Master Cylinder Function and How It Works, Let's Check It Out!
The master cylinder is a crucial component of a car that plays an important role in the car's braking system. This component has a simple mechanism in carrying out its function. To help you better understand the function and complete working mechanism of this component, let’s take a look at the following review.
Function of the Car Master Cylinder
There are several functions of the car master cylinder that you need to know. Here are the complete functions.
1. Converts kinetic energy
The first function is to convert the kinetic energy from the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure energy. The mechanical force from the brake pedal is converted into hydraulic power. Later, this hydraulic power will be used in the braking process with the help of hoses connected to the master cylinder.
2. Brake pedal reservoir
The second function is to act as a reservoir when the brake pedal is pressed or stepped on. In this condition, the piston will be pushed by the push rod, making contact with the master cylinder. In this state, the master cylinder will reduce the volume of the chamber, thereby compressing the fluid. As a result, the fluid pushes the brake pads when the car is braked.
3. Car safety feature
Looking at the two functions above, the master cylinder has the main function as a car safety feature. This component is usually located in the firewall area of the car engine. It has a reservoir that contains tubes connected to each wheel cylinder and filled with brake fluid. When the brake is pressed, the pressure from the master cylinder is transmitted to the wheel cylinder, thus slowing down the car's speed.
How the Master Cylinder Works
As for its operation, the master cylinder has a simple working mechanism. The working process is as follows.
1. When the brake pedal is pressed
When you press the brake pedal, the piston part will move to the right, causing the piston cup to close the compensating port. This condition will close the channel between the reservoir tank and the cylinder. As a result, the brake fluid will be pressurized, triggering the braking mechanism on the front brakes.
When you press the brake pedal much deeper, the piston will move to the left. This condition causes the hydraulic pressure to increase, overcoming the return spring pressure of piston 2. As a result, the compensating port will close and compress the fluid, triggering the braking mechanism on the rear brakes.
The pressure from both pistons will be transmitted to the wheel cylinder. This fluid pressure will be converted into movement that pushes the brake pads, creating friction between the braking components. Consequently, the car's speed can gradually be halted.
2. When the brake pedal is not pressed
When the brake pedal is not engaged, there will be no movement of the piston because the push rod is in a free position and does not push the piston. As a result, the piston remains in its original position, which is between the inlet port and the compensating port, while the return spring holds the piston in place.
3. When the brake pedal is released
When you release the brake pedal, the push rod and piston will move back to their initial position. During the return process of the piston, the fluid or brake oil that has reached the wheel cylinder does not immediately return completely.
As the piston moves to the right, a vacuum will occur in the cylinder. As a result, the fluid or brake oil from the reservoir tank will be drawn into the inlet port due to the vacuum in the cylinder. After the brake oil or fluid returns from the wheel cylinder, the compensating port will gradually return the brake oil.
Considering its important function for the braking system, make sure to always check the condition of your car master cylinder. If any damage occurs, visit the nearest official Daihatsu workshop immediately.
