What is a master cylinder?
The master cylinder is a control device that converts physical pressure typically from a driver’s foot applying pressure on the brake pedal, into hydraulic pressure to operate other devices in the hydraulic system. In brake systems, the operated devices are brake calipers.The master cylinder displaces hydraulic pressure to the rest of the brake system. There are two separate systems that may be supplied by separate fluid reservoirs, or they may be supplied by the same reservoir. Most brake subsystems are divided front to rear. Some can be diagonally separated.
On a hydraulic front brake the brake lever is the ‘Master cylinder’ and the brake calliper is the ‘Slave cylinder’. The master cylinder is always where the force is applied. On a rear brake the Foot brake pedal operates the ‘Master cylinder’ and the rear caliper the slave. Similarly on a Hydraulic clutch the clutch lever is the ‘Master cylinder’ and the slave is in the clutch housing operating the clutch.
The master cylinder is a hydraulic control device that converts physical pressure (commonly from a driver’s foot) into hydraulic pressure to operate other device(s) in the hydraulic system. The most common automotive uses of master cylinders are in brake and clutch systems. The operated device in the clutch system is called the slave cylinder. In brake systems, the operated devices are brake calipers and/or wheel cylinders.
