Master Cylinder

DESCRIPTION






The master cylinder is located on the power brake booster in the engine compartment on the driver's side. This vehicle uses 3 different master cylinders. Master cylinder usage depends on what type of brake system the vehicle is equipped with.
If a vehicle is not equipped with antilock brakes, or is equipped with antilock brakes without traction control, a conventional compensating port master cylinder is used. If a vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes with traction control, a dual center port master cylinder is used. The third master cylinder used on this vehicle is unique to vehicles equipped with four wheel disc brakes (All-Wheel-Drive models). The master cylinder used for this brake application has a different bore diameter and stroke than the master cylinder used for the other available brake applications.
The master cylinders used on front wheel drive applications (non-four wheel disc brake vehicles) have a master cylinder piston bore diameter of 23.8 mm. The master cylinder used on the All-Wheel Drive applications (four wheel disc brake vehicles) have a master cylinder piston bore diameter of 25.4 mm. When replacing a master cylinder, be sure to use the correct master cylinder for the type of brake system the vehicle is equipped with.
The body of the master cylinder is an anodized aluminum casting. It has a machined bore to accept the master cylinder pistons and threaded ports with seats for the hydraulic brake line connections.
The brake fluid reservoir is mounted on the top of the master cylinder. It is made of a see-through polypropylene type plastic. A brake fluid level switch is attached to the brake fluid reservoir.
The master cylinder is not a repairable component and must be replaced if diagnosed to be functioning improperly. The brake fluid reservoir and brake fluid level switch can be replaced separately.

CAUTION: Do not hone the bore of the cylinder as this will remove the anodized surface from the bore.

OPERATION
When the brake pedal is depressed, the master cylinder primary and secondary pistons apply brake pressure through the chassis tubes to the brakes at each tire and wheel assembly.
The master cylinder primary outlet port supplies hydraulic pressure to the right front and left rear brakes. The secondary outlet port supplies hydraulic pressure to the left front and right rear brakes.