Are You Aware of The Master Cylinder Failure?
Lesson #18. By [Automovill.com] powered by DigiMusk.com
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Hey Car Lovers,
Where all you have been roaming around? Hope your car is giving you good memories to make. Also, I believe you would have gone through the last 17 lessons of this automobile series.
If not, check it out here: Index.
This is the 18th lesson of the series and while I was pondering over what should be the next, I thought of throwing some light on the master cylinder. This MASTERPIECE in your car is very unpredictable. You can’t even think of how moody it can be. But since you got to take care, you have to know the in & out of this.
What Exactly Is The Master Cylinder In Your Car?
In automotive engineering, the master cylinder is a control device that converts non-hydraulic pressure (commonly from a driver’s foot) into hydraulic pressure. This device controls slave cylinders located at the other end of the hydraulic system.
In simple words, when you step on the brake pedal, the brake booster amplifies the force, pushing directly into the master cylinder. This master cylinder is responsible to convert the linear motion and the force into hydraulic pressure. Then the same master cylinder distributes this pressure to the brake calipers or wheel cylinders. Hydraulic pressure is converted back to linear motion and force, to compress brake pads.
How Does This Master Cylinder Work?
You can see a brake fluid reservoir on top of this master cylinder. The reservoir is usually attached directly or by a hose. This brake fluid goes into the master cylinder through gravity, filling the space around two pistons, one for each circuit.
At rest, return springs push the pistons to the back of the master cylinder, releasing all pressure from the brake lines.
When you depress the brake pedal, the pushrod pushes on the primary piston. This push moves past the intake port and generates hydraulic pressure, which is directed to the primary brake circuit and to the secondary piston. Since the brake fluid doesn’t compress, the secondary piston moves forward at the same time, generating hydraulic pressure in the secondary brake circuit.
Are You Aware of The Master Cylinder Failure?
Ideally, a master cylinder lasts for around 60,000 to 2,00,000 miles. If you are a daily commuter, your cylinder might run faster as compared to a highway commuter.
Generally, the pistons and the springs don’t wear out. So, they are not the main culprit. But, the rubber seals can wear out and degrade over time, leading to internal or external leaks.
Let’s drill down more into the symptoms so that you are well informed beforehand.
1. Low Brake Fluid
This kind of leakage is hidden. For this, you need to pull out the cylinder and see if there is any leakage. When there is leakage in the master cylinder, it is usually at the rear and thus difficult to identify. You can find the leakage in between the cylinder and the booster.
2. Damaged Engine Light
If the engine light is damaged, it could be due to master cylinder failure. Reason being, the master cylinder is critical to the other parts as well such as anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control. If the master cylinder encounters any issue, these parts could also disable the engine light.
3. Brake Warning Light
Since master cylinder plays an important in the brake system, the illuminating brake light could also be the reason of master cylinder failure. However, this could also indicate a low fluid level or to indicate brake problems.
4. Contaminated Brake Fluid
Sometimes with the due time, the rubber seals get torn out and contaminate the brake fluid resulting in a “dirty” brake fluid. This dirty brake fluid results in failure of the master cylinder. It is recommended that you change the brake fluid every 20K miles.
5. Sinking Pedal
When you press the pedal, it should be pressed to a certain point and stay there. If the pedal continues to drop, it indicates the internal fluid leakage. Before looking into the master cylinder, do check for any external leaks.
Thanks for reading! 😊 If you feel 18% smarter, test how many times can you hit 👏 in 5 seconds. This will help other people be equally smart. *Learn & Share*.
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