to it, also referred to as a chain alignment tool. This tool is clamped on to the rear sprocket and the protruding rod indicates where the front sprocket should be positioned at. This is basically an alignment tool that is based on the first method.

The second and more advanced alignment tool uses a laser, in order to align the sprockets. The laser alignment tool is attached to the rear sprocket either through a clamping or a clipping mechanism. The laser beam will subsequently indicate where the front sprocket should be locked into place. This is by far the most accurate way to align your go-kart sprockets.