The MGC rear brakes use Girling 9-inch drums, not Lockheed as on the MGB. The back plates are handed (right and left) and secured to the rear axle casing by four bolts per side with Philidas self-locking nuts. Wheel cylinder assemblies are available complete, with separate repair kits for overhaul. Dust caps for the bleed screws and boot retaining clips are available individually.
Brake Shoes and Hardware
Brake shoes are supplied as an axle set, sufficient for both rear wheels. The shoes are retained on the back plate by four steady pins per side, each with a spring and cup washer. Two different return springs are used on each wheel: one at the cylinder end and one at the abutment end. Operating levers (handed right and left) connect the handbrake cable to the rear brake mechanism, with rubber boots protecting the lever pivots from moisture and road contamination.
Adjusting quadrants (also handed) allow the shoe-to-drum clearance to be set correctly. Spring retainer plates and cylinder retaining plates complete the back plate assembly.
Brake Drums
The brake drums are secured by retaining screws and feature inspection plugs for shoe adjustment access. When replacing brake shoes, the drum internal surface should be inspected for scoring, ovality, and glazing, a scored or oval drum will cause uneven braking and should be skimmed or replaced.