One of the key innovations that helped the Ford GT40 dominate the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1966 to 1969 was its pre-assembled brake system, which allowed for rapid changes during the race. This system was crucial in endurance racing, where minimizing pit stop time was just as important as outright speed on the track.
How Did the Pre-Assembled Brake System Work?
Modular Hub & Rotor Design
- Instead of removing and replacing individual brake components piece by piece, Ford engineers designed the entire brake rotor and hub assembly as a single, pre-assembled unit.
- This meant that mechanics could swap out worn-out rotors, pads, and calipers together, significantly reducing service time.
Quick-Release Fasteners & Locking Mechanisms
- The system used fast-access bolts and clips instead of traditional threaded fasteners that required more effort to remove.
- The use of safety wire and locking tabs ensured that the components remained secure under extreme conditions but could still be quickly serviced.
Pre-Bled Calipers and Brake Lines
- New calipers were pre-filled with brake fluid and bled before the race, so they could be swapped in without the need for time-consuming brake bleeding.
- This eliminated air bubbles in the brake lines and allowed the car to return to the track faster.
Cooling Duct Integration
- The air ducts and cooling fans were designed to be detached and reattached easily.
- If cooling ducts became clogged with debris, they could be swapped along with the brake assembly.