The brake master cylinder is one of the many components of your vehicle’s braking system. The brake master cylinder along with the brake drum, brake calipers, brake hose and brake lines ensure that your car stops quickly after applying the brake. A faulty brake master cylinder causes your vehicle’s braking system to become inefficient. This can be potentially dangerous and hence, you should immediately get brake master cylinder replacement done if you face any issues. Let’s find out more about the service below.
What does a Brake Master Cylinder do?
A brake master cylinder essentially enables your vehicle to stop when the brake is applied. It has pistons that create the pressure required to move the pistons in the wheel cylinder. The movement of the wheel cylinder pistons creates friction between the brake pedal or shoes and the brake drum or rotor which brings the vehicle to a halt.
The pistons in the brake master cylinder and the wheel cylinder are designed in a way that even a moderate amount of pressure applied on the brake pedal creates enormous pressure at the wheel cylinder. This enables the car to stop quickly, even at high speed.
When to Replace the Brake Master Cylinder?
The master cylinder in your vehicle’s braking system will need a replacement if any of the following symptoms appear:
- If you notice fluid on the external surface of the master cylinder
- If the brake pedal has gone lower or falls slowly or is spongy
- If the brake fluid is seeping internally into the power assist brake booster. You will be able to notice reduced braking abilities
- If the brake fluid is discoloured
- If the brake system warning light on your dashboard illuminates automatically
All of the above symptoms indicate a braking system failure. And apart from brake master cylinder failure, these can also be symptoms of a brake hose failure or brake drum failure. So, you should hire an expert mechanic to check your car’s braking system and investigate which braking component is causing the problem and requires replacement.
Why do you need Brake Master Cylinder Replacement?
Driving around with a faulty brake master cylinder is not safe. A leaking or damaged master cylinder can increase braking distance creating a safety risk. A well-functioning braking system is very important for road safety. Avoid driving your car if you feel your car brakes aren’t functioning properly.
Suggested for you: Transmission Position Sensor Replacement Service
How is it Done?
Once our mechanic has verified that your vehicle needs a brake master cylinder replacement, they will proceed in the following manner:
- Disconnect the electrical plug attached to the brake fluid level sensor (In vehicles that have power brakes)
- Detach all the brake lines from the master cylinder and unbolt the master cylinder from the power brake booster
- Remove the defective master cylinder and install a new one
- Bench-bleed the new master cylinder to remove all air from the inside and bolt it to the brake booster
- Reattach the brake lines and the electrical plug
- Bleed the brake lines and remove all air from the brake lines and the ABS
- Inspect the brake lines for leakage and road test the car for proper functioning
Wrapping up
Your car’s braking system is made of many big and small components. And all of them are essential for its proper functioning. If any of the components malfunctions, it could result in a delay in the stopping time of the car which can be potentially dangerous. If you think your vehicle’s braking system isn’t functioning optimally, hire an expert mechanic on Swezo. They will tell you if you need brake master cylinder replacement or any other braking part replacement. Avoid self-diagnosis and take advice only from the experts.
