The brake hydraulic system uses rigid pipes running along the body and chassis to carry fluid from the master cylinder to each wheel, with flexible hoses bridging the gap between the body-mounted pipes and the moving brake components. The pipe layout changed when dual-circuit braking was introduced from GAN6-200001 (August 1977) onward, as the system was divided into separate front and rear hydraulic circuits with additional pipework and a different master cylinder outlet arrangement. Brake pipe kits are specific to both the braking circuit type (single or dual) and the steering side (RHD or LHD), as the pipe routing differs between left and right-hand-drive cars.
Copper Brake Pipe Kits
Complete copper brake pipe kits provide all the rigid pipe sections needed for a full system renewal. Copper (more precisely, cupro-nickel alloy) offers significant advantages over the original steel: it is easier to form and bend during installation without the work-hardening and brittleness that makes steel pipe difficult to route in confined spaces, it provides excellent corrosion resistance that far outlasts the original steel pipes, and it has an attractive appearance that suits a restored engine bay. The kits are supplied cut to the correct lengths with the correct end fittings already fitted, and are marked to indicate the correct location on the car.
Flexible Brake Hoses
Three flexible brake hoses are used: two at the front (one per calliper) and one at the rear. The front hoses accommodate the steering movement of the front wheels, while the rear hose bridges the gap between the body-mounted pipe and the axle-mounted pipe, allowing for the vertical movement of the rear axle on its springs. The rear hose connects to a three-way union on the rear axle, which distributes fluid to both rear wheel cylinders. Rubber brake hoses deteriorate internally with age, the inner lining can delaminate and act as a one-way valve, allowing fluid pressure to apply the brake but preventing it from releasing fully.
This is a common cause of brake binding that is invisible from external inspection.
Stainless Steel Braided Hoses
Stainless steel braided brake hoses are available as an upgrade set of three, eliminating the expansion that occurs in ageing rubber hoses under hydraulic pressure and providing a firmer, more consistent brake pedal feel. A stainless steel braided clutch hose is also available as a companion upgrade.
Pipe Clips and Sealing Washers
Brake pipe clips secure the rigid pipes to the body at intervals along their routing, preventing vibration damage and ensuring the pipes are held clear of heat sources and moving components. Copper sealing washers are used at all banjo bolt and hose-to-pipe connections, these washers must be renewed whenever a connection is disturbed, as a used copper washer will not re-seal reliably and can cause a slow fluid leak that may not be immediately obvious.