QuestionI own a 1977 MGB which has been standing for 3 years unused. The rear brakes have seized onto the drums. What is the best method of freeing them up?
AnswerHi Kevin. This really is a tricky question. If you have left the handbrake on and the brake shoes have rusted to the drums, then you may have to sacrifice some parts.
Start by fully undoing the brake shoe adjusters on the backplates. Next, spray PlusGas into the gap between the backplates and the drums, and leave it to soak for 24 hours. Jack the axle off the ground, start the engine, select first gear, apply some revs, and slowly let the clutch out. Try reverse. Do it a few times. Maybe one drum will free up.
Fully tighten the adjuster on the side that has freed up, let the car down onto its wheels, and jack up the stuck wheel only. Chock both front wheels so that the car cannot move forwards or back. Repeat the exercise.
If the above will not work, remove a wheel and use a long bar as a lever. Try to rotate the drum. You may ruin the studs, but they are replaceable. I have used an 8 foot scaffold pole in the past, and it worked for me.
It is possible that you could pull the drums off with a puller. They are only held on by the large nut in the centre of the drum. Or you can try hitting the drum from the back after removing that nut and split pin.
Finally, if the drums still will not free up, you may have to take an angle grinder to the drums and destroy them. Remember to throw away the brake shoes if they are contaminated with PlusGas.
Good luck.
