Master Cylinders Glendora
The most common vehicle uses of master cylinders are in brake and clutch systems. In brake systems, the operated devices are cylinders inside of brake calipers and/or drum brakes; these cylinders may be called wheel cylinders or slave cylinders. They push the brake pads towards a surface that rotates with the wheel until the stationary brake pads create friction against that rotating surface.
In the clutch system, the device which the master cylinder operates is called the slave cylinder; it moves the throw out bearing until the high-friction material on the transmission’s clutch disengages from the engine’s metal flywheel. For hydraulic brakes or clutches alike, flexible high-pressure hoses or inflexible hard-walled metal tubing may be used; but the flexible variety of tubing is needed for at least a short length adjacent to each wheel, whenever the wheel can move relative to the car’s chassis.
A reservoir above each master cylinder supplies the master cylinder with enough brake fluid to avoid air from entering the master cylinder (even the typical clutch uses brake fluid, but it may also be referred to as “clutch fluid” in a clutch application). Most modern light trucks and passenger cars have one master cylinder for the brakes which contains two pistons; but many racing vehicles, as well as some classic and antique cars, have two separate master cylinders, each with only one piston.
Each piston in a master cylinder operates a brake circuit, and for modern light trucks and passenger cars, usually a brake circuit leads to a brake caliper or shoe on only two of the vehicle’s wheels, and the other brake circuit provides brake-pressure to power the other two brakes. For safety, this is done so that usually only two wheels lose their braking ability at the same time; it results in longer stopping distances and should be fixed immediately, but at least gives some braking ability, which is preferable to having no braking ability.
At Certified Auto Specialists, our technicians are trained and certified to extensive master cylinder service, repair and maintenance on your vehicle. Anything from changing brake pads, to performance upgrades, to brake diagnosis, repairing or replacing tires, and more, we can do it.
If you have questions about the brake system requirements for your vehicle, contact us at Certified Auto Specialists and we will advise you of the various maintenance recommendations for your car, truck, van, SUV, crossover, or motorcycle. Call us anytime at 
to schedule a maintenance appointment for your automobile, or stop by our location at 476 S. Vermont Ave, Glendora, CA 91741.