You may need a brake master cylinder replacement if you are noticing the following signs (click on each one to learn more):
You may also find the following information helpful:
What Is Your Brake Master Cylinder and Why It's Important to Get It Checked?
Reasons Why You May Need a Brake Master Cylinder Replacement
If you need to find a mechanic your can trust in the Kitchener region, contact us.
If you are having trouble with your brakes, get them checked out
Top Signs that You Need a Brake Master Cylinder Replacement
Here are the top 3 signs that you need to get your brake master cylinder checked out.
1. Your brake pedal feels soft or mushy
Over time, your brake master cylinder and its various parts will begin to wear out. You will see a change in your braking system and you may notice the following things happening when you are driving:
Your brakes may seem fine and then suddenly they will start to lose power or your brake pedal will feel firm, but it won't hold steady.
You may find that you have to use more effort to press the brake pedal down.
Your brake pedal may feel "mushy" or "spongy"
Your brake pedal may even sink to the floor entirely when you press on it.
These are signs that there is something wrong with your braking system and that you should get it checked out right away.
If your brake pedal feels soft or mushy, it probably means you have a problem
2. Your check engine or Brake warning light is on
Your "check engine light" can come on for a wide range of reasons, including brake issues, not just when there is an issue with your engine itself. This is especially true with newer vehicles.
If your vehicle is newer, it may be equipped with brake fluid level and pressure sensors in your brake master cylinder. These sensors can detect if there is a problem with your brake fluid pressure, which is controlled by the brake master cylinder.
If your brake fluid pressure drops, then you most likely have a problem with your brake master cylinder. This situation could also cause your brake warning light to come on too.
Your check engine light can indicate a problem with your brake master cylinder
3. Your brake fluid is dark or dirty looking
Your brake fluid can get dirty when the seals in your system begin to break down into small parts and collect in your fluid. When this happens, your brake fluid will appear dirtier or darker. If your brake fluid has become contaminated or dirty, it can adversely affect how your braking system works.
Brake fluid that has become contaminated by moisture can cause internal corrosion in your master cylinder as well as your brake lines and other components of your braking system.
A qualified mechanic can quickly discover if your fluid is darker than it should be or if it has moisture in it.
Watch the following video to discover how you can test the condition of your brake fluid.
Dirty brake fluid can cause your master cylinder to fail
What Is Your Brake Master Cylinder and Why It's Important to Get It Checked?
The Brake Master Cylinder is a vitally important component of any modern vehicle.
The master cylinder is attached to a brake booster. The job of the brake booster is to multiply the force that you apply on your brake pedal when you are braking. Without a brake booster, you would need to push much harder on your brakes to make them work. This assembly is then attached to the firewall in your engine compartment. Your brake pedal is connected to the master cylinder brake booster.
The brake master cylinder works as a pump. It moves brake fluid into the brake system which in turn converts the pressure placed onto your brake pedal into hydraulic pressure. The following video demonstrates how it works.
Your brake master cylinder works like a pump
Your brake master cylinder is a key feature of your braking system. If it fails, then your brakes will no longer be reliable or safe to use. If your brake master cylinder isn't working, you won't be able to operate your brakes properly.
Faulty brakes can lead to a loss of control of your vehicle and can make you have an accident. If you think that you have a problem with your brakes, then you should have them looked at by a mechanic you trust. You may need to get a brake master cylinder replacement.
Image Source: Master Cylinder: How It Works
If your brake master cylinder fails, you could get into an accident
How Your Car's Braking System Works
Here's a breakdown of how your vehicle's braking system works and the part your master brake cylinder plays in this process.
1. You Press Your Brake Pedal: When you put pressure on your brake pedal, the hydraulic braking system begins to operate by moving the brake fluid through the system.
2. Brake Fluid Enters the Braking System: By responding to pressure on the brake pedal, fluid from the reservoir enters the lines in the hydraulic braking system. This action puts pressure on your the brakes.
3. Your Vehicle Stops: The master cylinder converts the applied force of your foot into hydraulic pressure. This pressure is what slows your vehicle and causes it to stop.
The following video will demonstrate how your braking system works.
Learn more about how vehicle brakes work
Reasons Why You May Need a Brake Master Cylinder Replacement
Just like any other component in your vehicle, your brake master cylinder may wear out and need replacement over time. Master brake cylinders are designed to last as long as your vehicle, however, there are various factors that may come into play that can reduce the life of this cylinder and its parts. Here are some of the factors:
Excessive City Driving: City driving is harder on a brake master cylinder than highway driving, as the brakes tend to be applied more often. So, if most of your driving is done in the city, then your brake master cylinder may wear out faster.
Not Enough Brake Fluid: If you neglect to check the fluid levels in the reservoir, you may also run into problems. Insufficient fluid in the system can cause your master cylinder to wear out.
Leaking Fluids: If the rubber seals in your system become dried and brittle, fluid can leak and drain out of your system. This can also harm your cylinder.
Having your car regularly maintained can help prevent or postpone some of these types of problems from happening.
The following video further explains why brake master cylinders fail.
Excessive city driving can cause your cylinder to wear out
Brake Master Cylinder Replacement vs Repair
After a few years, the seals in your brake master cylinder can wear out and start to leak. It is possible to repair this type of leak instead of having to replace the entire cylinder.
If, however, your master cylinder is broken or is faulty, you should replace it.
Looking for a Trustworthy Mechanic? Contact Hansma
Do you need a brake master cylinder replacement? Take your vehicle to Hansma. Here’s why:
Over 33 Years of Service: We have been serving the Kitchener region with the highest quality automotive services since 1987.
Locally Owned and Operated: You can feel good about supporting a locally owned and operated family business.
True Customer Care: At Hansma, we truly care about our customers. We will do our best to provide you with great customer care and service. When you come to Hansma, you will be treated like family.
Honest Customer Service: Our customers have come to appreciate our honest service. Our word-of-mouth referrals continue to be our largest source of new customers.
Competitive Pricing: Whether you are looking for a quick tire change or you require one of our other automotive services, our highly trained technicians will be able to diagnose and fix your vehicle at a highly competitive price.
Reliable Repairs: You can rely on the technical expertise of our friendly staff to keep your vehicle in peak condition.
Contact us today to book an appointment.
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