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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Rear brake adjusters unusual problem!

Hi all.
Mk III midget.
I had to replace rear shoes , so as I was down there decided to replace rear adjusters & the wedges as they were worn...the adjusters move ( YAY!)Ok , but for the life of me , I cannot see how to get them to completely unscrew.
There is like a metal strap at the diff side of the backplate & my spanner cant get a purchase as the end of the adjuster gets level with the strap.
I cant seem to withdraw the adjuster from the drum side as although its pretty nearly out, I can't turn it as there is nothing to grip on to......
Is there a knack to this??
Cheers colin
colin frowen

Colin

The adjuster does have to come out the drum side as you've determined. Once you can no longer get a spanner on the back because it's flush with the strap you can normally grab the other end with some pliers and turn it. You may have to apply oil to the thread and work it back and forth a bit to loosen it.

I seem to recall that I have had adjusters in the past with a small slot in the pointed end, presumably to facilitate installation and removal.
Jeremy Cogman

I've had good success turning them in as much as I can with the adjuster and then some pliers on the very tip, then running a dremmel with a very small cutting disk into the pointy end to make a slot and using a screwdriver to get the rest out. No damage to anything and they're set up for easy maintenence next time.
Roadwarrior

the strap can be 'modified' with a hammer and drift to sit nearer the backplate by up to 3/16ths" which is usually enough to get a grip on the other end with pliers.
David Smith

Advice as above works. You are lucky you can turn it! One of mine would not budge, however much penetrating fluid, heat and torque!

I ended up chopping the back plate to bits to get the adjuster out, then welding it all back together again with a new adjuster!

Malcolm
M Le Chevalier

Hi all,
Thanks- some cool ideas- much appreciated!
Bloody MG's!
Cheers colin
colin frowen

This thread was discussed between 11/06/2014 and 12/06/2014

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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