Quick answer: Do not order rental-kart brake pads from the kart make alone. Remove one pad, record the backing-plate shape and fixing method, then measure its width, height and total thickness. A clear face-on photograph beside a ruler is usually more useful than a model name on its own.
Brakes are safety-critical. If a pad, caliper, disc or hydraulic component is damaged, leaking or uncertain, keep the kart out of service until it has been checked by a competent mechanic.
Why the kart model is not enough
Rental fleets are repaired and modified over many seasons. A kart may no longer have the caliper it left the factory with, and manufacturers can use more than one brake system across a model run. “It is a Sodi” or “it is a RiMO” narrows the search, but it does not prove the pad profile.
The five details that identify a brake pad
- Caliper identification: photograph the whole caliper and look for a maker, casting mark, label or reference.
- Backing-plate outline: note the top tabs, rounded corners, cut-outs and any asymmetric features.
- Retention method: record the number, size and position of pins, holes, clips or slots.
- Dimensions: measure the maximum backing-plate width, maximum height and total thickness with friction material attached.
- Quantity and orientation: confirm how many pads the caliper uses and whether the inner and outer pads are identical.
How to measure the old pad
Remove loose dirt without grinding away identification marks. Use a vernier caliper where possible. Measure the steel backing plate, not just the friction block. Record dimensions in millimetres and do not round a close measurement to the nearest familiar size.
- Maximum backing-plate width
- Maximum backing-plate height
- Total thickness
- Hole or slot diameter
- Distance between fixing-hole centres
- Friction-material width and height
If the pad is badly worn or distorted, measure a second kart before ordering for the fleet.
The photographs to send RKP
- Pad face square to the camera
- Back of the pad showing any code
- Side view showing remaining thickness
- Pad beside a ruler or vernier caliper
- Complete caliper fitted to the kart
- Kart make, model and approximate year
EBC brake pad cross-reference — what RKP stocks
Found a number stamped on the backing plate, or know which caliper is fitted? Match it here. These are starting points, not a substitute for matching the profile — confirm the shape and measurements above before ordering for a fleet.
| EBC number | Application (as listed) | Compounds / options stocked |
|---|---|---|
| FA504 | Go kart — supplied in more than one thickness; confirm the profile | Hard (FA504A, red) · Soft (FA504B) |
| FA514 | Kelgate GTK / K System / KC | FA514A · FA514B · FA514C thicknesses |
| FA516 | Go kart | Soft organic |
| FA526S | Go kart | Soft racing |
| FA527 | Go kart | Hard · Soft racing (FA527S) |
| FA540 | Go kart | Hard · Soft |
| FA547 | Old-style rental caliper | Hard |
| FA548 | New-style rental caliper (Sodi ref. PC0351.039) | Standard |
| FA552 | OTK / Tony Kart BSS calipers | Hard (red) · Soft (green, FA552S) |
| FA553 | OTK / Tony Kart BSD calipers | Hard (red) · Soft (green, FA553S) |
| FA557 | RiMO Evo 5+ | Standard |
| FA018HH | Owner-driver kart | Double-H sintered |
FA547 vs FA548: they serve different calipers with different profiles — do not interchange them from the kart name alone.
Running quads or ATVs at the venue as well? RKP also stocks EBC FA054, FA305, FA377R sintered and FA414R sintered quad brake pads, plus H307, Y503 and Y527 brake shoes.
Hard or soft compound?
Confirm the pad profile first. Compound choice comes second and depends on the brake system, operating temperature, required feel, durability and manufacturer recommendations. Never use compound colour as proof of fitment.
Before returning the kart to service
Follow the pad and caliper manufacturer’s fitting instructions. Inspect the disc and retention hardware, check for contamination or leakage, and confirm free movement and correct brake operation before the kart carries a customer. If there is any doubt, stop and escalate.
Sources and further reading
Reviewed 25 August 2026. Cross-reference table added 9 September 2026. Product availability and manufacturer specifications can change.