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MG MGA - Front brake cylinders

I have just had to order a couple of new brake cylinders for the front RH wheel, as one of the existing ones is stuck solid and I suspect the other one is going to follow suit pretty soon. From memory it's less than 3 years since I fitted the existing ones, although I can't find the paperwork to confirm this so it might be a year or two longer, but it's certainly much sooner than I would have expected.

Is this normal for modern aftermarket cylinders? And is there anything I can do when fitting the new ones to extend their life?

Many thanks
Robert Sinclair

Robert,
Do the cylinders have stainless liners? They should not have seized, but cast iron ones might well seize.

Regards
Colin
Colin Manley

Robert
You have been unlucky. One normally gets much longer before the rust sets in. There are two ways to avoid getting caught - the easiest of the two - recommended by modern manufacturers is to change fluid regularly - two yearly intervals is commonly recommended. The alternative is to use Dot5 which significantly increases the change interval.
One wonders why manufacturers don't use it - cost will certainly be a part of the reason - loss of repair income may also be a factor.
And yes changing our cars is not too difficult but does involve cost - it was part of an investment in a new master cylinder on mine. It involved a lot of alcohol-a-bruler from a french supermarket.
Roger
Roger Walker

Thanks for those comments.
I do already use Dot5 but haven't changed the fluid for a couple of years. Maybe this is the time to do it!
The new cylinders, which arrived this morning, are made by Delphi Technologies in the EU. Fingers crossed for a longer life this time.
Robert
Robert Sinclair

This thread was discussed between 19/01/2022 and 20/01/2022

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