Binding B brakes

I had a near-accident today in my 1964 MGB that involved my locking my brakes. When I released the brake pedal, the rear brakes did not entirely disengage, but continue to drag badly.

Any ideas, anyone? Thanks in advance.

Toby in Washington

1.stuck wheel cylinder(s)
2.binding hand brake linkage
3.clogged center flex hose to r. brakes
4. proportioning valve (if fitted)

Most likely that the shoes are adjusted too tight(ie too close to the drum) when they get hot they expand and will bind. Also file a little chamfer off the leading edge of the shoes, this will help.

[ 05-31-2002: Message edited by: TFG ]</p>

I had a similar experience with my Midget. Turned out to be the hose. The interior of the hose was bad and when I released the brakes, the inner lining collapsed not releasing all the pressure - result rear brakes still applied. I replaced all the hoses.

I can echo the experiences with the hoses too... on my TD replica ('69-70 VW Beetle) I always had brake problems right after I got it. I never tried to diagnose the problems, but once I started draining fluid and pulling hoses I found that the "fair" looking hoses turned out to be badly disinegrated on the inside and had started to block up at the fittings and cylinders causing them to bind.

Fortunately changing the cylinders and hoses on the MGs isn't that big a deal, and not all that expensive.

Here's what happened:

The car was stored from 1979 through about 1997, when I bought it from the original owner, replaced a few critical parts, changed the oil etc, fired it up and drove it. It always had "hard" brakes, not much throw and no sponginess at all. Stopped okay, though. When I slammed on my brakes the other day, the rear wheel cylinders apparently actuated for the first time in 23 years, then stuck (due to rust and crud) in the "out" position, causing the rear wheels to lock up.

Took the cylinders apart, re-honed, cleaned up the pistons, replaced the rubber, put everything back together, bled them and away I went.

My brake pedal is now a lot softer, but I think now all four wheels are braking.

Live and learn. Thanks to all.

Toby