Each time you step on the brake pedal, you’re counting on the brake system to bring thousands of pounds of steel and glass to a halt in a hurry.
Several brake parts and components must work together with perfect timing. It’s unsafe if one part fails to perform as intended. This highlights the importance of regular brake maintenance and repair.
Many people are familiar with brake pad repair. But one often overlooked yet critical service is the brake master cylinder replacement.
Let’s take a closer look at the master cylinder replacement service and why it’s critical.
What is a Master Cylinder?
Think of the master cylinder as the heart of a car’s braking system. It translates the pressure you put on the brake pedal into braking force that will stop your tires from spinning.
It’s not a complicated device. When you step on the brake pedal, you’re pushing a piston through the master cylinder and pumping brake fluid down to secondary cylinders at each wheel.
Those cylinders activate the brake calipers, causing the brake pads to contact the rotors. The resulting friction stops your car.
A car’s brakes will not work without the master cylinder. This underscores the importance of master cylinder replacement (if required).
Common Signs You Need Master Cylinder Replacement
A failing master cylinder can trigger a variety of noticeable symptoms like:
- A spongy feeling when stepping on the brakes
- The brake pedal doesn’t spring back after you release it
- Leaking brake fluid from the front end of your vehicle
- Brake fluid appears dark brown or black
- Brake warning or check engine light is illuminated
- Uneven braking force that causes drift when braking
- Uneven brake pad wear
Any of the above symptoms could signify the need to bring your car for master cylinder replacement, brake service, and, if necessary, brake repair.
The Consequences of a Failed Master Cylinder
The consequences of a failed master cylinder can be extreme. It can lead to a total failure of your brake system. It can put you and those who ride with you in danger.
The good news is modern master cylinders have redundancies that keep your front or rear brakes working under most circumstances. You should notice some of the above symptoms long before it fails.
Contact EG Auto Center for Brake Maintenance & Repair
If you have any reason to believe that your vehicle needs master cylinder replacement, brake maintenance, or brake repair, don’t wait.
At EG Auto Center, we perform fast and affordable master cylinder replacement in Dayton, NJ. Our mechanics will ensure your brakes have what it takes to stop your car in time every time.
Contact EG Auto Center in Dayton, NJ today for an appointment.