MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Screeching clutch

Hi again,

didn't make Gaydon becasue of disappearing brake fluid! Decided safer to not travel 'till fixed! Hope it went well?
Enjoying midget motoring again but after 450 miles the clutch has started to screech when the clutch pedal is depressed and then released. Thought it might be the fan belt (forlorn hope) but it's not.
Had a look on the archive and suspect it sounds like the thrust release bearing?
Clutch is brand new from Welsh MG or Moss including thrust release bearing so can it have failed already?
Much as I enjoy taking the engine out, it's only just gone back in!
Anyone had anything similar?
Thanks again,

Jeremy
Jeremy 3

Did you replace the clutch fork and it's pivot pin? Not replacing these when they are significantly worn can cause this kind of problem. Wear can occur where the bearing slots into the fork (this extra movement creates the vibration) or the pivot and it's hole...

The other thing it may be is that the bearing is wearing in and has formed an uneven surface.. I had this before and did a few heavy shifts and it was fine and worn 'back on track'.
Rich Amos (1330cc Blaze Red '72)

Hi Rich,

I replacd the drive plate, cover, release (thrust)bearing, slave cylinder, push rod, clevis pin, pipe and hose as the originals were past their sell by (been standing and quietly rusting for nearly 20 years).
Sorry my ignorance but is the clutch fork you mention also known as a a release arm, if it is I didn't change that as the original seemed ok?
I'll try your suggestion of a few heavy shifts and see if that works before any dismantlng begins!
Thanks.

Jeremy
Jeremy 3

Jeremy.

This noise happens on my Frogeye every morning as I back out of the drive, once I move off, it's OK. I've had it before many times on Midgets and Sprites and it's never given me cause for concern.

I just live with the screatching, it's just like living with the Ex..... lol

Mark.
Mark T. Boldry

Cheers Mark,

it's the opposite with this - all quiet first thing but starts once it's warmed up. Bit like the ...no, no better not!

Jeremy
Jeremy 3

I have had a similar screeching from time to time. I attributed it to the spigot bearing (not an option mentioned above). Anyway, it only happens occasionally and does not seem to be a major problem. When it comes to transmission issues my policy is now to drive it till it breaks and not worry about the noises that offend my 'engineers ears'.
Chris H (1970 Midget 1275)

Thanks Chris,

I may well put up with it until it becomes unbearable.
Thanks for your suggestion.
Jeremy
Jeremy 3

This thread was discussed between 11/06/2008 and 12/06/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.