Fiat 850 (1964-1973) - Brake system
Although the Fiat 850 offered a sportier driving experience than the Fiat 600, it continued to use four drum brakes. Disc brakes on the front axle were only used on the more powerful variants.
Special features of the brake system on the Fiat 850
1. drum brakes & linings
The greater vehicle mass of the Fiat 850 meant that the drum brakes reached their limits. Under heavy loads, the brake system could overheat, which led to brake fade.
✅ Tip: If you travel a lot in city traffic, you should opt for more heat-resistant brake pads with improved brake pad compounds.
2. brake master cylinder & brake force distribution
Compared to earlier models, the braking behaviour of the Fiat 850 was improved, but the seals of the brake master cylinder tended to age quickly.
✅ Tip: When replacing the brake master cylinder, the brake fluid should be changed to DOT4 standard at the same time to ensure higher temperature resistance.
3. handbrake & brake cables
Due to the greater vehicle length of the Fiat 850, longer handbrake cables were installed, which tend to wear out or break over time.
✅ Tip: If the handbrake is difficult to release, the problem may be due to a rusted cable in the sheathing. In this case, a complete replacement is advisable.