Hey everybody, it's KartFab here and today we are going over go kart brakes.
We are going to look at the brake pedal, brake pedal return spring, and how to install that
on the go kart as well as the 4 inch go kart brake band, and the 4 inch go kart brake drum.
Now, if you are just watching this video for the first time; this is part of a series I
have put together on how to build a go kart using this go kart parts kit that I have in
a link in the description.
If you are just looking for the brake band or other brake parts, I also have links in
the description for those.
The first step is to install the brake pedal.
The brake pedal requires a 5/16" bolt right through the hole you drilled into the frame,
and then a nut to secure it.
You want to make sure there is a little bit of play in there and it can rotate freely.
If you look here, the tie rod clearance is very important.
You don't want to slam on the brakes and accidentally hit the tie rod: so we install what are called
pedal stops.
You just take some 3/8th inch round bar and you weld pedal stops to prevent the pedals
from over-rotating to contact the tie rods, or from coming towards you too far.
Next is the brake return spring.
This will hold the brake in its disengaged position (towards you) when your foot isn't
on the pedal.
This will keep the brake band from contacting the brake drum while you are driving around
(not pressing on the brakes).
Next is the brake band retaining stud.
This stud is what the brake band will rotate on, and it is actually attached to the frame.
You take your drive wheel assembly, (make sure it is all put together) put it on the
dead axle and kind of clamp the brake down a little bit, right exactly where you want
to have it, and tack weld it in place.
If you are satisfied with the weld, finish welding it, and then use a little stamp here
to put a divot in the 3/8" round bar.
Drill a hole through it, and that will house the cotter pin (which will keep the brake
band from sliding back and forth).
What you do is you slide the cotter pin through it, and bend the edges down.
Your brake band can now freely rotate back and forth as you press the brake pedal.
Since you are going to use this as the pivot point, you want to make sure that this 3/8
inch round bar is welded very strong.
I welded it on both sides.
The next thing we are going to look at will be the rest of the assembly for the brake
rod.
The brake rod requires you to cut out a little bit of 3/16" flat bar.
Then, you weld that to some 1/4" round bar.
That will serve as the other pivot point for the brake band.
Then, you want to bend the 1/4 inch round bar according to the plans that I have on
KartFab.com.
Next we are looking at the brake rod guide bracket.
This bracket will keep the brake band from contacting the brake drum when you are driving.
The brake band really doesn't have anything to hold it in place.
The clevis pin, that's that thing right there, is what joins the brake band to the brake
rod.
Moving on to the other end of the brake rod.
After you have everything adjusted just right, you use a C-Clamp to clamp the quarter inch
brake rod to the pedal.
You make sure everything rotates freely.
Make sure that you can actuate the brake pedal, and the brake band will contact the brake
drum.
There's no dragging when its not.
Weld it all up.
I'm TIG welding, but again, you can use any type of welding.
After it is all welded up, take a little spin to the wheel.
Make sure everything works just right, and install your additional cotter pin, cut it,
and you are done installing the brake band.
Thanks for watching this video guys.
If you like it, please comment, give it a thumbs up, and if you haven't already - subscribe.
Last video was go kart steering, next one is throttle.