Hydraulic System: Description and Operation

When the brake pedal is depressed, a vacuum builds up in the booster, amplifying the force pressing on the master cylinder piston. This hydraulic pressure is then applied to each respective brake cylinder and acts to press brake pads and shoes against rotating discs and drums. The resulting friction converts rotational energy to thermal energy, stopping the vehicle.

There are two types of brake boosters used on Mazda vehicles. The single diaphragm unit can be overhauled. The tandem (dual) diaphragm unit is not serviceable and must be replaced as a unit.