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MG MGB Technical - rear brake cylinder clips

Does anyone know of an easy way to fit the retainer clip to the rear brake cylinder,I have just spent two hours trying and still haven't got them on,so please someone help.
J E Turner

Lots in the archives about this. In short, it's not a matter of slipping the clip into the slot as you might guess. You put the clip against the end of cylindrical portion, outboard from the slot. Pry the clip ears down into the slot one ear at a time. Or buy some snap rings that fit the slot. (If you don't own snap ring pliars, know that cheap ones are useless. They'll bend before you finish using them the first time.)
Matt Kulka

Perhaps this tech tip from the Chicagoland club will help...
http://www.chicagolandmgclub.com/techtips/mgb/536.html

Cheers,
RichB
RichB

Hi - go here for the correct tool! - http://www.octarine-services.co.uk/parts_shop.htm
Chris at Octarine Services

Get a short piece of plastic water pipe with an internal diameter that fits over the protruding end, About 1.5 in is enough.

Get the clip on the end of the barrel and then place the pipe on it. Carefully use a G cramp to push the pipe and the clip up the barrel evenly. When they reach the end the pipe gently flattens the clip which springs into the slot. Hey Presto!

Helps if you have a piece of plastic pipe in the garage as I did, then its cheap and effective otherwise might be as expensive as buying a tool.

Rob
Robert Brandreth

I bought a handful of GM style brake hose clips in the correct width from NAPA for about 50 cents each. They slide on easily using a small drift or straight slot, and when shortened just enough, will clear the bleeder and pin with no problem. While I am a fool for tools, and was smitten by the photo of Chris' offering, the average guy could buy a lifetime supply for the cost of shipping.... Now, if you are a purist of limited patience and low tolerance for skinned knucks, then by all means, drop Chris a line and be done with it. And when you're done, put it on Ebay and double your money...
Mark Childers

Good tip from the boys in Chi-town. Thanks!
Bob Muenchausen

I have the official Lucas tool similar to the one one Chris sells. From memory mine was £20+ so Chris' looks a good price. It worked.
Richard Evans

Nobody likes the socket and a bludgeon method, eh? (I must be on the wrong site)

lol

Mike!
mike!

This thread was discussed between 20/07/2004 and 26/07/2004

MG MGB Technical index

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