Introduction to Your Car's Brake Master Cylinder
When you press down on your car's brake pedal, the calipers squeeze the pads against the rotors to slow your vehicle. The pads wear down over time and need to be replaced. The rotors can eventually develop hard spots and other irregularities, and need to be smoothed. This is the extent to which most people think of their car's brake system. Many are unaware regarding the role played by the master cylinder.
Your vehicle's master cylinder (MC) is responsible for transferring the force of your foot on the brake pedal to the calipers. This article will describe how the component works. I'll also explain some of the factors that can cause wear and tear, and briefly describe the steps involved with installing a replacement.
How The Component Works
There are actually two master cylinders within a single housing. The purpose of this design was to provide an alternative means of stopping your car in the event one of the MCs failed. This rarely happens. Today's vehicles are equipped with MCs that are durable and often last the lifetime of the car.
The component works as the result of hydraulic pressure. When you press down on the brake pedal, a push rod outfitted with primary and secondary pistons is pushed forward. This forward motion places pressure against the fluid inside the MC. This pressure moves the fluid through a network of brake lines to each of your wheels where they actuate the calipers.
The above process works because brake fluid cannot be compressed. It can only be displaced. This is the reason your foot's force is transferred so effectively from the brake pedal to your wheels.
Air In The Assembly
The master cylinder's main enemy is air, which gains entry due to leaks. Because air can be compressed, its presence in the assembly prevents proper displacement of the brake fluid. When you press down on the pedal, you'll notice the pedal travels further down than normal. This is known as extended travel.
Normally, when there is no air in the system, the brake pedal will spring back to its original position when it is released. This is due to the displaced fluid rushing back to the MC. When air is present, you'll notice it takes longer for the pedal to return. This often causes the pads to drag on the rotors.
Factors That Cause Wear
Besides air, master cylinders are also susceptible to wearing. The pistons and bore can become worn over time, especially if the majority of your driving takes place on surface streets. When these smaller parts wear down, they become less capable of producing the pressure needed to displace the fluid. This prevents your brake system from operating as efficiently as it should.
One last note regarding the life of your master cylinder. It's not uncommon for an MC to last over 100,000 miles in one vehicle and only 60,000 miles in another. The reason for the disparity is usually due to the type of driving in which you're engaged. If you spend most of your time on freeways, the master cylinder will be under less strain. As a result, it will last longer.
When A Replacement Is Necessary
If the pistons and bore are worn, you'll need to replace the component. After you identify it near the firewall on the driver's side, drain the fluid. Next, disconnect the fluid level sensor connector and the brake lines. The sensor can be disconnected by hand. The lines require a special wrench.
The master cylinder is held securely in place by mounting bolts. You'll need a socket wrench to remove them. Once you have removed the bolts and set them aside, the MC should easily slip off the studs. Install the replacement, tighten the bolts, and secure the lines and sensor connector. Lastly, refill the reservoir and bleed the system.
The master cylinder is a critical part of your braking system. While it should last the lifetime of your vehicle, it may need to be replaced due to wearing. If that's the case, you can easily do the job yourself with a few tools and a little patience.
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