Is your Go-Kart brake pedal feeling a little loose lately? Is it just not stopping like it used to? If your answer is “Yes,” you may want to keep reading. You don’t want to get in an accident because of it, safety first is the tip number one, every time.
I’m thinking, perhaps your brakes are going bad. No worries. It is an easy fix that won’t take up too much of your time!
You probably think it is not something you can do yourself. Well, people do it every day, especially on a budget. All you have to do is learn how to replace go-kart brake pads!
It may seem impossible. It’s not. More people learn by reading on the internet than by books. A simple “do it yourself” read or video will do the trick!
To do this, you will need to plan before you start. It is vital for your brake replacement. You don’t want to miss anything.
During your planning, you must remember that the go-kart is rather large. You’re going to need ample space to work on it. A garage would be ideal, but your backyard will also do fine.
You may also need a workbench or table to place the go-kart on. It will make it easier to work on. The brakes are near the rear tires. They may be hard to work on from the ground
You could always lift the back end only. Put a jack stand or brick under the back end of the go-kart.
How To Replace Go-Kart Brake Pads
To successfully change your go-kart brakes, you want to make sure you have the right parts. You may even want to take the brake pads off before going to the part store. That way, you are sure you have the correct part.
You will need to know the make and model of your go-kart. If you can’t find this information, you will need the part off of the go-kart.
Here is a little tip to remember. When you buy a new go-kart, save the paperwork. Keep receipts, owner’s manual, etc. in a folder labeled go-kart maintenance.
Add the receipts to your go-kart file for any parts you buy. It will come in handy whenever you need to work on the go-kart or sell it. It will make the buyer more confident about their purchase. It is sure to be right for you!
There will also be other things you need — some lubricants for the caliper and brake parts cleaner. If you are unsure, you should talk to a customer representative, and they will direct you appropriately.
Now that you have the brake pads, the parts cleaner, and the lubricant, you are ready.
Tools
Tools are pretty essential when you are replacing brakes on a go-kart.
- Gloves- you will need these to clean the parts and apply the lubricant.
- Socket Wrench
- A socket to fit the bolts that hold the caliper in place.
- Flathead screwdriver.
Step-by-Step Brake Replacement Guide
Below are the step-by-step instructions on how to replace the brakes on a go-kart, but if you are a visual person, you can watch the below video.
- You will need to remove the bolt to adjust the linkage. Be careful not to kink it. Once removed, disconnect the linkage.
- You need to remove the caliper now.
- You will need to loosen the two bolts on the side of the caliper.
- Slide the caliper off by pulling up on it gently.
- Remove the two bolts on the side of the caliper.
- Separate the caliper into two halves.
- Remove the brake pad and the clip that holds the pad.
- Check for any damage done to the caliper housing.
- Clean the caliper and the brake clip with cleaner and a towel. It can cause damage to your new brake pads and your caliper.
- Open and attach the brake pad to the clip. Be sure the clip is on correctly. If you don’t, the caliper will not fit when you go to reinstall it.
- Use the lubricant to ready the inside of the caliper.
- Put the caliper back together and replace the two bolts you removed. These bolts hold the caliper together. They need to be adjusted firmly. Be sure not to strip the bolts. It would be terrible. If the caliper comes loose, you will have “No brakes”!
- Place that caliper assembly back on the mount. Make sure it is on correctly. If it is not mounted correctly, the linkage will not fit properly.
- Reconnect the linkage.
- Replace the adjuster bolt and make sure it is tight. Then loosen it about a half turn.
You will want to double-triple-check all the bolts. Tighten all the bolts according to the instructions. It is an essential step.
You have done it! You have installed new brakes by yourself.
Don’t get too excited; you are not quite finished!
Adjustments
It is time to test the breaks and see how well they work. There are a few steps to this. It will take a few minutes.
- With your hand, press firmly on the brake pedal. The pedal should have a small amount of release to it. You can adjust it accordingly if it is entirely tight or not tight enough.
- To adjust the pedal, you must tighten either end of the cable attached to the pedal.
Once you have made any necessary adjustments to the firmness of the pedal, you are ready for the final step!
Testing The Brakes!
So, before you decide to drive anywhere, you need to test the brakes and ensure they are working correctly.
- Put your Go-Kart back on the ground. You will need to take the go-kart outside where it is safe to test the breaks.
- Check your brake fluid, to make sure it is not needed. You don’t want to be out of brake fluid because it can permanently affect your brake pads. It may be a good idea to create a small kit. Fill it with things you know you will need for your go-kart. Like WD40, towels (for cleaning), extra brake pads, and parts cleaner. Anything else you might need for regular maintenance?
- A helpful tip you can share with other go-kart riders is to keep a log. It is something you keep a record of all your maintenance. You will get a better idea of when to maintain it after a few times.
- Turn the go-kart on and get in. Drive the go-kart forward — just a little bit. Now Hit the brakes firmly.
You now know that your brakes work perfectly. You have succeeded in replacing your go-kart brake pads. That was not as hard as it sounded, was it? Keep reading for some recommended post-brake replacement advice.
Bedding In Your Brakes
Or, in other words, breaking them in. It is highly recommended that you go-kart daily if you are going to be driving. It can help ensure that your brakes are comfortable for the driver.
That way, the driver is confident when driving the go-kart. They do not have to worry about the stops being too harsh or hitting the pedal many times to accomplish proper stopping.
You may be wondering, how do I Bed in my brakes? It’s simple!
- Speed up in your go-kart. To a speed that is comfortable to you but not full speed. What will happen if you go full speed and the brakes are not warned in? You may stop too quickly and tip the go-kart. It could cause bodily harm to the driver.
- While driving at an accelerated speed, hit the brake about halfway. Do it a few times before it slows you down.
- Repeat step 2 around a dozen times. It’s essential to do this without stopping for a while.
- Let the go-kart rest for 10-15 minutes. It allows the brakes to cool down for a while. You don’t want to get them too hot.
- Go back to step 1 and repeat. Do this 3 to 4 times to ensure the brakes are running smoothly.
You may want a few extra times if you are racing your go-kart. It will help you get a better feel for the go-kart. It is important. You will be a more confident driver.
And there you have it! Bedding in your breaks! Is it what you thought it would be?
Probably not. Either way, it’s done!
Conclusion
If you own a go-kart, it is no doubt that it will need breaks at some point. Whether you replace them or take the go-kart to a shop, the process is the same.
Anyone can do it, and you will have fun learning something new. And once you get good at it, perhaps you could help someone else become knowledgeable.
So next time you feel like your go-kart breaks are not performing, you know what time it is! Time to change those breaks to prevent kart accident.
At least you will get a project out of the deal. Maybe even save a few dollars! Something that anyone can appreciate.
Goran, an experienced go-kart racer, fuels GoKartLife.com with his passion and expertise. He offers valuable insights and tips for fellow enthusiasts, fostering the growth of the go-kart community. Join Goran at GoKartLife.com and immerse yourself in this exhilarating sport.
