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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - 1275 Clutch make recommendations

Hi everyone,
I'm changing the clutch carbon thrust bearing on my 1275 74'midget for a roller type. Taken it all apart and the clutch I fitted about 2 years ago might have a problem. The centre spline of the plate seems loose and is rattling. Seems stupid not to change it all whilst I have the engine out. So, here's my question... last time I fitted what I thought to be the best, a Borg & Beck genuine unit. Anyone else had a problem with these or maybe I'm just unlucky :-( The only genuine alternative I can find is an AP one, although they seem to be hard to source (ideally I need one in the West Midlands). I don't really want to go down the line of fitting an uprated racing type or even buying a flea bay cheapo one.
Any advice much appreciated.
Thanks, Dave.
Dave Warren

I've a Peter May one fitted (which is fine) but that was before Alan Anstead produced his version which looks, to my untrained eye, a much neater solution and IIRC is easier to fit as well.
Jeremy MkIII

Dave,
Borg & Beck are part of the First Line group, I've just had a look and they may give a "2 year / unlimited mileage warranty against manufacturing defects, for total peace of mind" but I'm not sure if it applies to their "Classic Clutch" range.

I dealt with First Line/Borg & Beck recently about an oil filter and whilst their on-line catalogue remains inaccurate in its description I got fast email replies from their employee and a manager, so they were responsive and easy to deal with.

Borg & Beck - http://www.borgandbeck.com/

Clutch components (2 year warranty) and Classic Clutch - http://www.borgandbeck.com/Products.aspx#ClutchComponents
Nigel Atkins

Jeremy,
I'm fitting the Alan Anstead bearing, yes it looks perfect, btw, I'm a MASC member :-)

Nigel,
That is excellent info on the Borg & Beck clutch, I think mine might be just a little over two years old but I must admit I'm impressed by their website, which has given me some confidence if I choose to buy another. Thank you for taking the time to add the links.

Dave.

Dave Warren

Well no extra info but I've just bought a Borg & Beck clutch for mine so I'm slightly worried!

John Payne

John,
Don't be worried, the clutch was working fine when I took it off to change the bearing. Maybe I'm just being a little anoraki, I'll probably collect the new one and find out the centre boss has a little movement in it as standard! However the reason for changing the bearing was that the carbon had come away from the outer, it still worked but sooner or later it would have failed. I would definitely keep an eye on the bearing from the rubber spy hole every few months if you have already fitted it.
Happy spridgeting,
Dave.
Dave Warren

The centre spline part of a clutch plate usually moves a tiddle but against the pressure of the dampening springs--If the springs are starting to fail ,yes it will rattle---Some brands of clutch plate have the centre spline piece actually pressed into the damper plate on fine knurled in looking splines, I've seen them spin in the plate causing a loss of drive-
Basically, if it rattles it goes in the bin
Was it shuddering at all before it was removed
With AP over your way, are they Girling
They seem to be one of the same here
willy
William Revit

I think the Borg and Beck clutches are ok but the carbon release bearings vary in quality. For peace of mind I use AP only. I recently had the engine out and the clutch was completely fine after 3 years and about 6000 miles. The carbon thrust was not showing any signs of wear so it all went back again.
of course AP are not made any more so it takes a bit of searching. The QH release bearings seem to be fine as well. Avoid any with a pin as they seem to use an inferior type of carbon which is quite soft.
Bob Beaumont

This thread was discussed between 29/08/2018 and 30/08/2018

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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