Front disc brakes were introduced to the Midget in October 1962 with the 1098cc Mk1 (GAN2), replacing the drum brakes fitted to the original 948cc Mk1 GAN1. From that point onward, through the 1098cc, 1275cc, and 1500, the front brake specification remained fundamentally the same: a fixed two-piston opposed Lockheed calliper acting on a solid brake disc at each front wheel. The callipers, pistons, seals, pads, and hose connections are common across all disc-braked Midgets regardless of engine type, making parts supply straightforward. The only specification that differs is the disc itself, which must be matched to the wheel type, steel wheel and wire wheel cars use different hub mounting arrangements.
Calliper Overhaul
The calliper is a two-piece design secured by bridge bolts with lock tabs, with a bridge seal connecting the two halves hydraulically. The fixed two-piston opposed arrangement applies the pads from both sides simultaneously, with a piston in each calliper half acting against its corresponding pad. The bridge seal should only be replaced by an experienced brake specialist, as the calliper must be split to access it. Calliper pistons are available in standard steel and stainless steel, stainless is strongly recommended during any calliper overhaul, as standard steel pistons are prone to pitting corrosion that causes the piston to seize in the bore over time.
A seized piston results in binding brakes, uneven pad wear, or a piston that retracts but fails to apply under braking. Calliper seal kits contain all the rubber seals and dust boots needed for a complete overhaul. The lock tabs securing the bridge bolts must be renewed whenever the calliper is split, reusing bent lock tabs risks the bridge bolts working loose. Complete front brake overhaul kits containing discs, pads, callipers, lock tabs, brake hoses, banjo bolts, and sealing washers are available for both steel wheel and wire wheel cars.
Brake Pads and Disc Inspection
Brake pads are common to all disc-braked Midget models regardless of engine type or wheel type. When fitting new pads, the disc surface should be checked for scoring, lipping, and minimum thickness, a worn or damaged disc will reduce braking performance even with new pads and may cause vibration through the brake pedal under heavy braking. Anti-squeal shims and pad retainers are available individually. Performance pads and grooved or cross-drilled discs are covered in the Brake Upgrades section.
Brake Hose Connection
The front brake hose connects the calliper to the rigid brake pipe via a banjo bolt with copper sealing washers. A lockplate must be correctly fitted to prevent the banjo bolt from rotating under vibration, the lockplate tabs are bent against the bolt flats after tightening. Lockplates are handed left and right and should be renewed whenever the brake hose is disconnected. A set of three stainless steel braided brake hoses (two front, one rear) is available as an upgrade, providing improved pedal feel and resistance to expansion under heavy braking.
Dust Covers
Handed dust covers are fitted behind each brake disc, shielding the inner face of the disc from road debris thrown up by the front wheels. These are secured by screws to the swivel axle assembly and should be refitted whenever the disc or hub is removed, they are often discarded during previous work but serve a useful protective function.