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MG MGB Technical - Front wheel tight

The on going saga of my complete suspension rebuild; All has gone relatively well. The car is off the axle stands and it is were ready to go. I am just waiting for a new steering wheel boss, as the previous one is incorrect. I did notice a resistance of both front wheels once everything back together, including tight brake pads on the discs. It occured to me that since the sub axles are different, ( reconditioned.) my brake caliper brackets may not be in exactly the same position as they were with the original stub axles. I.E. the discs and pads are 'worn' to the pattern of the last set up? it was only when I assembled the brakes again that I noticed this tightness. It does not seem to be that I have not compressed the pistons. Presumably after a few miles and a little breaking, all should be tending towards a new' pattern'? Alternatively, go to new pads now? Seems a pity since these are not that old. Is my thinking correct or flawed? Mike
J.M. Doust

Oh, and incidentally, I should add that the steering was re-aligned, and indeed there appears to be no stiffness there. I do have to say the alignment was by string, the proper job has to be done, when the steering wheel is back on. Then I can report on the feel of the Front line steering castor kit, etc. Mike
J.M. Doust

Do you mean the disc is binding on the pads? Steering alignment is irrelevant. The pads i.e. the pistons will always align themselves in the caliper equidistant from the disc - i.e. just touching it, unless the caliper is way out for some reason. If the pistons were pushed back when you inserted the pads, and there was a clearance with them inserted, and the pedal (with a bled system) was used to push the pads into contact with the discs, then the alignment between caliper and disc is as it should be. Even if the pads aren't fully flush with the disc surface, as with new pads, that would result in *less* surface area than with fully bedded-in pads and hence less binding. If the pedal is pushed down hard then released, it may take a moment or two before the pistons and hence pads ease off the disc to just a gentle rub, with the end-float in the wheel bearings when the car is under way this is probably reduced to zero rub, unless the pistons are binding in the caliper.

If the stub axle was 'reconditioned' in some way so that it is now at a different angle to the caliper mounting points, and I can't imagine what the pricess would have been, then the caliper could be at an angle to the disc. What that will mean is that 'bedding-in' will take ages, the pads will wear at a gross angle, i.e. wear very unevenly. But as I say that will result in *less* binding initially.
PaulH Solihull

Thanks Paul, I reckon I am worrying about nothing. I check out this weeked. Mike
J.M. Doust

This thread was discussed between 18/10/2011 and 20/10/2011

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