MGB Handbrake MGB

[GaryBeu]

Merry Christmas !!!

Believe it or not...we're working on the car today. Hope someone can answer this question. In the VB catalog page 141 top picture figure #'s 20 & 21...are these compensating levers supposed to turn at all on the fulcrum pin? If so, ours is frozen together. If it's supposed to swivel then I need to take it apart. Any help??

Thanks, Gary and Carla

 

[DrEntropy]

If ya mean the arms that extend to/thru the backplate (I have no VB catalog), they should pivot.

 

[Flash_Harry]

Gary,
If you mean the compensator that attaches to (or near?) the differential, yes, it should be free to move. The mechanic that found mine frozen got it free by smacking it hard with a very large hammer - probably not the best way, but certainly the fastest.
Harry

 

[GaryBeu]

Thanks Robbie...that's where this thing is. Both handbrake cables attach to it.

Doc...I think Robbie has it pegged. It's by the diff.

 

[PAUL161]

If that's frozen, I'd certainly check out the cables going to the backing plates. They also freeze up at times, but can usually be freed up and lubricated. PJ

 

[DrEntropy]

Ah. That bellcrank arrangement. Yup, Harry got it. Tho a hammer blow may not be the best method. Marvel or weasel pee on all of it, that'll soak thru the spiral sheathing of the cable as well.

 

[GaryBeu]

I'm lost when you guys talk about "backing plates"...what and where are these? We put in totally new cables about 6 months ago and they both move freely but aren't doing their job evenly. We didn't know that the "bellcrank" sorta thingy in the rear was supposed to rotate. This is the part where BOTH cables enter.

ps. Sorry Harry...I was reading too fast and picked up on your quote !! :frown: My bad...

 

[Flash_Harry]

Gary,

No problem. Robbie and I were great friends!

Pretty sure that gizmo is the 'handbrake compensator' and it must swivel on the fulcrum. PB Blaster spray should work - or anything like that.

The parts are # 39, 40, 41, 42 in the Moss drawing:

https://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=37172

Hope this helps,
Harry

 

[Flash_Harry]

Gary,
Sorry, missed the question on the backing plate. It's the pressed metal plate that the brake shoes, brake cylinder and adjuster mount on.
Harry

 

[GaryBeu]

Thanks a million Harry. Those are definitely the parts I'm talking about. I'll get it moving!! Also, thanks for the expalianation og the "backing plate".

 

[Flash_Harry]

Glad to help.
Harry

 

[GaryBeu]

OK guys...I got the compensator swiveling but I guess I'm just stupid (which is no surprise to me!!). What is it, mechanically, that causes the compensator fulcrum to swivel and pull the passenger side brake cable tight when I pull the hand brake? I can't find ANY diagram of this setup so I'm not even sure it's hooked up properly. Turns out that my brake handle "unwelded" itself at one little fitting so I need to get that fixed before I can actually try the brake again to see what happens. Thanks for helping this inept ~mechanic~...

Gary

 

[DrEntropy]

When you put tension on the cable, the bell-crank on the diff kinda "equalizes" the tension from one side to the other (or should). A "push-me-pull-you" if you will.

 

[Tony_Zito]

Once you get it all sorted out may i recommend replacing the OEM "B" emergency brake pawl with a OEM "A" pawl. The difference being on the "B" pawl you push the button to release the E brake. With the "A" style pawl you just pull up the handle to release. To set it you pull up on the handle and press the button. I bought one from Jeff Shlemmer of Advanced distributors & I love it. It acts as a security device as well because no one can figure out how to release it.