The MGA brake line system carries hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder out to the wheel cylinders (on drum-brake cars) or calipers (on disc-brake cars) through a network of steel pipe runs, flexible hoses at the moving suspension points, connectors and unions. The complete brake line arrangement differs across variants: pushrod 1500 cars have a combined brake-and-clutch master cylinder feeding a single pipe network; 1600 and 1600 Mk II cars broadly share the 1500 pipe layout with the later master cylinder arrangement; Twin Cam and De Luxe cars use separate brake and clutch master cylinders with different brake pipe runs to suit the four-wheel Dunlop disc installation.
Factory-pattern steel brake pipe sets
Complete replacement brake pipe sets are supplied to factory pattern, pre-formed to the original routing. The pipe sets are variant-specific, pushrod disc-wheeled, Twin Cam / De Luxe, and left-hand or right-hand drive specifications, reflecting the different master cylinder outlets, chassis rails and rear axle arrangements. A pipe set for the wrong variant will not follow the correct routing and will not locate correctly at the factory P-clip mounting points along the chassis. Two production-change points affect brake pipe ordering on the 1500.
The three-way connection and the brake pipes to the rear brakes were modified to incorporate standardised UNF threads at car/chassis 27989 (disc-wheeled cars) and 28540 (wire-wheeled cars). The banjo connection to the rear wheel brake cylinders was changed from a straight to a right-angle type at car/chassis 22741. These breakpoints should be confirmed against the car's chassis number before ordering pipe sets or rear-end fittings. The pipe runs and handbrake mechanism on 1600 and 1600 Mk II cars are largely carried over from the 1500 and were not subject to production-change modifications during later production.
Classic braided hose sets
Classic braided hose sets for the MGA 1500 are stocked as an upgrade over the original rubber flexible brake hoses. Braided hoses use a flexible inner core surrounded by a woven stainless steel outer sheath, the outer braid prevents expansion of the hose under braking pressure, improving pedal feel and maintaining consistent brake application. The classic braided hose sets retain the period-correct appearance suitable for restoration work while providing modern hose construction. Hose sets are supplied matched to the car's flexible hose routing, typically two front hoses to the front brakes and one rear hose to the rear axle three-way connector.
Unions, connectors and fittings
Two pipe-union types are stocked: the three-way union used at the rear axle to split the rear pipe feed between the left and right wheel cylinders, and the four-way connector (with integral threaded boss for the brake light switch) used at the master cylinder end or at the main pipe junction. A separate 2-way BSF-thread union is also stocked. Pipe straps and P-clips of the appropriate hole sizes secure the pipe runs along the chassis at the factory mounting points.
Mounting and fitting hardware
P-clips of the correct hole size secure the pipe runs along the chassis at the factory mounting points. UNF hex-head screws, plain nuts and spring washers retain the P-clips; pipe straps provide additional support near the master cylinder and at the rear axle.
These items are easily overlooked in a pipe-replacement order but are essential for a correct and secure installation.
Ordering considerations
Brake pipe set ordering requires the variant (pushrod 1500 / 1600 / 1600 Mk II vs Twin Cam / De Luxe) and the drive hand (LHD or RHD) to be confirmed, along with the chassis number for 1500 cars against the 27989 / 28540 (disc/wire UNF breakpoint) and 22741 (rear cylinder banjo type breakpoint). Braided hose sets are currently available for the 1500 and should be matched to the car's original hose count. Unions, connectors, P-clips, fittings, and the hydraulic brake light switch are common service items shared across the MGA range.
Where an MGA has been re-piped during its service history with non-original specification, the existing layout should be inspected and matched before ordering, not every car on the road today follows the factory routing exactly.