Master Cylinder

What is a Mast Cylinder?

The master cylinder is a device that converts force (usually from the driver's foot) into
hydraulic pressure. The purpose of this device is to control the slave cylinders located at
the other end of the hydraulic brake system.

It is a braking system component that transmits the pressure generated by the brake
pedal on your vehicle's wheels. It is known as the heart of your car's brake system. The
master cylinder is an equally important part of a disc brake assembly, as is the brake
disc/rotor.

When the driver depresses the brake pedal, that force pushes a piston through the brake
cylinder, converting the force into hydraulic pressure.

This pressure pumps hydraulic fluid through the brake lines that transmit pressure to a
secondary cylinder on each wheel braking system.

It is usually made of aluminum metals or cast iron. To understand more about the
Brake Master Cylinder, I briefly explained its function, parts, and types. So let's read
deeply.

Read Also: What are the Common Symptoms of a Braking System?

Parts of Master Cylinder

Following are the main parts of the master cylinder:

1. Reservoir
2. Cylinder
3. Piston
4. Piston assembly
5. Spring return
6. Valve
7. Brake pedal
8. Brake fluid
9. Series of gasket
10. Clamp

Read Also: Fuel Line: Diagram, Types, Function, Material, Fitting &
Cleaner

TheEngineersPost.com Page 1
 Master Cylinder

#1 Reservoir

The reservoir generally stores brake fluid in hydraulic-type braking systems. It is

usually made of aluminum or cast iron or sometimes plastic.

The shape of the reservoir is rectangular, but sometimes round-shaped reservoirs are
used for rear disc brakes. This reservoir is designed in such a way that you can check
the oil level and color of the oil.

#2 Cylinder

It is the air-tight housing inside which the piston travels with the moment of the brake
pedal, resulting in the change and multiplication of force. This cylinder is made of
either cast iron or aluminum.

#3 Piston

When you depress the brake pedal, the piston rotates inside the cylinder. Due to this,
the piston causes compression of the brake fluid inside the cylinder, generating high
hydraulic pressure. The MC piston is attached to a push rod and return springs.

#4 Piston Assembly

A piston assembly is basically a set of parts that includes a piston, a series of o

rings/gaskets also known as cup/o rings, circle P, primary cup and secondary cup, and
a return spring. The piston assembly is located near the bore of the master cylinder.

TheEngineersPost.com Page 2
 Master Cylinder

#5 Spring Return

It is a type of spring mounted inside the cylinder that helps the piston and brake pedal
to maintain their original position once the brake pedal is released. It can also be seen in
drum brake and disc brake assemblies.

#6 Valve

This is the valve through which the brake line is connected. With the help of this valve,
compressed brake fluid is further transferred to the caliper.

#7 Brake Pedal

The brake pedal is an essential part of the master cylinder assembly from which you
give instructions to the master cylinder.

#8 Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is usually hydraulic fluid. It is considered as important as oil for an engine.
The primary function of brake fluid is to allow the vehicle to apply force to the brakes
and to slow down and stop.

#9 Bladder

This part is typically found in an open system type master cylinder. It is made of thin
rubber, which allows it to deform through expansion and contraction. It carries liquid
on one side and atmosphere on the other.

#10 Series of Gasket

The series of gaskets include a cup or O ring, primary cup, secondary cup, and circle P.
A cup and circle P acts as a retainer for the piston and is located between the pushrod
and the piston.

The primary seal allows brake fluid from the reservoir to flow into the brake hose pipe
when the brake lever or pedal is pressed, whereas the secondary seal keeps the brake
fluid sealed and prevents it from flowing to the outer side when the brake pedal is
pressed.

Read Also: What is the function of an Engine Valve? It's Working & Types

TheEngineersPost.com Page 3
 Master Cylinder

Function of Master Cylinder

The master cylinder is a vital part of a vehicle. The MC converts the force of the foot
into hydraulic pressure. An MC is almost a tandem brake master cylinder so let's
discuss its working principle.

First, we will discuss the MC with compensating ports. This MC consists of a reservoir
tank that contains the brake fluid and cylinder rubber piston cups are employed in the
cylinder. These rubber piston cups formed brake circuits.

Since there are two brake circuits, such a master cylinder is called tandem brake master
cylinder. The ports of the MC are located in the top part of the cylinder, and the outlet
ports for the brake lines which are connected to the brakes are located on the side of the
cylinder.

When the driver depresses the pedal, the pushrod pushes the first rubber piston cup
over the compensating port. Consequently, pressure is built up in the first brake circuit,
as a result, the second rubber piston cup is moved over the second compensating port
and pressure builts in the second brake circuit.

Occasionally brake lines can leak or snap for this reason spilt brake systems are
mandatory in many countries. If one brake circuit goes bad, the other still works.
Passenger cars typically have either a front-rear split brake system or a diagonal split
brake system.

TheEngineersPost.com Page 4
 Master Cylinder
In a front-rear split brake system, the first brake circuit provides pressure to the front brakes. The
second brake circuit provides pressure to the rear brakes.

In a diagonal split brake system, one brake of the rear wheel and one brake of the front wheel are
supplied by one of the twp brake circuits.

