Master Cylinders and Power Assist
On Duramax trucks, the brake master cylinder is usually not a component that needs to be replaced often. However, they are susceptible to leaks and malfunctions, creating problems throughout your brake system. The brake master cylinder houses your brake fluid and is responsible for distributing brake fluid to each caliper for proper brake function. Merchant Automotive is going to have everything you need to get your Duramax master cylinder replaced or repaired for proper brake function.
The brake master cylinder is located in the engine bay of your Duramax truck and distributes the brake fluid for your brake system. The master cylinder distributes brake fluid via brake lines to each caliper when your brakes are applied to push the caliper piston against your rotors. The brake master assembly is topped with a fluid reservoir that holds all of your brake fluid for your system. Brake master cylinders can leak, malfunction, become stuck open or closed, and crack due to abuse or neglect. The hydroboost on your brake system is connected to the backside of your master cylinder and is a hydraulically boosted brake system. Earlier trucks used a vacuum style brake system which is a little harder to use when compared to a hydroboost system.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad Master Cylinder?
Since your master cylinder is one of the most important components of your Duramax brake system, it is important to know when your truck is showing the symptoms of a bad master cylinder. Let’s take a closer look at 3 symptoms of a bad Duramax master cylinder.
Brake Pedal Functioning Oddly - The master cylinder is one of the main components that generates pressure for your entire brake system. If there is a leak or a problem with your master cylinder, you will most likely experience a change in brake pedal feel or behavior. This is usually caused by the internal seals breaking down over time with constant use.
Brake Fluid Is Contaminated - Inspecting your brake fluid is a practice that you should make a habit when changing your oil or other under hood fluids. Checking your brake fluid is quick and easy and can help you identify problems before they get worse. If you notice that your brake fluid is a different color or has particles in the fluid, you may have contaminated brake fluid. This can be anything from rust in the calipers, contaminants in the lines, or internal seals breaking down.
Check Engine Light Comes On - Depending on how new your truck is, it may be equipped with sensors in your master cylinder. These sensors, when activated by low fluid or other problems, will trigger a check engine light, letting you know there is a problem with your brake system.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad Duramax Brake Booster/Hydroboost?
The brake booster or hydroboost on your Duramax truck is responsible for making your brake pedal easier to use with the help of hydraulic pressure. Duramax trucks are outfitted with a hydroboost brake system which uses hydraulic fluid rather than vacuum to apply pressure to your brakes. While this is not a common area for concern, there are a few warning signs that you may want to watch for.
Reduced Braking Power - The first symptom of a failing brake booster is reduced brake power in your Duramax. Since the brake booster’s job is to assist with making your brake pedal easy and smooth to push, any change in the braking power should be a red flag that there is something wrong with your hydroboost components.
Brake Pedal Hard To Press - Similar to reduced braking power, if your brake pedal is harder to push, then there may be a hydraulic problem with your hydroboost. This type of problem will mimic manual brake setups as your brake booster has most likely failed and will not assist in your brake operations.
Fluid Leaks - Your Duramax’s brake booster system utilizes rubber hoses to transfer fluid to and from the brake booster. These rubber hoses can deteriorate and crack over time, causing leaks in your system. If you notice brake fluid leaks under your truck, follow the leak back to the source to see if your brake booster or brake booster hoses are leaking.
