MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB Technical - Wipers // wheel box problem

As part of my rebuild and to prevent problems in the future, I have instaled 2 new wheel box assemblies along with the original rack & guide tubing on my '67 GT. The originals were well worn. The new components were in lucas packaging from a reputable supplier and appear identical. Although everything lines up and appears to work OK, with no stiffness in operation, if I tighten the 2 nuts on the wheel box where the guide tube enters the whole lot locks up. I'm concerned that if I back the nuts off to restore movement they will vibrate undone over a period of time. Has anyone else come across this problem and how is it best dealt with?

Cheers - Nick.
N Dring

I'm unable to comment on your particular wheel box components, but I have used some new 'Lucas' branded replacement parts recently which have caused me a few problems and a lot of wasted time trying to get them working properly (ignition switch, alternator, starter solenoid).
Brian Shaw

Practical solution - a drop of Loctite on the nut threads to stop them loosening...
Chris at Octarine Services

Is the rack jamming and stopping the splined shaft turning, or the other way round?

Do the splined shafts turn without the rack inserted in the tubes?

If so, then the halves of the box must be jamming the rack somehow. You should be able to push the rack through the tubes and box with the latter two fully assembled. Investigate why it doesn't.
Paul Hunt

Hi,

Slightly of the subject, but I was given a tip years ago, about worn wiper boxes. Pull the rack, then turn the wiper spindles 180 degrees and reinsert the rack, also with a 180 degree twist.

Herb
Herb Adler

I did that some years ago, but it didn't seem to make much of an improvement. Subsequently the rack broke and a new one was much more effective at reducing slop.
Paul Hunt

This thread was discussed between 15/06/2013 and 17/06/2013

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG MGB Technical BBS now