Sprite and Midget rear end rebuild - Part 1

In this video, we demonstrate how to rebuild a Sprite and Midget rear end. This rebuild uses the MMKT0529 Drum Brake Rebuild Kit from Spridget Mania. It also uses the DIF147K Rear Wheel Bearing Kits. Links for these items are listed below. In part two of this video (link near the end), we show you how to rebuild your differential.
Part 2 of this Rear End Rebuild video series can be found here:
• Sprite and Midget rear...
Rear Drum Brake Rebuild Kit:
www.spridgetman...
Rear Wheel Bearing Kits:
www.spridgetman...
Circlip Tool:
www.spridgetman...
Connect with Spridget Mania:
Web: www.spridgetman...
Web: www.minimania.com
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[@Rob-fx2dw]

To remove the bearing just put a wooden block against the axle with the axle nut on few turns and install the wheel you took off to press it up agaisnt the block by tightening the wheel nuts. It should remove the hub easily when you tighten the wheel nuts against the block of wood.

[@JaredBoduch]

Just wanted to say thanks. I'm new to AH with my recent purchase of a 62 Sprite. I was reconfiguring the rear brake springs installed wrong by the previous owner and didn't realize that I had the forward shoe upside down. Happy New Year!

[@tabsqc]

There is a dearth of video info on replacing seals on a MGA hub. This video is extremely helpful as the hub and seal assembly are identical. Thank you.

[@mundanestuff]

Thanks for this video. Took several screen shots and clarifies how my new shoes should be installed for sure. The question now is how do I get them installed without removing the half shaft? Is there a trick to getting the shoes in place while on the car? And the damned adjuster wedge keeps falling out, lol, what a pain. If I just removed the half shaft, I bet I would be done by now.

[@minimania]

Sorry I didn't see this sooner. If you're ever in a situation like this again, where you need help, call us! We have great techs who could help. And if not, they'll find the answer. 800-946-2642

[@goingundersground]

Great video; thank you so much. I used the method you described in the video to knock out the bearings and oil seals on my '59 Morris Minor rear hubs. Excellent!

[@josephinewinters4650]

Hi, i have just done the same upgrade to my frogeye. My back plates are off the axel and fitted with new wheel cylinders and shoes, but when i put on the drums i have used up all of the adjustment and can still rotate the drums. Any idea what went wrong ? Thanks Roy.

[@philharris3126]

I wish you would have shown how you install your lock washer. How do you get it on without damaging threads?

[@minimania]

Which lock washer?

[@roselh1]

Great video but I have a question. Are the brake shoes shown in the disassembly mounted incorrectly? They are mounted differently than your directions and differently than the new ones you install in the reassembly phase. Thanks! Lin

[@minimania]

Hmmm ...i don't think they were originally wrong. The car stopped, alright - and the parking brake worked, too.

[@roselh1]

@@minimania thanks for the quick response! If you look at the end of the LH shoe where it joins with the cylinder in the disassembly phase, the short distance to the braking pad is at the top. On your directions and in the reassembly the LH shoe where it joins at the cylinder the actual pad is farther from the end of the shoe. I am not being critical at all. I am just trying to determine the correct positioning. Thanks again. Lin

[@minimania]

@@roselh1 Oh, I see what you mean - yes, it's possible that was the way they were originally. They still functioned, though. That was my only point. Go by the orientation of the instructions.

[@roselh1]

@@minimania okay. Thanks.

[@joseluisnieto5412]

hello, midget and sprite fans. I would like to know how the handbrakelevers go on the rear drum brakes. As I saw on the video the lever itself was on top of the inside rod when dismounted and you mounted it underneath the inside rod. How does it go? Was it ok when dismounted or is it ok when you mounted it. I believe it was the left side you dismounted. So someone made a mistake.....the question is who?

[@joseluisnieto5412]

you can compare between min 8.21 and 16.32.....to be precise

[@joseluisnieto5412]

I've also seen that the brakeshoes were wrongly mounted.

[@minimania]

Jose, I'm not sure at all what you're referring to, sorry. This video shows a correct brake installation.

[@edwardgubala7598]

Thank you for the detailed video! While disassembling my rear brakes, I found the drivers side drum brake wet. My first thought was brake fluid, but no, it was water! Removed the retaining screw and a little more water, along with thick, milky oil came out. I have two questions after watching your video. First, how is the circlip removed if the backing plate is still mounted in the car? Second, should I pull and rebuild the rear axle? The car is in amazing shape (40k miles) otherwise and was a barn find. Thank you in advance for the advice!

[@minimania]

The circlip can be removed with a flat bladed screwdriver (or two) as long as the opened part of the clip is facing the axel tube side. If the rear end had water in it - it probably needs to be rebuilt as the bearings may be rusted - but if you've run the car and it doesn't squeal it may be ok without rebuilding.

[@edwardgubala7598]

Thanks for the info! My car had snap rings instead of the circlips, which made the swap much easier.

[@adamfairbairn526]

What a great video. I was doing this last year. I had a few concerns at the time and this might be a good time to raise them. When I got my hubs back on the axle I found the back of them would catch and rub on the slave cylinder seals. The hub could pull forward and clear, but once the hub nut was torqued the hub would reseat its self just in the right place to catch the slave cylinder seals again. It there any explination for why this might happen?

[@minimania]

Not one I've heard of before. Without seeing it it's difficult to tell what's going on. If the wheel cylinder was of a different type than factory I suppose it could stick up too far (or if it wasn't secured properly with the circlip) - or if the back plate was bent somewhat it could do this maybe? Hard to say.

[@UncleGrowl]

I've seen this happen too, when I pulled the drums off. I think that the wheel cylinder outer rubber caps were just old and swollen.

[@richardmiot7708]

Great video. Same concept for the Austin Healey BJ8. Thanks for sharing.

[@คมสันตรีวิชาชัย]

รับซ่อมminiทุกเวลา

[@tvdirect2011]

Are you kidding me!? Who has all those special tools!?