Triumph Spitfire Brakes
Safety depends entirely on your braking system's reliability and performance. The Triumph Spitfire's braking system evolved significantly throughout its production run from 1962 to 1980, with early cars featuring drum brakes all round and later models adopting front disc brakes for improved stopping power. At Rimmer Bros, we understand that maintaining your Spitfire's braking system requires quality components and proper technical knowledge.
Our extensive range of Triumph Spitfire brakes includes genuine, OEM, and carefully selected aftermarket components to suit every application, from concours restorations to performance upgrades. With over 40 years of specialisation in classic British cars, we provide the technical expertise and quality parts that keep your Spitfire stopping safely and reliably.
Understanding Triumph Spitfire Brake Systems
Early Spitfire Brake Systems (1962-1967)
Early Spitfires featured drum brakes on all four wheels, utilising a simple but effective mechanical system with cable operation. These systems provide adequate stopping power for the car's modest weight and performance, though they require regular adjustment and maintenance to function properly.
The front drums measure 8 inches in diameter, whilst the rear drums are slightly smaller at 7 inches. This system relies on brake shoe friction against the drum surface, with manual adjustment compensating for lining wear. Understanding these early systems will help when sourcing the correct parts and performing maintenance procedures.
Later Disc Brake Systems (1967-1980)
From 1967 onwards, Spitfires received front disc brakes, significantly improving stopping power and heat dissipation. The 9-inch solid discs work with single-piston sliding callipers, providing consistent braking performance under varying conditions. Rear drums continued throughout production, maintaining the cost-effective simplicity that characterised British sports cars of the period.
This mixed system combines the progressive feel of disc brakes with the parking brake effectiveness of rear drums. The master cylinder operates both systems through a dual circuit arrangement, providing safety redundancy that meets modern expectations.
Common Triumph Spitfire Brake Problems
Brake Fade and Heat-Related Issues
Spitfire disc brakes can suffer from fade during spirited driving or mountain descents. The solid discs have limited heat dissipation capacity compared to modern ventilated designs, leading to reduced braking effectiveness when temperatures rise. This characteristic requires driving technique adjustments and potentially upgraded components for demanding use.
Regular inspection of disc thickness and surface condition reveals heat-related problems before they compromise safety. Scoring, cracking, or excessive thickness variation indicate discs requiring replacement or professional machining.
Hydraulic System Deterioration
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, leading to corrosion within the hydraulic system. This moisture causes internal corrosion in cylinders, callipers, and brake lines, potentially resulting in system failure. Regular fluid changes and system inspection prevent these problems from developing.
Rubber seals in master cylinders, wheel cylinders, and callipers deteriorate with age, causing fluid leaks and reduced braking effectiveness. Our rebuild kits provide all necessary seals and components to restore proper hydraulic function.