A brake cylinder is an essential part of a modern automobile braking system. When you step on the pedal, the master cylinder converts the pressure to hydraulic pressure. It distributes the pressure to calipers also known as slave or wheel cylinders. The slave cylinders then convert the pressure back to linear motion to expand the brake shoes or compress the brake pads. The friction slows down or stops the vehicle. If you feel any of the following issues, bring your car in for a free check-up and, if needed, the best brake repair Phoenix is home to.
Benefits of Master Cylinder in a Hydraulic System
Master cylinder distributes the force between the front and rear wheels. When braking, the front wheel requires more force than the rear wheels.
The force applied by the driver on the pedal is not enough to cause braking. The master cylinder multiplies this force and transfers it the calipers which cause actual brake force.
The master cylinder converts mechanical force into high hydraulic pressure. Therefore it minimizes the amount of effort required for braking
Master cylinder enables constructional flexibility where the front and back wheel brake can be built independently.
Without a master cylinder, we cannot have a hydraulic braking system. Master cylinders can develop problems after an extended period of use. Below are some symptoms that can tell you brake master cylinder is faulty.
Spongy brake pedal
If your pedal feels spongy when put pressure, then you should automatically know the cylinder may have some issues. The master cylinder has seals, which keeps fluids inside. If the seals wear our or get damaged, the fluid leaks. As a result, the brake pedal will have a spongy feeling.
Warning Light
A brake warning light is the easiest method to detect a problem in the braking system. Although the light illuminating from the dashboard indicates there is a problem with the braking system it may not necessarily mean the master cylinder is faulty. A damaged master cylinder will result in a drop of brake fluid pressure. When the braking system sensors detect this reduction, they turn the warning light on.
Contaminated brake fluid
Another sign of problematic master cylinder is contaminated brake fluid. Brake master cylinders have rubber seals which can wear and tear over time. They can disintegrate hence contaminating the fluid. Seals also prevent debris and dirt from mixing with brake fluid. Worn seals will not only fail to protect brake fluid from contamination but also lead to leakage. Hence you may have to press too hard on the pedal to stop your vehicle.
Sinking pedals
Sinking pedals is simply when you step on the pedals and they fail to return to the top. You will notice that the pedals sink to the floor. Sinking pedal could be the result of issue problems with the master cylinder. This is a real driving hazard. You should have the problem fixed right away.
Conclusion
The master cylinder is an essential component of a braking system. It is important for the safety and handling qualities of a vehicle. A faulty master cylinder, on the other hand, makes your car unsafe to drive. If you notice a problem, have it diagnosed by a qualified technician.
Call Chelsee’s A/C & Brake Emporeum now! (602) 242-1253
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