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MG MGB Technical - Rear Brakes Binding?

I just returned from a 20 mile drive at moderate speeds. When I pulled into the garage, I noticed a burnt smell and the driver's side rear wheel was hot to the touch. I hadn't noticed and performance or handling problems but I'm guessing the left rear brake is engaged somehow?

Any suggestions about the best way to confirm that?

Dan
Dan Hiltz

Investigate the handbrake cable/mechanism in case it is sticking.

Alternatively, it could be a seized wheel cylinder, or even a collapsing flexible hose - although, if it was the latter, it would be likely to affect both rear wheels.
Dave O'Neill 2

As above, most likely seized wheel cylinder. But look also at the hand brake linkage which operates the shoes within the drum. The two riveted sections should be quite free to rotate.
Allan Reeling

When did you last strip and service the rear brakes? This is probably one of the most ignored jobs on an MGB, I do mine annually putting a smear of grease on every metal-to-metal contact point before reassembly. Having two I find that one needs the brake adjuster to be backed off one click compared to the other or its brakes can rub. Doesn't take much to generate significant heat and smell, without it being apparent from the driving seat.
Paul Hunt

Paul is spot-on with his comment. This is needed even more often if you regularly drive through deep puddles like we have in South Louisiana. Even though the wheel cylinders have rubber boots water still manages to get in. Once in the wheel cylinder piston rusts and seizes.

But also check the parking brake cable. There is a grease fitting on the cable and I have had the cable stick even after a period of regular greasing.
Richard Smith 1

I just had one in the shop for dragging rear brakes. I could not bleed anything out the bleeders.
After all sorts of checks and all was found within limits I put the cover back over the controls and problem returned. it was the stop light switch holding the brake master back just far enough to block the return hole.
Sandy
Sandy

The switch is a good point I didn't originally consider as I would have expected the fronts to suffer more. But if Dan's car has the split braking system then it is quite likely to happen to one circuit but not the other.
Paul Hunt

This thread was discussed between 23/08/2015 and 31/08/2015

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