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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - wheel cylinder E-clip fitting

Chaps...I am beginning[like others] to doubt my sanity BUT could someone "out there" please remind me which way round these little clips face? My recollection is as per my diagram......thanks
Dave


David Cox

As per your illustration.

I've yet to complete a better drawing, so see 'photo' below.

Also have this easy method of installation-

• remove the bleed nipple from the brake cylinder

• find a (pan head) machine screw to fit where the bleed nipple goes into the brake cylinder

• use the (pan head) machine screw to secure the brake cylinder to its position on the brake backplate - but not tightly, *see later

(or find any method to hold the cylinder in position without damaging the backplate, perhaps a clamp)

• you now have the brake cylinder in position with both hands free

• use a suitable flat blade screwdriver to fit the E-clip (concave side of clip to backplate)

• get the tangs fitted *then place the blade of the screwdriver behind the E-clip to check for a bit of give

• place the blade of the screwdriver between the cylinder and the backplate (looking at the cylinder drum side) and gently prize the cylinder to flex the E-clip, if it’s in correctly you will feel it trying to retract, if it’s not it will fly off.

- (diagram won't copy here so red red marks on 'photo' below)

The original Belleville washer and circlip are available from AH Spares Ltd - https://www.ahspares.co.uk/

o XBRK182C (circlip)
o XBRK182W (Belleville washer).



Nigel Atkins

thanks, Nigel

I made myself one of those fitting tools....it's surprising what the outlay of £22 can inspire one to do in the workshop!
Dave
David Cox

Dave, you could have mine, I wasted £22!

Now I know the easy quick fitting method. I've witness Andy doing it in 3 seconds with his eyes closed, even I can do it in 5 seconds, but with my eyes open.

This was my temporary illustration as I keep forgetting how to convert to JPG to do better.




Nigel Atkins

I just chuck the E clips in the bin, remove the roll pin, tap the hole to 3/16 unf and then hold them on with a socket head Allen screw.

I can see the cylinder should be alowed to move a bit so I just don’t tighten the screw fully. Worked like that for years on my Sprite.

When building the midget up over the winter I was determined to use the clips but with 5 minutes of cursing with them they were in the bin!!
John Payne

Since the correct clips and washers are now available, I don't understand why anyone is struggling with the C clips or needing to drill and tap cylinders any more.
GuyW

point taken, Guy..it's easy to be wise after the event..I didn't know that AH spares was a source of Bellevilles and circlips. Lesson learned! ;-)
David Cox

Sorry David, I wasn't meaning to sound patronising! They've not been available that long and it does take a while for the information to spread. And then there will always be those new to the problem anyway!
GuyW

OK Guy.......I'm far too old to take offence...and sometimes think I'm far too old to be still crawling round underneath my Midget!
Dave
David Cox

The E-clips come in with (some) new cylinders so no extra hassle, time and expense of ordering the original circlip, Belleville washer and P&P (if you don't already have them).

I'm prepared to teach the technique Andy taught me for the price of a pint, two if you want me to close my good eye. :)
Nigel Atkins

I don't care - I like drilling and tapping!

I've no idea what a Breville washer is so I'll have to google it.

(Yes, I know it's Belleville!)
John Payne

So it's basically a conical sprung washer and then you hold it on with a circlip?

I'm going to have to buy some now!
John Payne

In my experience Springmasters are a good place to get all sorts of springs https://www.springmasters.com/ . Belleville washers come under the heading of disc springs.
David Billington

I just fitted the Bellville washers and circlips from AH spares and it was incredibly easy!
I always hated the c clip things and gave up on them, preferring to tap the roll pin hole. Now I've used the 'proper' method, the brakes feel better somehow.
Andrew
aj robinson

One of my least favorite jobs fitting a new wheel cylinder, I seem to suffer from them slipping in use resulting in gashed cylinder rubbers.
But not anymore I used one of AH Spares Belville washers and circlips yesterday and what a doddle it was, no grazed knuckles, no cursing for ages over those awful clips, I would highly recommend getting a few of those washers and circlips for the next time, the new cylinder did seem more secure after fitting, time will tell how they last.
Tim Lynam

Minimine in Stoke on Srent sell the tools £9.99 inc. postage. Listed on E-Bay for the mini.
I got one last year and wondered why I have struggled all these years without one.
P J Vass

Rather than spend out on a tool to help fit the incorrect part, surely it's better to simply buy the correct parts?
David Smith

This thread was discussed between 23/05/2019 and 28/05/2019

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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