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MGB-GT MGB GT calipers

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Harry, Once you get the pistons out its pretty easy. I do not seperate the halfs. Also if you can leave the dust seal retainer in place and clean around it you will have alot less trouble. That metal retainer is a royal pain in the butt to replace with the new ones supplied. The old ones just do not wear out. New pistons are normally in order but you may get lucky and be able to reuse the old pistons. When reinstalling the pistons be sure the cutaway part is located correctly. I think its toward the hub but always check the book. If you are having trouble with one sticking it may just be a flex line going bad on the inside. If you are messing with the brakes look at the rear steel lines attached to the diff. If the car has ever been towed the lines are probably crimped or pinched and will hurt the rear brake performance. Bob
 
Thanks Bob, I have the whole front rebuilt except for the front brakes and thought it would be a good idea to rebuild them while they are off the car.
 
I've never had luck installing the little metal rings without separating the calipers - probably just me though.
 
Tony, Thats why i leave them in unless its rusty behind the dust seals. I have also have a tough time installing the new metal seal retainers. The old ones go back in easier so i am also very careful removing the old ones in case the new ones get buggered up on installation. Bob
 
WHEW! Glad it's not just me...
 
The only way I could see installing them was to separate them. I only found out from you guys (after I did it) that it is not recommended to separate them. Well I did, put 3 new little metal rings and then re-torqued. No leaks so I guess I did OK and the car stops.
 
I take them apart.
 
I've gone both ways, usually just struggle the things back together without splitting the halves. A bit of fluid on things helps a bit. The steel retainer rings are a tricky PITA, for sure.
 
Is there any reason to pull the steel retainer rings? Just cause they come in the rebuild kit does not mean they need to be replaced. Doing more labor does not always make the job better. Bob
 
bob67bgt said:
Is there any reason to pull the steel retainer rings? Just cause they come in the rebuild kit does not mean they need to be replaced. Doing more labor does not always make the job better. Bob
Click to expand...

:iagree: I thought I was just being lazy, rationalizing that those things have been in there for years and are working fine and that I probably would damage the new ones more than that if I tried to replace them. If it aint' broke, don't fix it!

Bruce
 
Even though you can do it, I've just never had any success removing the pistons if I don't remove the retainers....of course, I've always said I'm not the best mechanic on the forum.
 
Harry, PM me your email and I can send you the description/ instructions from Classic Motorsports magazine. It's their Midget rebuild but they used MGB brakes. It's an easy job but even easier if you split the calipers.
 
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