The Webmaster Zone

This weekend I spent a good chunk of time tackling one of the last major things on my "MGB To Do" list, rebuilding/replacing the rear end. I have been driving around with bolt-ons on the front and center-lock wires on the back since shortly before I took the car in for body work - sourced a good used bolt-on rear axle and had the local shop replace the bearings and give it a good going-over. Since the axle's going to be out, I'm taking the opportunity to replace the leaf springs, U-bolts, spring pads, rebound straps, brake shoes and cylinders, etc etc as well. The tear-down went a lot smoother than I was expecting - I must be getting good at persuading rusty parts to part ways. Tomorrow I'm going back to get a few parts I wasn't expecting to have to replace and get the thrust washers replaced in the differential (might as well, while its out) Day 2 - Picked up the extra parts (if there's one thing I've learned, its that you will always require more parts than you have on hand - which is a big p.i.t.a. for me since the B is my only means of transport) and began reassembly. Moved the differential over to the new axle, and mounted the new leaf springs with the axle on top. Fitted spring shackles and U-bolts with more than a little effort and moved the axle stands to the axle. Day 3 - Tightened all spring and axle bolts, reattached propshaft and brake lines. Assembled rear brakes, after cleaning all parts in petrol and greasing all the moving parts (adjuster and handbrake lever). Bled brake lines and filled the axle with the proper oil.