help with brake pod seals?

[zip kart]

help with brake caliper pot seals?

my kart has kelgate brake system 2 pot
and it needs new pads
and new brake fluid as the brake fluid in it is like dirty engine oil
but the main problem is the seals in the pots are worn
in each pot
1 of the seals are good but the other is bad
and that's the same for the others
I cant seem to find any seal kits
so im just wondering can I use O-rings as seals as there the same size
il get some pictures 2moro

 

[itsid]

You may ask r3technology for the repair kit you need,
if in doubt send pictures of your caliper (and measure the pistons)
http://r3technology.com/kelgate/kelgate-products/

'sid

 

[zip kart]

So using o-rings wont work then

 

[zip kart]

which pads should I get
theres different types like
soft,medium and hard
don't no which 1s to get


found seals not too cheap eitherhttp://www.ebay.ie/itm/KART-Kelgate-K-Caliper-Repair-Kit-Best-Price-On-Ebay-/281102487641?pt=UK_Cars_Parts_Vehicles_Other_Vehicle_Parts_Accessories_ET&hash=item4173039059

can I not just use O-rings that are the same size?

il upload some pictures of the kart
and the brakes soon

 

[itsid]

Softer pads brake faster and wear faster (ideal for rainy days),
hard wears slower but needs a little more pressure on the pedal (racing conditions)
So use medium for the best everyday brake compromise.

Regading the O-rings I'd say no;
and since the brakes are a vital part (as in "staying alive") I wouldn't take any chances

'sid

 

[zip kart]

when putting in the new seals is there a special way of putting them in or just press them into the grove ?

 

[zip kart]

new pictures of kelgate brake calliper
and picture of kart
im now striping it down ready for new spray job

 

[zip kart]

more pics

 

[ost911]

Softer pads brake faster and wear faster (ideal for rainy days),
hard wears slower but needs a little more pressure on the pedal (racing conditions)
So use medium for the best everyday brake compromise.

Regading the O-rings I'd say no;
and since the brakes are a vital part (as in "staying alive") I wouldn't take any chances

'sid

whats wrong w o-rings????

daily i build hyd rams w/ o-rings and back up that see 10k psi and operate around 400*

im a hydro guy by trade. if you've got grooves that o-rings and back up's came out of, spec your groove dimensions, if squeeze and groove width is in tolerance go back w it. just get viton o-rings. and check your squeeze for a reciprocating seal.

 

[zip kart]

more pics

theres groves for the seals to go into
2 seals in each
cant really see it in pictures il get better pics 2moro
so I can use O-rings then ?

 

[ost911]

id say yes, you say seals came out of the grooves not o-rings?

 

[itsid]

I'd still say no, I've seen (ordinary) O-rings fail on a spigot;
the pressure involved is not anywhere near to the internal pressure of a brake caliper.

It doesn't hurt to get a good splash of water
but a failing brake may cause serious injuries.

So when it comes to brakes, I'd go with the seal the manufacturer provides, not any hardware store stuff.

'sid

 

[zip kart]

more pics of brakes

 

[zip kart]

whats the best way to clean up all the scratchs on the piston pots ?

 

[zip kart]

any ideas guys?

 

[mckutzy]

They make a brake hone for that. Kinda like a cylinder home but much smaller.
If the pistons are scratched you might need to talk to some pro brake or hydro guys( some one mentioned being a mechanic, sorry on my phone)

 

[zip kart]

there only abit scratched around the top
just wondering can I sand down them?

 

[itsid]

if the seals are tight I woudn't try to remove the scratches,
by the look I'd say there was dirt under the brake pads that caused the dents.
Given that it's fair to assume the sidewalls are still okay.

Try this: remount the two good seals to one of the pistons and slide it back to its cylinder,
move it up and down and listen closely if you do not hear any imperfection
(scratching sound as if there's sand) you should be good as it is.
Now use the same two good seals on the other piston and cylinder and repeat.

Note: This is only an assumption, but by the looks of the pistons I'd say it's just a cosmetic imperfection.

To be on the safe side, ask the r3t guys or even the ones at kelgate.co.uk directly for advice.
Again, brakes are vital and you should make sure yours is in perfect working order.

'sid

 

[ost911]

it looks as the damage on the pistons will never touch a seal during operation. id smooth the bad spots down before installing the pistons back into the caliper housing so you don't damage the new seals.

 

[OzFab]

The scratches are nowhere near the seals so you can do what you like, sand 'em, file 'em, whatever it takes.

Here's a safety tip: Before you do anything, get some duct tape & wrap it around the pistons a few times about 3/8" above the seal groove; this will prevent any accidental damage to the grooves.

whats wrong w o-rings????

O rings have a round profile, brake caliper seals have a square profile to prevent damage during installation & create a larger sealing area, not to mention being impervious to brake fluid which some O rings are not