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 - master cyl rebuild

I've read differing accounts of using silicone fluid in master cyls that have been rebuilt. Has it ever been resolved as to who does the best job or whether stainless steel or brass is the best material?

Thanks, Fred
Fred H

Fred
It was not in an MGA, but we had the master cylinders in our race car ( Lotus 11 ) sleeved with stainless, and then spent two seasons with brake problems-- we just could not get the stainless smooth enough to make a good internal seal-- finally had them redone in brass- problem went away.
FWIW / gil
gil

I had mine sleeved in brass by Apple Hydraulics about 5 years ago. I used silicone from the start, and though it doesn't leak much, the bottom of the master stays slick from fluid. It has not leaked enough to even get on the bracket. I just wipe off the bottom of the master every month or so, and check the fluid level. I have only added fluid once, and then just a few drops.
Jeff Schultz

Fred:

I had my MC resleeved by White Post Restorations in Virginia (brass sleeves) and I put in silicone fluid. It all leaked out (at the MC - nothing from the lines). I changed to LMA and all is well. White Post says this should not happen.

Regards
Gary

I had the M/C resleeved in brass by a shop in California and converted to silicone fluid with no problems other than having to take more time to get all the air out when bleeding. Hoping that corrosion of the hydraulic system during the off months is a thing of the past! I read somewhere that brass is OK for sleeve material because there is very little friction between the wetted piston cup and sleeve that would cause wear, so a harder material such as stainless steel is not a great benefit.
Tom Heath

I have run a M/C resleeved in brass from White post for 6 years now with no problems. I run LMA brake fluid. I fear no problems of captured water rusting the brakelines as they are now Cupro-Nickel and rust free.

Chuck

Chuck Schaefer

Well, no consensus above, so I searched the archives. John Twist advises against silicone unless the paint is perfect. Lots of thread comments about brakes hanging up with silicone.

I thought that lots of guys were using silicone brake fluid for years with no problems, but I guess I was mistaken.

I just painted my resto project and it's inevitable that there'll be a leak or spill.
Fred H

I've been using Si for 18 years, no problems at all due to the fluid, ever. Cylinders and their bores are still like new - now show me a glycol user who can say that for an almost everyday driver!
dominic clancy

I have used only Si fluid since I found it in 1987. During that period I have had 6 MGAs. This is a topic that could induce "flame wars" responces. I would NEVER use anything but DOT 5 silicone in an MGA. Those with problems need to buy a good mirror so they can locate the sourse of those problems. Any other type of fluid will ruin the paint.
R J Brown

Hi Fred. I have been using silicone brake fluid for almost 20 years, and believe it to be an excellent product. I have had ZERO PROBLEMS with my MGA while using silicone fluid, other than it can take a bit longer for initial bleeding. This stuff actually preserves rubber seals! It doesnt absorb moisture and doesnt eat paint! To my way of thinking, this is the only brake fluid worth using! It makes brake parts last an unbelievably long time! As an added bonus, you do not have to change this fluid on a regular basis to prevent hydraulic cylinder corrosion. What more could an MG owner ask for? Cheers, Glenn
Glenn

Dom, Rick?, Glen, that's what I wanted to hear! Do any of you guys have a resleeved MS?

I put Wilwood dual brake master cyls with a balance bar,and a seperate clutch master cyl on my red mga, but I used DOT4. For the resto I want to use the proper brake/clutch MS since I removed the wiper motor and heater to fit the wilwood cyls and pedal assy.

Thanks, Fred
Fred H

Fred, my MC was brand new when installed (and still looks new too)
dominic clancy

Im wondering if using paint protection film below on paint might be the answer to the leaking ? www.racetearoffs.com
karl

This thread was discussed between 12/06/2006 and 15/06/2006

MG MGA index

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