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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Mk1 rear brake plumbing

I am converting my Riley 1.5 rear drums to larger Sprite mk1 wheel cylinders and as the new cyls only have a single fluid connection I need to source twin outlet banjo unions, banjo bolts and copper washers to suit.
I have noticed that the thread in the new wheel cyls is coarser than the normal UNF used for the brake pipe and nipple connections.
Any advice on sourcing these most gratefully received.

Cheers

Peter
Peter Faulkner - Dublin

The original arrangement on the Mk1 was to have a T on the diff into which the flexible pipe from the front connected and then 2 pipes from the T, one leading to each rear cylinder, won't that do?

If you have mk1 sprite cylinders then IIRC they should be 3/8" UNF it would seem odd for that to change.
David Billington

Yes but only 1 hole, need 2 .....one for the fluid and One for the bleed nipple!
Peter Faulkner - Dublin

Goodridge do a banjo bolt with an integral bleed nipple.773-03BN C (C = Stainless Steel) for the 3/8 x 24 JIC/UNF thread.
Daniel Stapleton

Peter,

I didn't realise you didn't have a bleed nipple, are you sure you have the correct cylinders as IIRC the mk1 cylinder should have a bleed nipple integral. I have a mk1 sprite but it has been off the road for a few years so I haven't been down that end recently.
David Billington

Only one hole inlet! See image attached.

Thanks

Peter


Peter Faulkner - Dublin

Peter,

My memory may be failing me regarding that aspect but I seem to remember it's the same arrangement on a Morris Minor although they may use a slightly different cylinder size of the same design.

Maybe a MM parts place or there is this guy selling a 2 port banjo item for the Mk2 which may be the same

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brass-Banjo-Brake-Union-Fitting-for-Austin-Healey-Sprite-Mk-2-948cc-Drum-1961-64-/390533672190?refid=store

I haven't looked for the other bits you require such as the banjo bolt.
David Billington

Peter,

A look at that guys shop and banjo items gives this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-WAY-Banjo-Union-Fitting-Kit-for-Austin-Healey-Sprite-Mk1-948cc-Drum-1958-60-/330864814301?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4d091468dd
David Billington

Thank you very much for the links. 75 quid seems an awful lot for a couple of bolts and unions though!

Cheers

Peter
Peter Faulkner - Dublin

looks like you need parts 2,3,4,5 & 6 here
http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=829
which are roughly the same price - but find a Moss parts supplier whose markup is less, or wait til somebody has a VAT-free weekend at MG Silverstone and you can save a few bob...
David Smith

Yes, the banjo set up is correct for the MK1. Its the same on all morris minors riley 1.5 etc. Given the number of minors about then S/H items must be available. May be worth an ad on the wanted section. I'll see if I have any bits.
Bob Beaumont

As I have a brand new pair of Mk1 Sprite Wheel Cyls ( which only cost £26 for the pair incl postage!), It might just be simplest to have the existing Riley 1.5 cyls precision bored from 3/4" to 7/8" and use the new pistons and seals?
Any thoughts

Peter
Peter Faulkner - Dublin

I'd go with Bob's recommendation and find a scrap M1000 axle to cannibalise - never too keen on monkeying around with brakes!
David Smith

AFAIK, Moris Minor set up is not the same and uses a different banjo. Sprite Mk 1 (7/8) and Riley 1.5 (3/4) wheel cylinders are different in having 1 or 2 ports! and the Sprite MK 1 single inlet is a different thread!
Peter Faulkner - Dublin

I've had bleed nipples that I couldn't get loose and I bled by loosening the brake tube nut. Kind of a crude solution given that you have all those new parts.

Charley
C R Huff

Going to bore Riley cyls out to 7/8" and use Sprite Mk1 pistons/seals! My pal has a +/-1 micron machine shop... I will buy him a pint, maybe 2!!

Peter
Peter Faulkner - Dublin

This thread was discussed between 25/04/2013 and 26/04/2013

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