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MG MGB Technical - Let my %^&$ parking brake on!!! Pooch thus screwed?

Today I had a most spirited drive in my V8 (fortunately, short-- maybe 10 miles); when almost home I had a horrifying realization that the parking brake was on!!! Of course I let it out, and then when I pulled into my driveway the rear wheels were just about red hot. Did I ruin anything? ... hopefully I just shortened the life of the rear shoes. But I think I may also have caused an axle seal to burst, because one of the wheels (bolt-ons) had a radial pattern of oil. Could I have cooked the rear bearings too?

Not much oil, but it clearly shouldn't be here. You'd probably notice this with a 4-cyl because the power just wouldn't be there, but the sad reality is that with a V8 it doesn't make all that much difference!!!
Bill Withum

Are you sure its differential oil? Maybe its
brake fluid from a failed cylinder.

I would change the brake shoes (they're cheap)
and check the drums for wear while you're in there.
Ronald

Not necessarily screwed. I did this with an MGA-- the brake works the opposite way as on an MGB. All it did was wear the linings. Jack the car up, pull the wheels and check the brakes. Also check the rear brake cylinders. Also check the brakefluid- is it discolored? You may be ok.
Ira Spector

Also check or replace your brake shoe return/keeper springs. Excess heat can ruin the temper in steel springs.
Gary Cash

Bill, the radial pattern of oil may be grease from the wheel bearings running out with the increase in temperature.
I doubt you have done any long term damage beyond some extra wear on the linings at the rear.
If it is any consolation you are not the only one to have done this and probably won't be the last.
Peter Thomas

You are not alone. After driving with the emergency brake on a time or two, I installed a late model handle on my 1970 roadster and placed a normally-off switch in position to make contact. I hooked this to a red light marked "BRAKE" and further to a Radio Shack beeper.

As you approach becoming a senile citizen, you appreciate these little reminders.
Dan

Heating the drums 'just about red hot' may have left them a little warped. You'll notice if the car pulses as it comes to a stop. Any auto parts store can machine them for about $10 apiece.
Matt Kulka

This thread was discussed between 14/04/2002 and 15/04/2002

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