Morris Minor brakes work using a hydraulic braking system

• The brake pedal operates a piston in the master cylinder which generates pressure in the brake fluid and  transmits the fluid via steel brake pipes and flexible hoses to the wheel cylinders.

• There are two wheel cylinders on each front wheel.

• There is only one wheel cylinder on each rear wheel.

• The handbrake is connected to the rear wheels, which operates the pistons to move the brakes, using the leverage applied by the handbrake cables.

• The hydraulic braking system should apply equal pressure to all 4 wheels.

  • However, because there are two wheel cylinders on the front wheels, more pressure is applied to the front brakes.

  • This is necessary, as more weight is thrown onto the front wheels when the brakes are used.

• Front brake drums were 7" between 1948 and 1962 (including the 948)

• Front brake drums were 8" from 1962 to 1971, including the 1098.

• Rear brake drums were always 7".

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Common upgrades​

• Brake Servo​

  • A brake servo is commonly fitted to increase the pressure applied when the brake pedal is pressed​

  • It is normally used in combination with disc front brakes, but can also be used with drum brakes

  • It is available as a kit online - see parts suppliers here

• Disc Front Brakes​

  • Disc front brakes improve the reliability and remove the risk of brake shoe failure​

  • Disc brakes do not need adjustment at regular intervals

  • Disc brakes do not suffer from contamination

  • Kits are available online - see parts suppliers here

• Remote brake reservoir​

  • A remote brake reservoir places the brake fluid reservoir within the engine bay​

  • This makes monitoring and topping up brake fluid easier and quicker

  • The remote reservoir is higher than the normal brake reservoir which can improve issues with air in the sytem

  • It is recommended that a remote reservoir is fitted when disc brakes are fitted

  • Kits are available online - see parts suppliers here

• Dot 5 Brake Fluid​

  • Dot 5 Brake Fluid is fully synthetic​

  • It has an extremely high boiling point

    • This should improve the feel at the pedal​

  • It is not hygroscopic, so will not absorb water and therefore does not deteriorate over time​

  • It cannot be mixed with Dot 3 or 4, therefore Dot 5 is best used in a brand new braking system, or after the system has been flushed through

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