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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Rear Disc caliper setting - NMC

Seeking advice when replacing the rear disc brake pads on my daughter's Astra. I released the handbrake inside the car, wound the caliper back and fitted the new pads.

The question is, to bring the pads back into their operating position do I pull on the handbrake first, or press on the pedal first? So far I have done neither until I find out!

I will have a coffee and await advice....

Anyone?

Guy Weller

Dont think it matters but most raer calipers I have used I seem to think they adjust up on handbrake pull. Just did the MGF ones I have fitted to my midget only a couple of months ago and simply can not remember. :-))
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

That makes sense Bob. When I wound the piston back in I expected the reservoir level to rise, but it didn't. Rather suggests that the handbrake mechanism takes up the slack first. Still not sure though!
Guy Weller

most important point Guy, which daughter???
Tarquin

I don't know the proper answer, but just mt thoughts!

if you take up all theslack with the handbrake, then you may end up with a lever that pulls too high -- I would do it with the footbrake.
Mick - trying to sort the wiring

So, does anyone have the answer to this one - for definite? I am sure that there is a right and a wrong way!
Guy Weller

Guy I thought I had answered it.
If the handbrake pull adjusts the brake (which I am almost positive it does) then pushing the footbrake first will not cause a problem will it!

Just go outside and pull the handbrake a few times and job will be a good un

Didn't understand Micks post at all??

Go on do it!!!
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Bob,
Yesterday you ended your message with the words "I simply cannot remember" - so I didn't think you had answered it!

I left it for a while, but in then had to get it back on its wheels and moveable before dark so I reassembled it all yesterday. I used the handbrake repeatedly first, before touching the brake pedal, then went for a test drive.

The car stops straight, and rear brakes are definitely working, but the handbrake doesn't hold very well on the local "test hill" so I am not sure that it is right. Maybe it all needs to be bedded in for a while.
Guy Weller

Only kidding. Guy I think that brake pads do need a bit of time to bed in. When i first did the rear disk brake modification on my midget I was very disappointed with the handbrake, but a month or 2 on it is superb and is just as good as the one on y MGF, couple of clicks and it will hold on any hill. :-)
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

This thread was discussed between 15/08/2009 and 16/08/2009

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