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MG MGA - MGA disc brake pistons/calipers

I have a 1959 1600 (with wire wheels). Last time I changed the pads I had a struggle as the pistons would not fully retract even using special tool. I can buy new calipers with stainless steel pistons however I have seen references to MGA's with MGB pistons. Can I fit MGB units without modification and would this be a better option?
H L Davy

HL

Yes, you can fit them. I don't know if they are better than 1600 callipers. I run 1600 discs and MGB callipers on my 1500. You will/may need to buy a different calliper bracket that bolts onto the stub axle. I was able to use my existing 1500 drum brake flexible pipe without modification as it had the same union as the MGB unit. Not sure about the 1600 disc brake flexible pipe. Others will have to advise you on that one.

I am sure others will also give you advice on refurbishing your 1600 callipers.

Steve
Steve Gyles

HL

You can fit MGB pistons to MGA calipers but you will have to knock out the central pin in the caliper. Its a very common modification especially in the US. Barney Gaylord I think has details on his website, http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/brakes/bt104.htm

I bought MGA stainless steel pistons from Bob West and then used Bigg Red Calipers in Worcester to restore them. They normally just use MGB pistons.

Depends whether you want to keep the central pin on caliper or not. I don't think it affects performance.

John

John Francis

I knocked the pins out of my MGA 1600 calipers and then fitted new MGB pistons. No problem doing the job and no problems for the last 8 years :-)

Here is a shot of the pin knocked out of one side of the caliper


Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

And here is a shot of the finished caliper complete with MGA pistons

I used the same bolts to hold my caliper halves to gether and simply used a new centre seal between both halves

I can send you a complete discription of the process if that is required


Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Sounds like you got two answers here.
I believe Steve is talking about using complete MGB calipers while John is talking about using MGB pistons in MGA calipers.
If your MGA calipers are in good enough shape to rebuild I would choose to rebuild them using stainless MGB pistons.
My 58 has been converted to Disc brakes using all B components. Spindles Shocks Hubs Calipers and Rotors. This is unneccesary on a 1600.
R J Brown

Should have said complete with MGB pistons. :-)
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

I have the complete set of MGB components that I plan to put on my '58, like RJ. A major advantage of this route is a stronger upright (swivel pin) than the MGA unit.

Ken
k v morton

The other advantage of MGB calipers is a wider choice of pads. That said am I right in thinking that there are now (recently introduced) more EBC products available for the MGA.
Neil McGurk

This thread was discussed between 13/01/2010 and 14/01/2010

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