Tony Kart BS4 brakes: fluid and pad question

Joel Pinpin · Joined: 25 Jun 2006 Posts: 121

Recently bought a used Racer EV and from looking at the caliper, changing out the brake pads means splitting the caliper apart. There doesn't seem to be any bolts or screws that I can remove to get at the pads. Is this correct? Also, I've read the BS4 system (what I have) uses DOT5. Since I'm not sure what grade brake fluid the previous owner used, would it be ok to add in DOT5? What issues could mixing DOT3/4 and DOT5 fluids cause?

William French · Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2010 6:50 pm Post subject: Tony Kart BS4

Yes, the only way to change the pads is to split the caliper. I would also say it would be a good idea to drain the brake fluid completly and start with fresh DOT5 fluid. Better to be safe than sorry. Good luck.

ROBERT LALONDE · Joined: 28 Mar 2010 Posts: 10 Location: Canada, Ontario,

Here is a detail assembly of the bs4 brake caliper.
-Remove the two allen head bolts (Z)
-Remove retainer pin (s)

Se-Hoon Kim · Joined: 29 Mar 2009 Posts: 47 Location: Canada,

I believe it is silicone based DOT5. Be careful not to add regular DOT5 in the system.

andy graham · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2012 6:59 am Post subject:

bs4 requires DOT 4 brake fluid per OTK spec, for the record

William French · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2012 8:39 am Post subject: OTK Fluid

Hey Andy,

I'm pretty sure only BS1 and BS2 use DOT 4 fluid. DOT5 is required for BS3-BS7 systems. Maybe double check with those that knows for sure. But my memory tells me this. Just want to make sure you aren't running the wrong fluid in all those karts you are building!

See here:

http://j3competition.com/technical/

Randy Mckee · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2012 8:59 pm Post subject:

DOT 4... or at least that's what I've been told and have run for 5+ years. Maybe that's why I keep hitting barriers. Evil or Very Mad

After doing some research, I see conflicting answers from OTK and/or J3. Curious.
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Randy
#123 TonyKart - S4 Stock Honda

Tim Doll · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2012 10:45 pm Post subject:

Mixing brake fluids (glycol - mainly DOT 3&4, and silicone - usually DOT 5, but there ARE exceptions - check the label) is pretty much a guarantee of brake failure. Assuming you survive Shocked

, it alsomeans a complete system flush and rebuilt.

DO NOT TAKE A CHANCE!!!!! There is an easy check to see what brake fluid you have. Take a small amount (a teaspoon is plenty) - add a couple drops of water. If the water mixes right in, it's Glycol based fluid - pretty much any DOT 3 or 4 fluid you find will be fine. If the water and brake fluid stay separate (think oil and water), it's Silicone - you need Silcone based DOT 5.

Tim
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Standard disclaimer - I'm FREE - No longer affiliated with any organization, I can say whatever I darn well please!.

Everett, Washington