Question 1

Will thick pads fit in my GTK caliper?

Accepted Answer

To use thick pads you must have short pistons.  Short pistons can be identified by being flush with the caliper surface when fully pushed in (see photo)

Question 2

Why should I always use DOT5 silicon based fluid?

Accepted Answer

Using anything other than DOT5 will prematurely perish the internal seals and cause leaks.
 
  Blackening of the fluid is an indication that the seals are degrading.

Question 3

How many Pad compounds are there?

Accepted Answer

Kelgate offer soft (black), medium (blue) and hard (red) pad compounds in all pad types.
A hard compound operates at higher temperatures and requires greater force on the pedal to generate the friction to slow down, however they will last longer.

Soft pads operate effectively at lower temperatures but will quickly wear with too much heat.  The pad surface may glaze over if temperatures get too high leaving the pads with very little friction and reduced ability to stop.

Some hard pads are also available in Thick variant for extra longevity.

Question 4

Which way should the disc be mounted?

Accepted Answer

Kelgate brake discs are specially designed to expel air on rotation.  Cool air is drawn in at the centre of the disc and expelled on the outer edges when the disc is rotating.
When looking at the top of the disc from the side, one of the 3 grooves should be "leaning backwards" so that the outermost part of the groove is closer to the rear than the the innermost part.
Our newest 12x200mm discs (GTK) now come with a directional arrow.

Question 5

What is the benefit of a floating caliper?

Accepted Answer

The floating caliper bracket ensures the disc and caliper remain at a constant position relative to each other.  This means that any flex in the axle or chasis will not cause the disc to drag against the pads.  This typically occurs when cornering and will hamper a quick exit particularly for the lower powered karts.

Question 6

Are Kelgate brake only for Go-Karts?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not.  Kelgate brakes are used on a variety of motorsport vehicles as well as an industrial brake.

Question 7

Which calipers will the Floating Brackets fit?

Accepted Answer

The Kelgate Floating Calipers only fit the GTK and the K calipers and with a 30mm axle.

Question 8

What are Ceramic Coated Pistons?

Accepted Answer

The smooth operation of the caliper pistons, particularly piston retraction is essential for optimal performance.
Ceramic coating is significantly tougher than anodising and ensures a smooth surface for the seals to interact with as well as insulating the caliper from brake pad heat.

Ceramic pistons are identified by their yellow colour.

Question 9

How do I get my pistons out?

Accepted Answer

1. The easiest way to remove your pistons is to pump the brake slowly whilst connected to the Master Cylinder.  Ensure there is something inserted between the pistons (where the disc would be) to prevent any piston popping past the inner seal - a piece of wood is useful for this.
 
Once the pistons are 90% out they can easily be removed fully by hand.
 
2. If the caliper is disconnected the next best approach is to insert a 3mm or 2.5mm allen key (3mm for slotted magnets / 2.5mm for smooth magnets) into the screw in the centre of the magnet.  Using a clockwise rotation (anti-clockise may undo the screw) rotate the whole piston whilst pulling outwards.  Once the pistons are 90% out they can be removed by hand.
 
3. If your pistons are perforated (holes drilled around the circumference) a 2mm diameter bar can be inserted through one hole and out through an opposite hole.  Rotate and pull outwards to remove the piston.
 
4. If there are no magnets or perforations then internal pliers are the next option.  Grip the piston strongly and rotate whilst pulling outwards.  If the pistons surface is damaged it will only be in the inner part of the piston and not affect the efficiency of the seals.

Question 10

Do prices include VAT?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all our web prices include UK VAT at 20%.

Our EU site https://www.kelgate.net/ has prices with 0% VAT.
You will likely be asked by the courier to pay your country's VAT prior to delivery of your parcel.

Question 11

What's your shipping policy?

Accepted Answer

Please provide us with your mobile number at checkout as this is used to send you tracking updates.  For foreign shipments the mobile number is often used to send SMS messages regarding customs information.
 
UK Deliveries:
For almost all products we aim to dispatch the same or next day.
Orders under £100 or under 2kg will likely ship with Royal Mail (24hr)
All other UK orders will likely ship on a FedEx Next Day service
If you require a Saturday delivery, or AM delivery (supplimentary payment required) or delivery to a circuit give us a call and let us know.
 
International Deliveries:
We usually use UPS to deliver our international parcels.

All Kelgate products are UK manufactured (UK Preferential Origin) and do not attract any EU tariffs.  This will be on the paperwork submitted and you should not pay any tariffs.
However you will likely be required to pay the destination country VAT prior to delivery.
Typical EU costs paid to the courier when receiving a parcel will be 20% VAT plus €10 Handling fee.

Question 12

Why are the Brake Discs cryogenically treated?

Accepted Answer

Cryogenic treatment toughens the brake discs which increase their wear rate and reduces the risk of failure from impact.  Increased material toughness also allows for greater machining, thereby increasing surface area to further aid heat dissipation keeping temperatures down.

+44 (0)1296 433457

sales@kelgate.com

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Will thick pads fit in my GTK caliper?