Free Automotive Repair Advice by Certified ASE Technicians
How to Repair/
Brake Master Cylinder-1/
Brake Master Cylinder-2Brake Master Cylinder:
(always wear protective safety goggles and gloves before work begins)
The brake master cylinder is the manual hydraulic pressure part of the brake
system. The brake master holds hydraulic brake fluid that is used to actuate the
brake system. Brake fluid flows through brake system components and then to the
front brake caliper under pressure to slow the vehicle. When a master cylinder
fails you may experience a low brake peddle, the master cylinder is divide into
two separate sections, the primary and secondary pressure systems. This system
was created inside the master cylinder for safety, if one half of the brake
system fails you will still have the remaining half to help slow the vehicle.
Note: You must know how to bleed a hydraulic brake system before you can service
or change a master cylinder. (READ COMPLETELY BEFORE
STARTING!)
Step 1 of 6. Brake master cylinder and reservoir

Identify brake master cylinder components, brake fluid cap, brake master
cylinder, fluid lines, and brake fluid level sensor. Inspect for any brake fluid
leakage around the master cylinder and check for proper fluid level regularly.
If leakage is present replace master cylinder immediately.
Step 2 of 6. Removing Brake Fluid

Remove brake fluid reservoir cap and insert brake fluid removal tool, remove
as much brake fluid as possible. Then refill and reinstall brake fluid reservoir cap.
Step 3 of 6. Removing the brake fluid level sensor connector

Remove the electrical connector to the fluid level sensor. Most connectors
have safety clips that need to be released before they will disconnect.
How to Repair/
Brake Master Cylinder-1/
Brake Master Cylinder-2
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The brake master cylinder
supplies brake fluid to the brake system and provides hydraulic pressure
to the brake system. |
Common Problems:
1. Master cylinder fails illuminating the brake warning light.
2. Master cylinder leaks fluid illuminating the brake warning light.
3. Master Cylinder actuator rod is adjusted out to far not letting the brake
master plunger not to return all the way causing residual brake pressure causing
the brakes to drag.
Also see:
Additional "How to" Car Repair or Services
1.How to Replace Air Filter
2.How to Change a Cabin filter
3.How to Change Oil and Filter
4.How to Tune Up with Throttle Bore Service
5.How to Replace a Radiator
6.How to Replace Fuel Filter
7.How to Read Trouble Codes
8.How Filters Work
9.How to Replace Front Brake Pads
10.How to Replace Rear Brake Pads
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