Checkout: Different Types of Axles Used in Vehicles [PDF]

Types of Master Cylinder

Following are the types of master cylinders used in hydraulic brakes:

1. Open system
2. Closed
3. Single cylinder
4. tandem cylinder
5. Portless master cylinder

#1 Open System

This type is composed of a bladder inside the reservoir tanks. These bladders help
adjust the brake fluid level in the MC. It expands or contracts according to changes in
heat as one side of the bladder is exposed to the environment.

Advantages Disadvantages
It automatically adjusts the
Because it automatically adjusts, which is not good
brake fluid level in the MC
sometimes.
assembly.
In disc brake systems, this When brake pads wear out, the open system supplies
usually protects the brakes more fluid to the caliper, resulting in the piston being
from overheating. adjusted according to the worn pads.
The driver does not need to
If this continues, a situation may arise where the driver
apply the brakes as it is an
needs to change the disc and caliper assembly.
open system.

#2 Closed System

The closed system master cylinder has a reservoir tank that does not have a bladder.
Hence the system needs manual adjustment.

Advantages Disadvantages
The driver can check the brake fluid level If the brake fluid level is not at the

TheEngineersPost.com Page 5
 Master Cylinder

Advantages Disadvantages
through the reservoir tank and replace it with recommended level, it can affect
the recommended levels. braking performance.
These types are widely used in all kinds of It typically leads to the problem of
automobiles. overheating.
When air remains anywhere in the
If brake pads wear out, they can be easily
system, it can also affect braking
detected and replaced.
performance.

#3 Single Cylinder

In this type, the brake pedal lever pushes the piston inside the cylinder, pushing fluid
through the lines and into the slave cylinder. When the brake pedal is released, a spring
is installed inside the cylinder, pushing the piston back to its original position.

The created negative pressure draws brake fluid out of the lines and into the cylinders
from the brake fluid reservoir. Single-cylinder type distributes the same force on all the
wheels due to the use of a single-piston or circuit.

#4 Tandem or Dual Cylinder

It is a modified variant of the MC in which dual-cylinder-dual-piston or single-cylinder

dual-piston is used for independent braking between the front and rear wheels. It
provides freedom between the front and rear wheels braking, an important safety
feature for a vehicle.

When the brake pedal is depressed, the primary piston exerts pressure on a spring
attached to the rear of the secondary piston. As the spring is compressed, the secondary
piston begins to push fluid through its dedicated system. These are used in almost all
cars as it is more efficient than single circuit MC.

#5 Portless Master Cylinder

The portless type provides a faster brake release than standard designs that use a
compensating port. It consists of a valve assembly in the piston that opens to equalize
pressure when the brake is released.

This allows it to do without a compensating port, which is restricted to fluid flow and
reduces pressure from the brake system under the initial application. These work best
with the ABS system, which uses rapid pressure modulation to adjust the braking force.

Read Also: Basic Car Interior Parts with [Name & Functions] Explained

TheEngineersPost.com Page 6
 Master Cylinder

Symptoms of Master Cylinder

A worn-out brake master cylinder can cause a number of problems. The following are
some common issues that indicate a faulty master cylinder:

#1 Bad Brake Pedal Experience

The brake pedal should recall some major problems with the sealing or force
distribution of the master cylinder. For example, you may notice a spongy brake pedal
that will lack resistance and may slowly drop to the floor when pressed.

Also, the brake pedal may not come back on smoothly even after you remove your foot.
This is due to a problem with brake fluid pressure, likely caused by a bad brake master
cylinder.

#2 Leakage of Brake Fluid

Leaking brake fluid indicates something is wrong with the MC. If it does, contact the
mechanic to check your brake fluid reservoir. Leaking brake fluid will cause it to drop
its level. Fortunately, several seals inside the master cylinder keep brake fluid, and
pressure contained. However, if a piston seal wears out, it will create an internal leak.

#3 Brake Warning Light Comes On

Brake Warning Light is one of the leading car dashboard warning lights. Modern
vehicles have brake fluid levels and pressure sensors installed in the master cylinder.
These sensors will automatically detect abnormal drops in hydraulic pressure and alert
the driver.

TheEngineersPost.com Page 7
 Master Cylinder

So, if the brake warning light comes on, don't ignore it. This could signify master
cylinder failure, mainly when any previously explained symptoms occur.

#4 Vibration When Braking

The brake master cylinder typically consists of two separate hydraulic circuits to
transfer brake fluid to two different pairs of wheels. Any fault in the circuit can cause
the car to turn aside or experience vibration when the brakes are applied.

#5 Uneven Wear of Brake Pads

If there is a problem with one of the circuits in the master cylinder, it could cause
uneven wear in brake pads. One set of brake pads will wear out more than the other,
resulting in the car re-weaving each time the brakes are applied.

Wrapping It Up
Now, I hope I’ve covered everything you were looking for in this article. If you still
have any doubts or questions regarding this topic, leave a comment below I’ll definitely
reply. If you liked it, then share this with your friends.

Want free PDFs direct to your inbox? Then subscribe to our newsletter.

You might like to read more about automobile engineering:

1. Different Types of Doors Used in Automobile Vehicles

2. Types of Tires and Their Functions [Explained with Their Purposes]
3. Difference Between Powertrain vs Drivetrain

TheEngineersPost.com Page 8