Hydraulic Master Cylinder Linkage

[BuddhaBomb]

On a master cylinder, similar to Enginetics, how do most set up the linkage if using a handlebar lever. Most kart suppliers sell the part for the rod when running a floor pedal. If running a cable instead of a rod, how do you attach to the master cylinder lever?

[Mike Bean]

Hi Buddah,

Are you trying to hook up the brake cable to the master cylinder to for a hydraulic setup? And is it the same design as the MCP kits?

I have a way to setup the MCP brakes kits with a brake lever and cable and it locks the rear tires up easily. I just want to make sure it is the same thing. Do you have a photo?

Thanks,

Mike Bean

[BuddhaBomb]

Mike, I am in the process of gathering all of the parts, but trying to figure out how things are situated. My hydraulic master cylinder looks like this (It is another make, but looks the same):

http://www.bmikarts.com/shop/images/1456.jpg

The linkage kits that I see seem to be set up for a rod and floor brake pedal, like this:

http://www.bmikarts.com/shop/images/789.jpg

Since I plan on using handlebar controls, I will have a cable and not a rod... or so I believe. I am wondering what is the "right" or "best" way to connect the cable to the master cylinder. It looks like I could just run the cable through a wire stop and tighten down the screw for the wire stop through the master cylinder hole... but I was curious if there is a better way. Thanks for any help, I appreciate it.

[Snakester]

Hey Buddha, I have used a similar set up like you have. It works great and is easy to assemble...I really like the handlebar mount master cylinder and caliper that uses a single hyd. line.This set up is very easy to mount and fast to install and you have no linkage to deal with. :cheers: Snakester

[Mike Bean]

Ok, this is the best photo I have of a setup I did on an MPC kit with a cable. I have done this twice and it worked great both times.

The bolts for the master cylinder in the photo are long because I did not have any shorter ones for the mock up. Also, when mounting the master cylinder, be sure you can get both bolts in and out with the brake disc in place. It will save you time if you ever have to remove it for some reason.

The way I am holding the cable is I took a bolt and drilled a hole the size of the cable at the base of the bolt head and then used a flat washer and a locking nut to hold the cable and then another lock nut on the other side for the arm. The photo does not show this because it was being mocked up, but that is the way I did it when I was done with the build.

Let me know if you need anything else.

Mike Bean

[BuddhaBomb]

Perfect... Now I get it, for some reason my brain wasn't seeing it. I also like the idea of the handlebar MC, that would have been the "smarter" way to go about it. Oh, the things we learn along the way, thanks again.

[Mike Bean]

You're welcome! Sometimes you need to think outside the box (or ask for help) :laughing: .

The reason I used the cable instead of the handle bar master cylinder is that the brake lever was cleaner and I did not have to run a long hydraulic line.

If you want the brake to work well, be sure you bleed it the way MCP or the manufacture tells you. I had to call MCP to get the scoop because they are not like bleeding brakes on cars. Once I did what MCP told me, all my problems went away and I was able to easily lock the rear tires up.

Mike Bean