Signs of a Brake Master Cylinder Going Bad

Brake problems are not anything to take lightly when you are careening down the road at any speed. You need to be able to stop your car if a pedestrian or child darts out into the road or a vehicle suddenly stops in front of you. Knowing the signs of a brake master cylinder going bad, therefore, is important.

Pedal Fade

Your vehicle brake pedal should be firm and raised up off the floor. As you drive, you should be able to feel some measure of difficulty to depress your brake when stopping. If your brake, instead, slowly fades toward the floor as you come to a red light or other stop, it can be a sign your master cylinder is bad, according to Import Car.

One indicator that it is most likely your master cylinder--and not some other brake complication--is if you notice the fade when you begin to apply the brake a short distance away, in preparation for your upcoming stop. According to Import Car, high mileage cars are more likely to experience pedal fade of this type.

Leaks

Fluid deposits found on your driveway when you move your car can indicate leaks. Brake leaks will be in places near where your tires rest or directly beneath where the engine of your vehicle is located. If you see fluid deposits in these areas, you need to then check to see if ample fluid is in your master cylinder, under your hood, before you attempt to drive the car. Brake fluid leaks can indicate your master cylinder is going bad. Look for brake fluid in a yellowish-clear color on the ground beneath your car's engine, according to Tim's Tech Tips. And get your leak fixed immediately, as it can cause you not to have brake capability, according to AA1Car.

Brake Drag

When your brake's actuator rod has been adjusted out more than it should be, it interferes with the master plunger being able to return completely when it moves. This blocked master cylinder can cause a steady pressure to be applied to your brakes. This steady pressure by brake shoes onto the pads or rotors causes brake drag, which is basically a pulling on your brakes as you drive.

Brake drag will wear out your brakes much more quickly. It can cause you to smell a burning smell as well, if it is very bad. Brake drag can occur on just one wheel at a time (due to different factors), but occurring on all four wheels at once can indicate it is a master cylinder problem, according to DML.