Brake Band

[bthompson224]

OK, while I have the rear wheel off, I thought I might as well put on a new brake. Ordered a 4" band, but it seems way too tight. This is for a Manco 415, part number in the manual says 1036 (4" band). Anyone used a 4.5" with any success? First image is with the bottom of the band catching the bottom of the drum. Second is the measurement of the drum, third is just how it's set up.

 

[J.S.@SMS]

Quick stupid question. Have you checked it without the cable hooked up? It's quite possible that there isn't enough slack in the cable, which is keeping the band from opening up enough. So try fitting it again, but without the cable being connected.

 

[bthompson224]

It's a rod, so no more slack to give. I moved it out to the last hole at the pedal and at the band. The old one worked fine, and the wheel assembly slipped right off. It's just too small. Still, the old one has some glazing and is about half way worn to the metal. The OEM part seems a tad longer.

 

[J.S.@SMS]

Then you likely need a 4.5" band.

 

[Tpdingo]

I believe there are also 4.2" bands too.

 

[Karttekk]

One other thing to check is this double rod & spring setup, make sure nothing is binding or hung up here. Your brake pedal is definitely returning all the way back?

Thanks

 

[bthompson224]

One other thing to check is this double rod & spring setup, make sure nothing is binding or hung up here. Your brake pedal is definitely returning all the way back?

Thanks

Yeah, that all looks good.

 

[Karttekk]

Maybe ask the vendor where you purchased the band to measure a stock brake drum, it could be someone changed yours along the way with one that was too big in diameter. Stock OEM parts should match up and work. I just picked up a similar kart. The only way I could get the band to fit is disconnect the rod at the pedal, install the band on the drum then reconnect the rod to the pedal. Something to consider.

Thanks

 

[bthompson224]

So, I read somewhere a while back that these are not actually 4" drums, it's exactly as I measured 4-3/16. However this article also said that the bands were also rounded down, everyone just called them 4". Doesn't seem to be the case, at least for this band. I put the old band and the new band side by side, the old one is about 1/2" longer using the same radius bend. I found some 4-3/16 inch bands, I may order one. I was hoping someone had a similar issue before dropping another $20. I kinda doubt the previous owner did anything to it. The thing looks almost brand new. When I got it the clutch was half toasted and the carb gunked up with the tank full of very old gas. Tires still had nipples on them.

 

[Karttekk]

See if you can exchange that band for another one, if it's wrong the vendor should honor an exchange. I think I have a new one from an older Carter I can measure and ship it to you no charge if you're interested.

 

[bthompson224]

Thanks, I certainly appreciate it. I already had another headed this way for a spare, from a different provider. I'm hoping it's the correct one. I wish people actually carried these in stock locally.

 

[KartFab]

if you are still having issues with brake rod adjustment you can cut the end of the rod off at the pedal end of the rod, tap the end, and thread on a "brake rod adjusting clevis - fork type" for fine tuning...just my 2 cents.

Another option is if the brake rod doesnt fit, you just bend more it to make it shorter, or straighten it out to make it longer.

 

[bthompson224]

if you are still having issues with brake rod adjustment you can cut the end of the rod off at the pedal end of the rod, tap the end, and thread on a "brake rod adjusting clevis - fork type" for fine tuning...just my 2 cents.

Another option is if the brake rod doesnt fit, you just bend more it to make it shorter, or straighten it out to make it longer.

Thanks, pretty sure it's the band. Advertised as a replacement for a Manco 1036, also advertised as a 4". From what I can tell, the 1036 is 4 3/16.

 

[bthompson224]

The 4 3/16 just showed up, fits great, sort of. I just need to bend it into the correct shape for even wear, but it fits around the drum great and is the same length as the original.