The Giulia brought disc brakes to the front of the Pininfarina spider — a real step on from the drum-braked early Giuliettas — and the system is straightforward to assess.
Discs front, drums rear
The Giulia Spider runs front disc brakes and rear drums. The front discs were a meaningful upgrade over the all-drum set-up of the earlier 1300 Giulietta, giving more consistent, fade-resistant stopping.
What to check
- The car should stop straight — pulling to one side points to a sticking caliper, a seized wheel cylinder, or contaminated friction material.
- Check the discs for scoring, lipping and corrosion, and the drums for condition.
- Inspect the flexible hoses (perished hoses are a safety issue) and the fluid — old, dark fluid should be renewed.
- A spongy pedal suggests air or a fluid fault; a pedal that slowly sinks points to the master cylinder.
What it means
Brake parts for these Alfas are available, and a full overhaul is routine specialist work. Brakes rarely make or break a purchase, but they are a safety system: factor any needed work into the price, and don't drive a car with doubtful brakes until it is sorted.