MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB Technical - Clutch/Brake help

I finally got my "new" '70 GT home the other day with full knowlege that the brakes and clutch were out of commission. I decided to pull back the tarp today to see if I could track down the culprit! I took off the housing for the clutch and brake pedals to see if the plungers are doin their jobs (bear with me, I'm not up on the technical jargon). the clutch cylinder has fluid but the shaft that is connected to the clutch pedal isn't connected to anything on the other end... it's completely loose. the brake mechanism seems to be working fine, however there isn't any fluid. the guy I bought it from said that I needed to replace a gasket to get the brakes to work and I can't figure out which one! I think fluid DID leak out everywhere some time ago, seeing as how that corner of the engine compartment is rather corroded and messy (i.e. a little surface rust but covered in ancient, dusty grime). However, it's hard to tell what's goin on with the remnants of a mouse nest under and between the clutch and brake cylinders. I'd hate to take the brake cylinder out if all it needs is some fluid and bleeding.
as for the clutch, can I just reconnect something or does the cylinder need to be replaced? has anyone had similar problems?
Chris

Chris, sounds like you are missing the clutch master cylinder. There should be a smaller master mounted on the left side of the brake master.

for the brakes, not shur what "gasket" they are talking about. Probably was leaking from the master. If the master has been dry for some time it needs to be rebuilt or replaced.

Since the hydrolics is what keeps the sheet metal straight you would be best to do a total over haul of the brake system. Dont turst anything to be in useable condition untill serviced.

Lots a luck. doug
Doug Gordon

no I have the clutch master cylinder most definitely... and it's full of fluid. the shaft that is connected the the end of the clutch pedal goes into the master cylinder but moves in and out completely freely, as if a linkage inside broke.
Chris

There isn't really a linkage inside, it's just a piston. However the piston could have stuck at the bottom of its travel, which would give you the symptoms you describe.

When dealing with unknown quantities such as this it is always good insurance to replace all the rubber parts in both master cylinders. I did a clutch one yesterday, and taking my time about things and cleaning up the corner of the engine bay it took me a shade over 2 hours. The seal kit cost a few pounds.

Good luck!
--
Olly
Oliver Stephenson

How are the brake and clutch masters in your other BGT? Since your going to be swapping parts over anyway why not start by swapping them over? Otherwise I'd say rebuild them or better yet replace them.
william fox

The brakes in my other GT don't work, however I haven't investigated to find a cause. The clutch works just fine, however. I rolled it out just recently to rock it in gear to make sure the motor wasn't frozen (it wasn't). I had thought about doing a swap, however I dont' know what the chances of me getting it OUT of my other GT are, as there is quite a bit of rust. most of the bolts are so rusted, they have no edges or they are just fused to the body. I'll have to inspect next time I see it (it's in Vancouver, Wa... a good 2 1/2 hour drive south).
Chris

This thread was discussed between 01/10/2003 and 02/10/2003

MG MGB Technical index

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