MGB REAR BRAKE OVERHAUL - Rear drums and handbrake cable

I overhaul the rear brakes on my 1980 MGB GT.
This included replacing the handbrake cable, freeing up a stuck handbrake lever and freeing up the rear brake adjusters.

[@NickP1]

I love the fact you have as many issues when working on it as I do! Thanks.

[@Endfloat]

I wouldn't want anyone thinking I'm immune! 😁

[@markwalsh8411]

Great video again Ross👍It makes sense swapping the rebuilt front end from the purple one over then rebuilding the one from the brown car at your leisure. Can’t wait for the next update

[@Endfloat]

Next Friday all going well there'll be another update!

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Another great and informative video Ross, brakes are the things that scare me and I always trust a garage to do these for me but honestly your presentation makes it look so easy to do.

[@donthuis]

For adjusting the rear brakes one should never use an open spanner, but a special tool with the correctly fitting, small square hole. I've once bought a type with two small sockets in two sizes and swivels holding the ends to the rod inbetween. Works fine and if the adjuster is always turned completely outwards and after greasing turned to the proper setting it will never freeze solid nor will require the steps shown in this video for loosening it. Copper grease may be used, but normal grease or even Waxoyl work just as well 😃 BTW I never managed to grease the handbrake cable by its greasing nipple, but for the very first time having it new and unused lying on the garage floor before mounting 🙁

[@anthonybrowne4022]

Ross great job you’re doing on MG also great idea swapping all bits from the old MG 👏looking forward to see your next video 👏👍

[@Endfloat]

The next video will see me fitting the other front subframe actually. Thanks for reaffirming my feelings on it!

[@anthonygowland8363]

This is turning into a great series. Good to watch.

[@Endfloat]

Thanks! Glad you're enjoying it! There's still a good way to go, but I feel like I'm making progress on this one.

[@anthonygowland8363]

@@Endfloat lots a great tips and techniques that I'm nicking off you

[@Endfloat]

@@anthonygowland8363 just remember, I don't always get it right! My videos are more for entertainment than instruction.

[@richardedwards7332]

great video.

[@bobmartin4942]

Ross, one thing to consider when swapping the front crossmember will be the difference in ride height. The rubber bumper cars were raised 1 or 2 inches to meet US headlight height laws. How it was done I have no knowledge as I've not worked on any rubber bumper cars. It's something to look into for possible problems to overcome with the swap. Bob

[@Endfloat]

Thanks Bob. I was aware of that. The car the cross member is coming off is a rubber bumper car too.

[@bshnabel]

Nice & detailed video, thanks

[@Endfloat]

You're welcome!

[@norton794]

Another enjoyable video, having been through all this with my 1972 BGT. One thing I have noticed is you are missing the splash guard that fits between the engine and the radiator. Good luck with it all. 😀😀

[@Endfloat]

Thanks! I must look out for one of those so. I'm pretty sure I know the piece you mean.

[@norton794]

@@Endfloat Ross its part N0 BHH 2127 available from Rimmer Bros, MGBHIVE etc, It's called a Mudshield.

[@Endfloat]

Ah you're a star, thank you! I'll pick one of those up so.

[@norton794]

@@Endfloat No problem mate always happy to help a fellow MG owner.

[@douglasgreen437]

Great work on the brakes, have you considered an Easy Stear electric power steering kit for the MGB ? They have kits on Ebay for around £300...

[@Endfloat]

I probably will be doing that at some point. My dad will probably need it.

[@Endfloat]

I probably will be doing that at some point. My dad will probably need it.

[@brianmac8260]

Fair play Ross. Would you consider sticking a Rover V8 in the Purple car?

[@Endfloat]

The plan was originally to keep it stock, but now that I have the brown car, I'm reconsidering my position on this!

[@brianmac8260]

@@Endfloat Reading about them earlier, 2500 or so were made with Rover/Pontiac V8 engines..

[@Endfloat]

@@brianmac8260 yeah the MGB V8 is a lovely car. If I were going to modify the car though I'd go for something a bit different.

[@gerardmccarthy2432]

Hi. What size is your workshop

[@Endfloat]

Big enough to comfortably work on 4 cars. I've never measured it.

[@williamshelton9688]

Are you going to be honest with us and tell the truth ? oh that’s right you say you will…..about 100 times

[@Endfloat]

Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies! ... There's a song in that somewhere!