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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 TD TF 1500 - Brake Master Cylinder

Recently I had to fit a new master brake cylinder. The new one needed some modification - the lugs on the chassis side were too long but were easily machined.

On fitting we could get no clearance (free movement) on the brake pedal. This clearance is factory set. In the past when we have changed the master cylinder on other T Types the replacement cylinder fitted easily and no adjustment was needed to the push rod.

We now have to measure clearances and modify the pushrod to achieve the desired clearance. No free movement of the brake pedal could cause the brake lines to be pressurized and so keep the brakes on, to a degree. Not good.

Has anyone else had similar problems and if so did they resolve this matter without modifying the push rod.


It is possible to get the master cylinder overhauled but here in the UK this works out at about 140 plus taxes (20%). A new master cylinder costs (in the UK) about 110. It doesn't make financial sense to have the old cylinder overhauled.

Bob Marshall

PS The above saga relates to the TF (1954) whilst the TD (1952) gave no problems when we fitted a new master cylinder. We have hd both cars for about 60 years.

Bob Marshall
R J Marshall

At least on the LHD TD the push rod is adjustable.
Looking at the work shop manual, I see no difference between the TD and TF.

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

Is your new cylinder TRW or AP, I have fitted a good few cylinders and have only had problems with AP quality.
Also, is your car a LHD to RHD conversion, the New pivot to mounting plate position is critical. There is normally enough adjustment left in the pushrod though.

Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

We have changed master cylinders on both cars without problems. Yes the push rod assembly is adjustable but we cannot get enough adjustment to effect the free play.

This master cylinder is marked TRW.

Both cars are RHD and have not been converted.

This problem of new parts not being right is not confined to MGs. Why can't the suppliers make them to factory standard? I wold not mind paying the extra 5/10% to get quality.

Bob Marshall
R J Marshall

This thread was discussed between 06/04/2023 and 07/04/2023

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.