Monday 7 June 2021

Front Brakes Rebuild and Fitting


Having degreased and painted the callipers it was time to rebuild them. You can buy a rebuild set that includes the outer metal housing for the outer seal and the seals. I also needed to replace the pistons as well. I thought it they should fit but I did have a few issues trying to fit the outer metal housing. 

MG Midget Front Brake Callipers rebuild

First job was to fit the outer metal housing and it was this part that caused me the most issues. What I found was that whilst one of the housing's fitted really well the other didn't. I ended up buying another set from another supplier and that fitted just fine, so I assumed it was a bad batch.

In order to fit the housing without bending it, which is very easy to do as it is very thin metal, you need to press it against a very flat surface. I used a piece of chipboard and my bench vice.

MG Midget Front Brake Callipers rebuild

MG Midget Front Brake Callipers rebuild

MG Midget Front Brake Callipers rebuild

This worked really well for me but you have to make sure that it goes in square. Any damage and you'll need to buy a new one and try again.

With the housing in place the outer seal slots in nicely.

MG Midget Front Brake Callipers rebuild

Then you can insert the inner seal.

MG Midget Front Brake Callipers rebuild

Once you have completed this four times you are ready to fit the pistons.

MG Midget Front Brake Callipers rebuild

I followed a recommendation to use this type of red rubber grease when fitting the pistons.




You smear it on all the surfaces and then you should find that the pistons slide in with some resistance.

MG Midget Front Brake Callipers rebuild


MG Midget Front Brake Callipers rebuild


I replaced the seal between the two halves as well to help stop any leaks.

MG Midget Front Brake Callipers rebuild

Once all done you can now fit them to the stub axle. These are secured with the two bolts



Checking that the brake disc is central in the groove you can fit the pads. The new pads I bought have a anti vibration pad at the back of the pad that is pressed by the piston. You can buy anti-squeal shims which need to be lubricated with copper grease.


Once in place you can fit the spring clip and split pins.


Then you can fit the bleed nipple and blanking plug. Make sure the bleed nipple goes on the top so that air comes out easily when bleeding the brakes.


Then you are all set to connect this up to the braking system.

MG Midget Front Brake Callipers rebuild

2 comments:

  1. What supplier did you get all the parts from?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi,
    Most of the parts came from Moss. But I also used MGB Hive for the calliper rings and seals. Grease I found on ebay.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete