MG T-ABC

The shaft/tube between the chassis rails which rotates when the hand brake is applied/released is extremely stiff so much so that the brake springs fail to release the brakes when the hand brake is applied. Cables are new. So I feel the shaft/tube needs dismantling and "freeing off" Firstly does this seem correct or am I missing something. I would add that the vehicle has stood for many years. I`m surprised that there is no grease point apart fro to the cable.

First, remove the cables and try rotating the mechanism to see how stiff it is. There are a pair of bushings at the ends of the shaft that float in holder plates bolted to the chassis rails. These are likely your binding points.

Try washing them out with a lightweight lubricant, perhaps a spray can of dry lube PTFE. You’ll likely need to spray, rotate, spray, rotate several times. Hopefully that will loosen them up.

Also check the handbrake shaft ratchet assembly to make sure it is operating smoothly.

Tom wilson

Thanks Tom. Spent the morning completely disassembling the whole thing. Main culprit was POR15 that had found it`s way into the end bushes you refer to. Good clean out and all greased etc and now works virtually perfectly. Only problem I have now is that inspite of everything being adjusted as far out as possible the shoes are binding. Not to bad on the offside but locked solid on the near side. That`s inspite of the old remedy of giving everything a "bit of a clout" with a rubber hammer to ensure everything is seated properly. I must say that the new cables could have done with being an inch longer at the threaded (hand brake) end but my problem exists with the cables not even attached. Must have done something wrong. Given up for today and hopefully will see what with fresh eyes tomorrow-I hope.

Incidently with regards the bushes I`m surprised that there is no facility to grease or did they have oilite ones in those days I wonder?

Problem of binding shoes solved with a bit of filing. The trouble with riveting new pads it`s nearly impossible to get them to lay perfectly flush with the surface of the shoe. Became apparent that there were "raised portions creating the binding. Not much but enough.

If you have an old school brake shop nearby, they can arc the shoes to match the drums.

Thanks for the suggestion Steve. Currently all sorted but will remember if needed at a later date.