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MG MGB Technical - Brake Pedal

On Sunday I was setting off for a drive in my 75 BGT V8 conversion.

I had gone a couple off miles and when I braked fairly gently, there was a metallic clang like some thing metallic dropping onto the pedal box area and the pedal dropped approx an inch or so.

There was still good beaking effect but stopped to have a look but could not see anything because of the cover ober the pedal assembly, I took the car home and went out in the slugemobile instead.

I am suspecting that the pivot bar for the brake pedal may have come adrift but the clutch was working as normal.

Haven't had a chance to take the cover off yet to have a good look but if anyone has had a similar problem I would be pleased to hear from you.

Kevin.
Kevin Jackson

It could be that the pedal return spring has snapped. When that happens there is an alarming bang, but no other effect except that the pedal drops a little. Have a look down in the footwell and see if it's hanging loose - the clutch pedal has one too.
Miles Banister

if it is the return spring, then watch the new springs that are around - my clutch return spring broke a year or so ago, the new one lasted about a month, ditto the next one I bought. Thankfully kept the original and made a new 'hook' on it with pliers - its fine. The new springs I got were very thin metal as compared to the original spring.
mick

Kevin,

I don't know what the set up is on a UK spec 75, but on late model US spec cars, the brake and clutch are on separate pivots so that the clutch would not be affected by the pivot falling out of the brake.

Charley
C R Huff

Mick - how interesting! I've gone through several clutch pedal return springs in the last year too. The most recent replacement had a differently shaped hook so I'm hoping that will prove more durable than the others.
Miles Banister

Thanks guys,

Haven't had a chance to have a look yet not sure the diagnosis of the return spring as I was already braking ie applying hydraulic pressure when the pedal dropped which was a bit scary.

Must admit i didn't think return spring failure, hope it's that simple.

Will post findings once sorted.

Kevin.
Kevin Jackson

Had a quick look at the car today and unfortunately it is not the return spring.

I've not been in the best of health for the last couple of weeks so did not feel up to pulling the pedal box assembly to pieces but will get round to it when feeling a little better.

Kevin.
Kevin Jackson

This thread was discussed between 15/06/2009 and 22/06/2009

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