The clutch pipe for right-hand drive MGCs runs from the master cylinder in the pedal box, along the inner wing, to the hose bracket mounted on the body where it connects to a flexible clutch hose via a banjo connector and bolt with sealing washers. The flexible hose then runs to the slave cylinder on the gearbox bell housing. A pipe clip secures the rigid pipe to its routing, and a lock plate with shakeproof washer and nut secures the hose at the bracket. The rigid-to-flexible transition at the bracket is necessary because the engine and gearbox move on their mountings relative to the body, a rigid pipe running directly to the slave cylinder would fatigue and crack at the bell housing connection.
Pipe Condition and Replacement
The rigid copper clutch pipe should be inspected for corrosion, kinking, and chafing at its mounting points. Corrosion is most common where the pipe passes through the engine bay, exposed to heat and moisture. A corroded pipe can develop a pinhole leak that allows air to enter the hydraulic system, causing a spongy clutch pedal and incomplete clutch disengagement. The flexible hose should be inspected for cracking, bulging, and deterioration of the outer braid, a perished hose can balloon under pressure, absorbing hydraulic force that should be reaching the slave cylinder, again causing a soft pedal.
The complete copper brake and clutch pipe kit for RHD single-circuit cars includes this clutch pipe alongside all brake pipes, but the clutch pipe is also available individually for targeted replacement.