Morris Minor Owners Club

I drove Megan for the first time today and was warned that the Braking system wasnt like a new car. How logn do u think it'll take me to get used to it. im worried about emergency stops or having to brake quickly in built- u areas. Im hoping to god il get used to it.

how long is a piece of string?! it generally takes a few weeks to get used to driving any car that is new to you,if youve never driven a classic car before then it could take a lot longer.i would advise getting up early in the morning(say 6ish) and taking it out for a long ride,really get used to it.Basically you have to plan further ahead and not get too cocky with the throttle,or you may find you havent enough time to stop!

I was almost shaking after driving Trev for the first few miles, because the brakes were so bad. And the truth is they were so bad - I replaced the shoes at the back and then bled the whole system and now they are much better. Don't assume that it's the difference between old cars and modern cars, it may be that the brakes need adjusting (which really is very easy to do).

After you've checked everything Sgray has said and made sure the brakes are in good condition and properly "bled", take the car out again somewhere quiet (early am supermarket carpark? and practise your emergency stopping (just like your test). You will get to know how long it takes/how much distance you need. Unlike moderns when you can arrive at a junction and slam the brakes on, try gradually aproaching the junction changing down through your gears as you go. This will reduce your speed so you arrive at the junction with the right speed to apply the brakes fully.

The brakes on a Minor will not be as efficient as disc brakes on a modern car but the should feel firm and be capable of locking the wheels in an emergency stop. Get used to driving with more anticipation and give yourslf more room to stop.

Minor brakes are perfectly satisfactory for sane road use. If they won't lock the wheels at 20 mph with a good hard push - then there is something wrong! Adjustment will help bring the pedal up - but won't make the brakes work any better if the shoes are worn/cylinders are seized/cylinders are leaking. If you have any doubts - take the car to an MOT garage (but I suggest NOT Kwak-fut etc...) and ask them nicely if they will do a brake test on the rollers - this will tell you exactly how well they work and if any maintenance is necessary. Don't take chances with brakes - they should work - these cars were driven by 'little old ladies' and District Nurses - the brakes should not be heavy to use, and they will stop the car perfectly satisfactorily when properly maiantained.