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MG MGA - Brake problem - cont'd

Despite the pedal problem seeming to disappear, I decided to explore the contents of the m/c brake side.
Sucked out most of the fluid.
Disconnected the pushrods and tilted the mc upwards.
Removed the end cap.
Out came the piston which I withdrew. With it came a thin spring steel washer which has a slight bow in it.
The washer closes up some holes on the piston. The piston has a secondary cup at the front end (nearest the pedal) Next to come out would be what feels to be the primary cup, but I can't remove it. I can feel a spring behind it but not long enough to push out the cup.
What to do?
Art Pearse

Art

I usually push that cup on one edge with a screwdriver or similar to 'capsize' it, then it all comes out.

Steve
Steve Gyles

OK Steve, I'll try it!
Art
Art Pearse

Steve, I got it out using a thin strip of wood which I carved a shallow hook in the end. Worked nice.
I have all the guts out except the valve washer.
Secondary cup is in perfect condition.
The valve cup fits tightly in the valve body, sealing off the ports - should it not have small orifices?
The connecting hole between the reservoir and the piston is quite rough to the finger, as if its been drilled from the outside, but can see no effect on the cup.
Not sure how to get the valve washer out or if there is any need to do so. Hope you're still up!
Art
Art Pearse

Well, decided to reassemble the MC.
Duuh- put the master cup in first, not thinking. Tried my stick tool to tilt it and hook it out but the darn thing went all the way in and wont tilt.
Not to be defeated, I hooked up a rubber tube and tried to suck it out - no seal so FAIL.
Last resort, welded a tapping screw on end of rod, put rubber bushes on it to avoid hitting the bore, and pierced the washer and got it out.
Now looking for new washer.
Found one in my old MC which I had sleeved by Apple (they did a horrible honing job so I never used it).
The cup I just destroyed came from a Lockheed cyl from Bob West. It looks a better design than the Apple - it has thinner lip edge and is designed to expand better out to the walls under pressure.
See pic. It is also branded Lockheed.
So, I am looking for the genuine Lockheed cup / repair kit.
I guess I should go back to Bob West?


Art Pearse

Found the right kit at Brown & Gammons
Art Pearse

This thread was discussed between 07/08/2017 and 11/08/2017

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