A brake master cylinder is one of the most underrated components of modern car braking systems. The main function of a master cylinder is to push the brake fluid through the brake lines and let the clippers squeeze the brake pads. The brake pads press against the rotor and stop the car.
It also pushes the metal rod through a cylinder to force fluid through the braking system to the wheels. One end of this rod is attached to the pedal and is actuated when the pedal is depressed.
Usually, a faulty brake master cylinder will produce a few symptoms that alert the driver that it needs repair. This blog post will walk you through these symptoms and let you know where to buy quality brake parts in Canada without breaking the bank.
Bad or Failing Brake Master Cylinder Common Symptoms:
The brake master cylinder is an important part of the braking system that should be in optimal condition for a safe and comfortable ride. Just like other car components, the brake master cylinder can also wear with time and you can easily detect it with these common symptoms:
- Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal: A spongy or soft brake pedal is an early warning sign of a failing master cylinder. Air in the lines or fluid leaks is causing the hydraulic pressure to drop.
- Low or Leaking Brake Fluid: Check your brake fluid reservoir. A drop in fluid level or leaks around the master cylinder means you need to address the issue now.
- Brakes Not Engaging: If your brakes are slow to engage or don’t engage at all, the master cylinder is likely the problem. This is a big safety risk.
- Warning Lights: Modern vehicles have warning systems that activate the ABS or brake lights when a problem is detected. Never ignore these lights as they often mean a failing master cylinder.
If you notice any of these symptoms, take your car to the repair shop and get the maintenance done on time. In case of replacement, you can get quality brake parts from the largest brake store in Canada at affordable prices.
Why Does This Happen?
A brake master cylinder can stop working due to internal leaks. Sometimes seals deteriorate over time and can cause leakage.
Secondly, nothing lasts forever. Continuous use reduces the effectiveness and efficiency of a drum brake cylinder. At last but not least, not getting brake system inspections and fluid changes done can affect its overall performance.
If you see any of the above symptoms, get your brake system checked by a professional. A quick diagnosis can prevent further damage and keep your vehicle safe to drive. Need a quick diagnosis? Get your brake system checked.
A bad master cylinder is a big safety issue. Don’t ignore the symptoms and get maintenance and repairs done on time. If you are looking for Brakes for sale in Canada, you can shop from Geo Brakes at affordable prices.
FAQs
- How do you know if the brake master cylinder is bad?
When you experience inconsistent braking, it works fine one second and doesn't work the next. It’s a sign of a bad brake master cylinder. - Can a master cylinder go bad without leaking?
Yes, there could be any other like soft and spongy brakes. But, in most cases, a master cylinder fails due to leaking. - How to tell if your master cylinder has air in it?
You can easily detect the air in the master cylinder by carefully monitoring brake performance. These are the two easy ways to check it. When the brake pedal sinks, that usually means that the fluid is being pushed out of the system with pressure, and when the pedal feels spongy, it indicates the presence of air in the lines. - What are the symptoms of a faulty brake wheel cylinder?
- Soft or spongy brake pedal.
- The brake pedal is not tight and feels loose.
- The car pulls to one side or stops unevenly, especially during turns.
- Signs of leakage on the backside of the wheel or brake assembly.
