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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Front Brake overhaul

I have recently been experiencing a problem with my 1970 midget front brakes. After a short burst down the motorway get the overwhelming smell of overheating brake pads and the offside front wheel gets hot (hotter than the NS and just touchable). I am thinking that i have a brake hose problem so am intending replacing the brake hoses with a Goodridge set, following the removal of front wheels I notice that the disks are a bit scored so should I get the Sussex Classic MG Parts kit of disk and pad set. I have £100 ish to spend so my question is am I making the best decisions for the money.

Advice most welcome.
P.J young

both your thoughts sound good.

The two most likely causes of a dragging pad are: hose with internal failure causing poor fluid return, and a pad rusted to the sides of the caliper so it won't return.

The other possibilities are: seized caliper piston (if the fluid wasn't changed for years and years, water causes rust inside), or some failure in the master cylinder (though, that is an unlikely cause, since you describe this present in only one side).

When you've got your calipers disconnected (while you are putting on the new hoses), press the pistons back in and see if they all move smoothly and evenly (watch out for the fluid that will squirt out the hole where the hose had been!).

Also, check the condition of that fluid then, and when you are bleeding once the new hoses are attached. If the fluid comes out all red with rust, then you might think of popping the pistons out for a look-see (or, if they look horrible, rebuilding them yourself, or just buying a pair of rebuilt).

Norm
Norm Kerr

There are loads of places selling brake parts - so don't limit yourself until you've done a FULL and comprehensive check - that way you'll get the exact set-up that suits your style of driving.
rachmacb

My first stop would be to remove the caliper, clean everything thoroughly and put new seals into it.

That should stop it sticking, in the mean time though, after applying te brakes hit them a quick tap to try and release them for the next stint without braking.
PeterJMoore

2 calipers 80,-
2 disks 27,-
pads pins clips 10,-
total 117,-

prices are from mgoc spares

slightly over butget but you never should skimp on brakes!!
Onno Könemann

Thanks for the reply's I have now removed the calipers and they are in a poor state so have decided as commented not to skimp and get a pair of reconditioned calipers. The one area that I can save a few quid is to drop the ss brake pipes for standard pipes, will this be noticeable on brake performance? also should i really blow the budget and get some green stuff pads while I am at it?
P.J young

All depends on how you use you midget.

If you just use it for touring and easy drives don't bother with rhe braided hoses or green stuff.

If you like some spirited driving get the braided hoses

if you do track days etc add the better pads, mintex 1144 is in my opinion a better choice than green stuff.
Onno Könemann

Dont use GreenStuff pads

every single experience with EBC pads I have had has been a poor one, whether its with MG's or Hondas.

Stick with Mintex and at least that you WILL have a good bite on the other end of your pedal. IMO if Greenstuff is even remotely liked by anyone, then they have never had a proper brake pad in their life. Even motor factor £5 jobbies are better than the EBC stuff.

DISCLAIMER: This is my opinion, and I am sticking to it!
PeterJMoore

One other thing to check is the caliper piston, more and more rebuild kits are not making the chrome or stainless steel caliper piston, just a high carbon steel piston in most cases and this creates a rusted piston that CAN be activated but slow or non retractable when the peddle is released

So check that the caliper piston that it operates as should by pressing the peddle several times while watching the pistons movement inside the caliper


(sorry.. I cant remeber if they actually did ever make a stainless steel piston... I think they did)
PROP

This thread was discussed on 06/11/2010

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