Do you feel like there is something wrong with your brakes, but you are not sure what the problem could be? One common issue you might be facing is a brake master cylinder that has gone bad. This part has the job of distributing the brake fluid to your wheels when you apply pressure to the brake. The wheel cylinders then compress on the brake material, which stops the wheels from spinning. Here is what you need to know about the symptoms so that you can identify that this important part is failing.
Brake Fluid Leaks
The first indication will be a brake fluid leak. These leaks can come from almost anywhere, but when it is a problem with the brake master cylinder, the oil will be leaking out from where the reservoir and body of the brake master cylinder connect. There are grommets that can fail over time, which will likely be the cause of a fluid leak. There is also a seal within the brake master cylinder that can fail, which is near the location of the brake booster.
Contaminated Fluid
It is also worth looking at the brake fluid and see if it is contaminated. The brake fluid should be clean if the master cylinder is working properly. That's why you should be concerned if you see that the brake fluid is dirty or has physical debris in it. The debris will be getting in from somewhere, such as a torn seal, and you'll need to take your car to a mechanic to look into it.
Brake Pedal Issues
Do you notice that the brake pedal feels a bit soft when you press down on it? This is because fluid is somehow escaping the brake system and air is getting in it through that same spot. The air does not allow you to press down on the brake pedal and have it feel firm like you are used to. It can make the brake pedal feel a bit soft and spongy instead. A mechanic will troubleshoot this problem by looking for a fluid leak and fixing it. If brake fluid is leaving the system, simply topping it off will not fix the problem.
You can also have a problem where your brake pedal goes down to the floor with no resistance. This is caused by the seals being torn within the brake master cylinder, which does not allow it to hold any pressure. You'll feel this when applying the brakes since the pedal will have very little resistance.
For more information, reach out to a brake repair shop, such as Car Doctors of Loma Linda, near you.
Share15 August 2022
Hello. My name’s Samuel Jacobs. I retired from my job as an auto mechanic last year. During my years as a mechanic, I had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Some have remained friends to this day. When I was working, there is one thing that I came across at least weekly. That is how uneducated people are when it comes to their vehicle’s tires. Properly cared for tires are crucial to the safety of your vehicle. Without them, your car isn’t going anywhere. If they give out on you while you are driving, there is the potential for serious injury. I’m going to share some tire safety information here. Things like the importance of correct inflation, how to check the tread, when to replace tires, tire rotation, and what to do in case of a blow-out. I hope you find this information to be helpful.