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MGB && MGB handbrake compensator flap issue

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Celtic 77

Celtic 77

Jedi Trainee
Offline
I believe the flaccid compensator strap is the cause of an occasional rattling near the shocks, exhaust and ancillary parts checked out ok. As usual the last person to touch our 77 B's handbrake area was Nigel at Abingdon! Aside from soaking it in blaster, any thoughts on getting the nuts loose? Heat maybe?
 
Heat is always a good tool to have on hand for stuck threaded hardware. Having the fuel tank in proximity to the MGB rear brakes is always a concern however. An electric inductive heater is usually a better choice than open flame in that context if you have access to one.
 
YakkoWarner said:
Heat is always a good tool to have on hand for stuck threaded hardware. Having the fuel tank in proximity to the MGB rear brakes is always a concern however. An electric inductive heater is usually a better choice than open flame in that context if you have access to one.
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Thanks for the response. Since my fuel tank is new, I didn't want to risk watching it launch across the street in a ball of flame to hit my neighbors house! So, I bathed in in PB Blaster and went inside for a full day. The nuts all loosened, and the new "strap" was replaced. The rattle still persisted! Oh well at least I know the strap will be there for another 50 years! At least I adjusted the brakes. All the other suspension parts seemed ok. I topped the shocks thinking that may have been the source. Maybe I have to lose a few pounds to avoid having the car settle on the suspension!
 
You might look at the link bars that go from the rear shock arms down to the connection on the axle assembly. I had the end that attaches to the axle start to wear and that can make some noise even when the shock itself is fine.
 
I did check the links, aside from age, and surface rust, they seemed secure. Tight and not obviously loose (like its' owner!) I guess that still doesn't preclude them from being in need of help. Maybe the bushings? Thanks for the assist!
 
Likely your flaccid compensator strap causing the rattle. Soak the nuts in PB Blaster (or Kroil) overnight, then try gentle heat with a propane torch and a long-handled spanner or breaker bar. Patience is key—sometimes wiggling the strap slightly helps free stuck nuts without rounding them
 
Seriously my wife said something about my 78-year-old compensator strap last week. Something about flaccidness! I digress... I did soak it in PB overnight. It did the trick. Retightened exhaust hangers and it seems to have helped...
 
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