When a driver applies the brake pedal on their go-kart, it converts that force into hydraulic pressure that operates the caliper pistons. This pressure is controlled by the master cylinder.
The master cylinder, located at the rear of your go-kart, converts force from pedal push rod or balance bar into hydraulic pressure that activates brake calipers. The amount of pressure generated depends on applied force divided by bore area of the master cylinder.
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Brake Pads
Go kart brakes require the use of a hydraulic master cylinder, which converts pedal power into hydraulic pressure that hits brake pads in mere seconds.
Master cylinders are made from some of the highest quality materials on earth, meaning your new one should last for years. To extend its usefulness, there are a few things you can do such as regularly changing brake fluid and keeping the venting hole in the top-up reservoir clean.
It’s worth checking the brake pads attached to your master cylinder to see if they need replacing. They’re generally affordable and easy to replace, which you should be able to find at any auto parts store. They come in various shapes and sizes made from high-grade ceramics or semi-metallic materials.
Brake Hoses
Your go kart’s hydraulic brake master cylinder uses a fluid to push brake pads under pressure, just like cars and mountain bikes do. This fluid then flows through hoses to either a disc caliper (in disc brakes) or wheel cylinder (for drum brakes) for added control and stopping power.
Rubber hoses are the most commonly used brake hoses in go karts due to their affordability, versatility in temperatures and hydraulic pressure, and excellent braking performance.
However, over time rubber hoses can start to age and crack, leading to leakage of brake fluid. If your brake hoses are showing signs of wear, consider replacing them with stainless steel hoses instead.
Brake hoses are constantly exposed to abrasion, turning, flexing and high hydraulic pressure which wears them down over time. You should watch for signs of a failing brake hose such as a soft pedal or puddle of brake fluid at its end fittings.
Brake Band
When the brake pedal of a go-kart is depressed, hydraulic brake fluid is pumped into its master cylinder and then forced into your brake caliper. This squeezes your brake pads and discs together, taking away some of your vehicle’s kinetic energy.
Go karts utilize hydraulic brakes, similar to what cars and mountain bikes use for disc brakes.
Many go karts now feature disc brakes instead of drum brakes, as these are more efficient, compact, and easier to maintain.
Before replacing your go kart’s brake drum, it is essential to make sure you use the appropriate size band. 4″, 5 and 6 inch bands will only fit certain diameter drum brakes.
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Brake Disc
Go kart hydraulic brake master cylinders convert the pressure on the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure by providing the circuit with brake fluid and controlling this according to mechanical force from the caliper. A malfunctioning or defective master cylinder will lead to poor braking performance.
The caliper squeezes brake pads against discs to reduce kinetic energy and slow down a go kart. Friction between them causes heat which in turn slows down the vehicle.
Disc brakes are the most commonly used brake in competitive racing go karts. They function much like bicycle brakes.
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There are some key distinctions between disc and drum brakes. Disk brakes use the rear wheels to slow down a kart, while drum brakes depend on rear wheels for slowing down the vehicle. Furthermore, drum brakes require more components than disc brakes due to their more complex design.