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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Master Cylinder replacement

I am replacing the twin bore master cylinder in the Frogeye. I am in two minds to use red brake grease to lubricate the clutch and brake pushrods where they enter the cylinder. Any experiences, views??
Bob Beaumont

"I am in two minds to use red brake grease --- "

That's what I've always used. Never had a problem with it. I pack it behind the rubber cover. It used to come with the gurling and lockheed rebuild kits, so it must be right. I just bought a fresh 500g tub of the stuff (Castrol) as it happens. My last tub dried out, -- after 20 years of not all being used.
Lawrence Slater

Thanks Lawrence, Girling always used to suggest using it and there was, as you say, a little pack included in rebuild kits but I don't recall seeing it in Lockheed Kits. I can't see why not.
Bob Beaumont

Bob
Over on the MGA site there is a lot about new twin bore Master Cylinders. Lots of problems with certain brands from certain suppliers. I've had one member return two that leaked straight out of the box.
Alan
www.masckent.org
Alan Anstead

Bob, as Alan says if you haven't bought a new one yet don't buy a TRW one. I had the first one leak straight out of the box and had to mesh around with the second one. The MGA boys recommend AP Caparo which were available from David Manners and not much in it price wise although they are a bit steep for postage.

Trev
T Mason

I've no personal experience of these people:
http://www.powertrackbrakes.co.uk/index.html
but they were recommended on here before as they can provide the authentic metal-reservoir units.
G Williams (Graeme)

An alternative to poor quality new parts is to have your original unit re-sleaved and new rubber fitted by someone like Past Parts.
Alan
Alan Anstead

Alan, Trev and Graeme Thanks for all your very helpful suggestions. I had in fact already spoken to powertrack and they had a nos genuine lockheed cylinder. I wanted a 3/4" bore as I use disc brakes. It arrived this morning and sure enough it was a brand new lockheed item. The very helpful chap at powertrack told me they are now being manufactured on short production runs by AP Caparo who now own Lockheed so this fits with the MGA boys comments. The price was £137 plus p and P. From my experience I would recommend powertrack.

The old cylinder has some corrosion in the bore but could be resleeved but I am not sure how successful that will be.

Bob
Bob Beaumont

Well done to Powertrack then!
Isn't it great to feel when you spend relatively large chunks of money on these cars that you get quality and service with it.
I know it's been commented on before and will be again, but in general I feel that an awful lot of parts purchased are not fit for purpose. Brand new master cylinders which leak, or new front shocks which fall apart (another Kent MASC member experience) just let the side down.
I suppose the answer if there is sufficient time, is to post here asking "I need to buy an XYZ, does anyone have any experience of the market on these?"
G Williams (Graeme)

I have, and know others who have, had components successfully resleaved.
Alan
Alan Anstead

I think when it comes to resleeving that is not the problem. How successful it is depends on the quality of the seals used. My old m/c was resleeved but it only lasted about a couple of years and then let go in a hurry. It may be my imagination but with a new m/c the brake pedal seems firmer than it ever was with the old one.

Trev
T Mason

This thread was discussed between 14/03/2013 and 15/03/2013

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.