The brake master cylinder is a component in your car's braking system that drives the pressure generated by the brake pedal to the braking mechanism at your vehicles' wheels. ... When you press down on the brake pedal, that force pushes a piston through the brake cylinder, converting the force into hydraulic pressure.

How does a master cylinder work?

Simply put, the mechanical pressure exerted on the brake pedal by your foot gets converted into hydraulic pressure by the master cylinder. That pressure sends the fluid through your brake lines and engages the pistons at each of the four wheels, thus activating the brake calipers and slowing or stopping your vehicle.

What is the main function of master cylinder?

The master cylinder, also known as the master brake cylinder, converts the pressure on the brake pedal to hydraulic pressure by feeding brake fluid into the brake circuit and controlling this according to the mechanical force. Master brake cylinders are used both in disc brakes and drum brakes.