The master cylinder assembly consists of the two following components:
Internally, the master cylinder houses the following components:
The master cylinder is mounted on the brake booster assembly.
When the brake pedal is depressed, the primary piston compresses the volume of the primary chamber, increasing the hydraulic pressure in the chamber. This pressure, along with the return spring force, causes the secondary piston to compress the volume of the secondary chamber.
The hydraulic pressure in the primary chamber acts on the left rear brakes and the right rear brakes.
The pressure produced in the secondary chamber acts on the right front brakes and the left front brakes.
The reservoir attaches to the top of the master cylinder. The master cylinder is located under the hood on the left side of the bulkhead. The reservoir is constructed of transparent plastic. The reservoir is marked with the MAX level on the outside.
The brake fluid level switch is located in the master cylinder reservoir. If the master cylinder fluid level becomes too low, the BRAKE indicator will illuminate. This condition alerts the driver that a low fluid level condition exists in the master cylinder reservoir.
On vehicles equipped with the Antilock Brake System (ABS), the master cylinder hydraulic brake pipes are connected to the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV). For more information regarding ABS, refer to ABS Description in Antilock Brake System.
