Critical Brakes
Drum Brake Fade and Adjustment
Symptoms
Brakes feel weak or require heavy pedal pressure. Braking distance increases on long descents. The pedal may feel spongy or inconsistent.
Cause
The MGA uses drum brakes on all four wheels (disc front brakes were standard on the 1600 Mk II and available as a dealer option on earlier cars). Drum brakes are sensitive to adjustment, fluid condition, and shoe quality. They fade under sustained use as heat builds in the drums. After sixty years, the wheel cylinders corrode internally, seizing or leaking.
Fix
- 1 Rebuild all four wheel cylinders ($25--50 each), fit new shoes ($40--80 per axle), replace all rubber brake hoses, and flush the system with fresh DOT 4 fluid. Adjust the shoes correctly -
- 2 drum brakes need regular adjustment. For cars driven enthusiastically, the front disc brake conversion is one of the most worthwhile upgrades available. Cost for a complete drum brake overhaul: $200--500 in parts
Cost mentioned in fix
$25$40$200
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