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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - 1500 Clutch Release Arm
For the past 12 years of owning a 1500 I’ve always suffered from clutch judder at low speed, never bothered me too much but whilst the engine is out I’m looking to change the wearable parts.
The release bearing and clutch will be changed but also looking to change the Push Rod that goes into the slave cylinder as there’s only a couple of inches on the clutch pedal before the clutch engages. My first question is how do you knock out the push rod securing pin 77 as it appears solid, does it have to be pressed out on a press? The second question is the previous owner had used a bolt instead of the pin 65 that fits through the tolerance ring. I’ve heard a few stories of the hinge pin dropping out, is the bolt a safer option or can this be detrimental to the clutch operation? Thanks Tim ![]() ![]() |
Tim Lynam |
Tim, the pivot pin on mine dropped out. It's some sort of interference fit but it fell out at which point the whole lever arm flaps about, pivoting on the edge of the slot in the casing. As a temporary roadside fix I put a coach bolt in, with the large domed bolt head at the top so it couldn't fall out. In the end it worked so well that I never did replace it! |
GuyW |
Cheers Guy, good to hear I am not the only one with the bolt for a hinge and probably best to put it back rather than the correct pin. |
Tim Lynam |
i am sure it pushes out as i changed the push rod because the hole in it had gone oval |
mark heyworth |
Realised I’d got a bearing press and with a little improvisation the old pin pushed out fairly easily, a new one pressed back in along with a new push rod, so hopefully they’ll last another 50 years! Thanks to Guy and Mark for your feedback. |
Tim Lynam |
Whilst you are at it Tim, could be a good idea to remove the thrust bearing carrier (60) from the arm. Just knock out the two small roll pins (61). It will make pressing the new bearing on way easier. |
Malcolm |
Thanks Malc, will see if they will push out. |
Tim Lynam |
This thread was discussed between 21/05/2024 and 24/05/2024
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