A brake master cylinder is an integral part of the hydraulic system of your car's brakes because it converts power placed on the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure to slow your car down. Identifying a specific problem with the brake master cylinder can be difficult for a person with little experience, so it's best left to experienced brake specialists. This guide offers you plausible symptoms of a failed brake master cylinder so that you can head to a professional immediately.
Abnormally Functioning Brake Pedal
If you find your brake pedal working abnormally or if it is unresponsive, then there is a strong possibility that the problem lies with the master cylinder. Since the master cylinder provides requisite pressure for the brakes to operate, a failed master cylinder will lead to a lack of pressure when you step on the brake pedal. The brake pedal may start to feel loose or spongy and will hit the floor too quickly. Experienced brake specialists will need to examine the entire system before getting to the exact cause.
Contaminated Brake Fluid
Another sign of a failed brake master cylinder is when your brake fluid is contaminated. The brake fluid reservoir is set on the master cylinder and enables the pressure provided by the master cylinder. Over time, outside impurities and dirt can enter the brake fluid reservoir and contaminate the brake fluid. Sometimes, the rubber seals found around the reservoir in the master cylinder can break down and contaminate the brake fluid. This will prevent the master cylinder from functioning at the right pressure, which will impact your entire braking system.
Leaking Brake Fluid
If you find that your brake fluid levels are abnormally low, then there could be a leakage in your master cylinder. Leakages can also occur in the metal brake lines that go to the master cylinder. Worn out or leaking brake lines may result in your brake pedal becoming too hard to press down. Brake fluid can also leak through the O-rings inside the cylinder. Fluid can also leak through the rubber grommets that hold the plastic reservoirs and are attached to the master cylinders. Any leaks in the hydraulic chambers of the master cylinder will also affect the functionality of the master cylinder. Identifying the source of the leak is best left to experienced brake specialists because of the complexity of the braking system.
The best way to avoid master cylinder damage is to get your car checked regularly. If you notice any of these problems, head to experienced brake specialists immediately to prevent them from getting worse.
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