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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Handbrake linkage query

What is considered normal for play in the handbrake linkages on the rear axle?

I cannot see any wear on any of the clevis pins or on any of the the corresponding holes yet everything seems very loose and sloppy when the handbrake is off. The T shaped compensator rocks with about 1/8" movement at the top (Lawrence - if the answer's 3/8" I guess I'm OK and you were spot on!!)

With the lever to vertical the handbrake will bring the car to a halt but with no real sense of urgency and certainly no wheel locking.

The rear shoes are adjusted to give slight drag with the brake off but too tight to move on three clicks. They are all clean and dry with no brake fluid leakage and a good thickness of lining.

The adjuster on the handbrake cable is nearly at the limit of its adjustment. The rods from the compensator to the brakes are fixed length, not the adjustable type.

Is it time for a new cable, new parts throughout or do things sound about right for a '67 Sprite?

Colin
Colin Mee

it should be possible to lock the wheels within 7 clicks of the lever, certainly not as far as upright.
Have your drums been skimmed inside, or are they worn?
Where are you adjusting the cable, on the axle or at the bracket just inside the back end of the tunnel? Both are important.
David Smith

Just a daft thought from me (as usual), when adjusting the rears we've fallen foul of the handbrake rod "resting" on the exhaust pipe and giving a false result.

Have you lifted the axle also when you've jacked the car up to take the wheel off?

A
Andrew McGee

Having just replaced all the rear brake components including drums, I can guarantee that the articulated handbrake lever inside the drum will definitely be worn. You can fix it yourself by replacing the rivet with a larger diameter one. You may find that the rivet head is fouling the return springs in which case you can use a countersunk rivet arrangement
hope this helps
R W Bowers

Problem solved.

Nothing to do with the rear linkage at all. I got the car in July and hadn't been too happy with the way the handbrake lever lay so close to the tunnel in the off position, it also seemed a bit wobbly.

It turns out the lever mounting plate was split from one corner to the central hole so that it flexed as the lever was pulled up. With the split welded, the lever now sits properly. 3 clicks and the drums are locked and 6 clicks is as far as it will go.

Not had the chance to road test it yet but it certainly feels much more solid and trustworthy. I'm still planning to get the drums skimmed and renew some of the other bits so thanks for all the helpful advice.

Colin
Colin Mee

I had the same problem.

I bought a new mounting bracket from M*ss, but the captive nuts had been welded on in such a way that the screws wouldn't fit. I took it back and welded up the old one.
Dave O'Neill2

Yep, I once had the same problem for the same reason.
Daniel Stapleton

I have had to weld up that mounting plate on both my cars. Seems it is a common weakness.
Guy Weller

Colin, apologies - that is *very* common and one of us should have thought to mention it. It's not mentioned in the handbook BTW.
David Smith

This thread was discussed between 05/01/2013 and 13/02/2013

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