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MG MGB Technical - Brake Servo threads stripped?

I recently took out my brake servo so I could get at the bodywork behind it and tidy things up.

On refitting it this morning, one of the brake pipe fittings was reluctant to go back in fully (on reflection I think it was like that when I removed it but it’s not right). It goes in so far then just rotates so probably a stripped thread in the servo? The pipe is therefore not fully seated and will I suspect leak when I bleed the system?

Is it worth trying to run a tap into it to clean the threads up? My main concern is getting swarf into the servo/braking system.

If not, I assume it’s a new servo or perhaps even bypass/remove it altogether – one less thing to go wrong!
Mike
Mike Dixon

Are you sure it isn't the thread on the pipe union that's damaged? Certainly you could remove the servo. The MGB's brakes are perfectly fine without one. They didn't alter the brakes at all when the servo was first fitted so the cars had been running without one for years. My 1970 had no servo and the brakes were completely adequate and not over heavy to use.
Mike Howlett

I had thought of fitting one to mine, but decided I could live without it. As you say, one less thing to go wrong.
Dave O'Neill 2

Make that x3 Mike - my ‘73 BGT came with no servo, I think as original from UK. New pistons, calipers clean, good pipe work ... brakes perfectly adequate for ‘er indoors everyday road use even allowing for idiots on phones etc.
Like Dave, I thought about a servo and decided to leave well alone.
John.
J P Hall

I've driven them without when I didn't know it didn't have one and when I did know and was looking for the difference and it was negligible.

If the thread in the servo is stripped then retapping won't help unless you could go up a size - if that's even possible. Unless the part that has stripped can be replaced e.g. on the pipe then it's a case of replacement or removal. Personally I'd bypass it and try it without before opting for replacement.
paulh4

Thanks - I will pop the servo out and have a look at the threads if it is not obvious the fitting itself is damaged.

If that does not work it looks like removal is the best option. Can you buy just the one pipe to bypass it or best to get one made up? ( Moss just seem to sell complete kits) It might have to wait until the garages open more fully again as I have no idea how long it should be.

Mike

Mike Dixon

You only need to re route the pipe from the master cylinder to the four way junction - it may be possible to use the undamaged pipe by coiling it to fit.
Chris at Octarine Services

Chris . I think that might work to get things working again. I like workarounds like that!

Thanks

Mike
Mike Dixon

Your welcome!

Actually if you measure the length of the pipe needed, I might have a pipe ready made up - I do have a selection as well as pipe and the flaring tools needed.

It would be in cupro nickel (Kunifer) though.
Chris at Octarine Services

Chris

Thanks. PM sent

Mike
Mike Dixon

This thread was discussed between 02/05/2020 and 04/05/2020

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.