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MG MGA - Disc Pad Clips

This query concerns the MGB Calipers in my MGA. However, I think my query may be universal.

There are two spring clips holding each pair of pads in the caliper. The clips are held in place by long split pins. The spring clips are not symmetrical. i.e. The clip legs are longer on one side of the (split pin) groove than the other. What is the correct orientation of these clips? e.g. short leg of each clip facing the direction of disc rotation?

Why are the legs not the same length?

Steve
Steve Gyles

Longer leg at the bottom, and make sure the spring engages with the shoulder on the pin to stop the pin moving. This may involve bending the spring to be tight against the pin.

We had this problem with one of the cars travelling in Hungary last week, as both the pins fell out and the springs were lost. Amazingly and luckily I had a set in my parts box - no idea why they were in there, but my fellow traveller was REALLY happy to see them in my hand.
dominic clancy

It's certainly an odd one Dominic. My MGB Haynes book makes no reference about which way round, which I find strange for an asymmetric part. I am happy to go with your instructions, although I was wondering if the longer (or shorter) legs should face each other to cater for reversing braking.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Sorry Steve, I missed the MGB bit - my instructions refer to the single clip of the MGA pads. You would be better asking this question on the B forum
dominic clancy

Small clip sections face the brake pads, long to the caliper, when you go to fit the split pins, it will make sense as the brake pad shape fits in the caliper centered, no great force is needed to push the pins in.
mog

Mog

If I understand you correctly the shorter legs face each other? Is there a technical reason or just the geometry of the set-up? I am surprised that the manuals do not specify which way round because they can be fitted either way - just done it, hence the question.

I have also put the question on the MGB BBS.

Steve
Steve Gyles

I could be wrong? indeed I am. its long face each other, I just went and had a look at mine, oops, sorry. anyway, you can see there is no difficulty fitting them right. once again sorry

p149 of the Haynes manual has a good picture
mog

I wasn't aware of right/wrong way (MGA calipers)
Can you post a pic from Haynes?
And why is it called a split pin? Mine are not split.
Art Pearse

Art

We are talking MGB calipers.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Oh! Good.
Art Pearse

This thread was discussed on 20/05/2015

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