MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

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 MGA - Brake bleeding problem

As I had to replace the rear brake cylinders recently I thought I'd treat the old lady to some new brake fluid as well, as the old stuff was pretty black and nasty looking. I've managed to get the new fluid through to the front cylinders easily enough, but the back ones are proving to be much more difficult. One bleed valve drips a bit of fluid when it's fully open, but the other one is basically dry, so I'm guessing there's an air lock somewhere. If I apply some pressure to the master cylinder reservoir will that help to push the fluid through? Or are there any other 'tricks' anyone can recommend?
Robert Sinclair

"One bleed valve drips a bit of fluid when it's fully open, but the other one is basically dry, so I'm guessing there's an air lock somewhere."

Have you (or a helper) pushed the brake pedal down when you open the bleed valve? If you get the same response when the brake pedal down, then there is a clog somewhere between the master cylinder and the rear wheel cylinders. Cheers - Dave
DW DuBois

Loosen the joint forward of the rear flex hose and see if it pumps out there easily. If it does, repeat after the hose and keep going until you find the blockage. My money is on the hose as its common to both wheels.
Art Pearse

Robert

I am with Dave. You should have started bleeding from the LH rear brake, always assuming you have a RH drive car.

Sounds like you have clogged brake flexibles. Cheap solution.

You could try an Ezebleed which works fine for me with 20 psi off an air compressor, or your spare wheel as they recommend.

Cheers

Dave
Bolney Coupe

Thanks for your tips and advice guys. Art wins the prize for guessing exactly what the problem was ... a blocked rubber brake hose. Hopefully I'll be able to get a new one on Tuesday and start enjoying some of this good weather we're having at the moment.
Robert Sinclair

This thread was discussed between 01/07/2017 and 02/07/2017

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.