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MG MGB Technical - rear brake cylinder retaining clip

Hi All,

If, like me you didn't order the clip tool from Uncle Moss when you bought the replacement brake cylinders for the rear brakes, how the *$%$&$%$%$% do you get it on?

I have tried various methods, including loud swearing, but to no avail.

Any trade secrets from the Sages of the Board, or do I just buy the tool and wait another week...

Thanks in advance,

Rich

PS Brake failure gets you fit. It's official - well at least if it means you have to bike to work....
R Barrell

Try using the old one. It will be a little easier to fit. Otherwise I find a lot of patience, some force and a flat blade screwdriver to lever then push usually does it.
Steve Postins

Rich,
An extra set of hands helps. While I held the rear of the pin in with one hand, and pushed against the face of the spring with the side of some needle-nose pliers, my son turned the head of the pin in the retaining clip with another set of needle-nose.

I don't know of another clip back there, so I'm assuming this is the one you mean.
Fred Doyen

This task used to drive me crazy, too. But here's
the easiest, low-cost method I've found that works.

You'll need:

1) One medium sized Vise-Grip locking pliers.

2) A small screwdriver.

3) A deep socket, sized to slide over the threaded
boss on the wheel cylinder.

Lock the Vise-Grip pliers onto the axle flange to
temporarily wedge against the wheel cylinder to
hold it in place on the backplate. This will free
both of your hands for the next steps....

Then, get one ear of the E-clip onto the groove on
the wheel cylinder, hold it in place with a thumb.

Take a small screwdriver to pry the other ear of
the clip onto the threaded boss on the wheel
cylinder. There's no need to fully engage the
groove at this point - you just need to get this
other ear over the edge of the threaded boss.

Now, take a deep socket, and tap the clip flat
against the backplate to get all 3 tabs on the clip
to fully engage the groove.

Whoila! Finis.
Daniel Wong

Daniel has the easiest approach. I found this method here last year and it works like a charm. The fact that the vise grips act as that 3rd hand we all need is a godsend.

Ken
70 B
Ken Harris

I replaced one rear wheel cylinder last year but deferred the second one due to the difficulty in installing the E-clip. This year I had to replace the other side and followed a tip that I had heard somewhere - use a 5/8 circlip instead of the dreaded clip. It requires a slight stretch but slips easily into the groove and does a great job of retaining the cylinder in place.

Good luck.

Barry
73B
B.J. Quartermaine

An external retaining ring is the way to go. Far easier to install and less damage to your digits and blood pressure.
Mike MaGee

Thanks for all your suggestions - the "Wong Method" worked like a charm, and both new rear brake cylinders are securely clipped in!

Thanks again for taking the time to help,

Rich
R Barrell

This thread was discussed between 08/07/2005 and 09/07/2005

MG MGB Technical index

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