How to Deal with a Damaged Brake Master Cylinder in Your Toyota

The master cylinder is an essential part of your vehicle’s braking system. It is the main valve within which brake fluid is pumped to allow the calipers to push brake pads against the rotors. This implies that it plays a key role in bringing your Toyota to a halt when the brakes are used. Any malfunction with the master cylinder of your Toyota might cause an accident on the road. Let’s find out more about how this component works in your Toyota and the symptoms that indicate something is wrong.

How the Master Cylinder Works

The master cylinder’s primary function in the braking system is to transform the driver’s foot pressure on the pedal into hydraulic pressure. It achieves this by pumping brake fluid into the brake circuit. Whether your vehicle has drum or disc brakes, it includes a master cylinder that controls the quantity of brake fluid flowing into the brake circuit based on the amount of pressure applied to the brake pedal.

It is mandated that all automobiles have two distinct brake circuits. Tandem master cylinders are in charge of producing the hydraulic pressure required by the circuit. If the other brake circuit fails, one circuit will still have enough braking force to function.

Symptoms of Damaged Brake Master Cylinder

Some of the indications of master cylinder malfunction to look out for include:

The Check Engine Light

When you step on the brake pedal, pressure is sent to the master cylinder, which pushes the pistons in the cylinder. All of this pushing moves brake fluid via the brake lines to the braking components in each of the wheels.

A sensor located beneath the brake fluid reservoir communicates with the car’s internal computer to determine whether or not there is enough fluid in the reservoir. When this occurs, the computer activates the warning light on your Toyotas dashboard. Although this is the most obvious indication of a faulty master cylinder, it isn’t the only cause of warning light illumination. The brake fluid sensor can also malfunction, causing the brake warning light to illuminate.

Brake Pedal Feels Odd

When there is an issue with the brake master cylinder, the brake pedal will respond abnormally. The master cylinder generates all of the braking system pressure. If it fails, the cylinder does not distribute pressure adequately, causing the pedal to malfunction. When you continue to drive your vehicle with a faulty cylinder, it will wear down and begin to leak. When pushed, the pedal would feel spongy and mushy, and it may sink far down.

A working brake pedal should have a firm feel when depressed. The master cylinder must provide the appropriate hydraulic pressure level in the braking system for it to activate the brake in the front and back wheels. Though a faulty seal is the major cause of a mushy brake pedal, the air in the brake lines could also be responsible since air bubbles hinder the fluid from flowing efficiently. Brake line damage and corrosion can also cause the pedal to feel mushy when depressed.

Brake Fluid Leakage

If you see any leaks from the master cylinder, this might suggest a problem with the cylinder. The cylinder requires an appropriate volume of braking fluid to produce enough pressure to stop the vehicle. It will be nearly impossible to stop the car if the fluid is gone.

Brake Fluid Gets Contaminated

If your braking fluid becomes contaminated, it indicates that the master cylinder is malfunctioning. The master cylinder has rubber seals that wear and break down over time. Damaged rubber seals may break apart and facilitate brake fluid contamination in addition to making the brake pedal feel mushy.

Dirt, water, debris, and other particles will make their way through the hole of a defective seal. When these pollutants mix with the braking fluid, they impact the hydraulic pressure, making it difficult to stop the car.

Franklin Automotive for your Toyota Brake Repairs

At Franklin Automotive, we understand the importance of the brake master cylinder in your Toyota braking system. We are committed to providing the highest quality services to you. Our licensed technicians use the most up-to-date tools and equipment to provide the finest possible care for your vehicle.

If you reside in Birmingham, AL or the nearby communities of Hoover, Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, Pelham, or Trussville, visit us at Franklin Automotive for all of your vehicle repairs and servicing requirements. Call us now to make an appointment!