Brake Master Cylinder

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford RV Cutaway, 2005 Ford Econoline, 2005 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2005 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The brake master cylinder is a dual-piston type containing a primary and a secondary piston. When the brake pedal is applied, a mechanical linkage applies force to the brake booster. The brake booster multiplies the force applied to the brake pedal and transmits the multiplied force to the brake master cylinder pistons. The brake master cylinder pistons transmit the force applied to the hydraulic brake fluid. The pressure created by the force of the hydraulic fluid is directed to the wheel brake assemblies through the brake lines and hoses. This hydraulic pressure then forces the brake caliper pistons outward against the brake pads and the brake pads against the brake rotor friction surfaces, slowing the wheel speed. When the brake pedal is released, the hydraulic force is removed, allowing the brake pads to retract slightly from the brake rotor friction surface and allowing the wheels to rotate.

On speed-control equipped vehicles, the brake master cylinder has a speed control deactivator switch located on the underside of the brake master cylinder casting which acts as a redundant safety device. For additional information, refer to SPEED CONTROL .