The Classic Mini braking system evolved across production from an all-drum setup to a front disc and rear drum configuration. Early standard Minis used drum brakes on all four corners, while the 1275 GT (1976 to 1980) had front disc brakes from new and the reintroduced Cooper from 1990 also had front discs. Standard models gained front discs from 1984 with the move to 12-inch wheels. Identifying which braking system your car has is essential before ordering any brake components, as the two systems require completely different front hub, caliper, disc, backplate and hydraulic arrangements.
Front Brakes
Cars with front drum brakes use a leading shoe arrangement within a brake drum mounted on the front hub. Cars with front disc brakes use a caliper and solid disc assembly. The changeover to front discs occurred at different points depending on model and specification, Cooper and Cooper S models had disc brakes from the outset, while standard models gained them later in production. Front brake pads, discs, calipers, caliper rebuild kits, drums, shoes, wheel cylinders and all associated hardware are available from MGOC Spares.
Rear Brakes
All Classic Minis use rear drum brakes throughout production. Rear brake shoes, drums, wheel cylinders, return springs, adjusters and handbrake components are stocked for all variants.
Brake Hydraulics
The Classic Mini braking system is hydraulically operated, with a brake master cylinder providing the hydraulic pressure to operate the calipers and wheel cylinders at each corner. The master cylinder specification changed across production, with single-circuit and dual-circuit systems fitted at different points. Brake servo assistance was introduced during production to reduce pedal effort. Flexible brake hoses, rigid brake pipes, master cylinders, servo units and brake fluid are all available from MGOC Spares.
MGOC Spares Brake Range
The MGOC Spares Classic Mini brake range covers drum and disc brake variants, including front and rear brake kits, individual pads and shoes, discs and drums, calipers, wheel cylinders, master cylinders, servo units, handbrake cables and mechanisms, flexible hoses, copper brake pipe sets and brake fluid.