These are the most common signs of a failing master cylinder:

Brake pedal sinks to the floor: If there are no external leaks, yet the brake pedal goes to the floor, the master cylinder is probably leaking internally. The pedal may also feel spongy or unresponsive instead.

Dragging brakes: A master cylinder that does not release fully can result in the brakes feeling like they are sticking or dragging while you drive.

Fluid leaks: A cracked or damaged master cylinder bore can result in external fluid leaks. Leaks may also develop around the outlet ports, reservoir seals and bore end seal.

Brake warning light: If the master cylinder is leaking, it can cause a low brake fluid level, triggering the brake warning light.

How to fix the problem

Before spending time and money to replace the master cylinder, a thorough diagnosis should be performed. A professional will inspect the entire brake system checking for leaks and damage.

Low brake fluid levels in the master cylinder reservoir could indicate worn brake pads. As brake pads wear, it is normal for brake fluid to be displaced to the brake calipers, causing the low levels.

Problems elsewhere in the brake system can cause symptoms similar to a defective brake master cylinder, including stuck calipers and ABS valve bodies. Have the shop inspect the entire brake system to verify that the problem is specific to the master cylinder.

A faulty master cylinder should be replaced a soon as possible. The procedure is rather involved and requires bleeding the brake system of air afterward. It should be left to a pro. Also, flushing brake fluid every two years can extend the life of your brake master cylinder.

Lim’s Auto Body is a full service auto body and mechanical repair shop locally owned and operated in Largo, Florida. For more information, go to our web site www.limsautobody.com or call (727) 422-3232.

We’ve all had the situation. That dreaded light comes on – always at the wrong time. You never know if it’s something minor or a real problem. Every year our cars are getting more powerful, more miles per gallon, and better technology. Under the skin, to give you all this, your car is also getting more complicated. Where old electrical and mechanical systems used to move you, new computer systems are faster and more accurate than ever before.

Of course, just like everything else, car parts wear out, and the only way your car can let you know something is wrong is with the check engine light or service engine soon light. Whether or not your vehicle seems to be running fine, driving around with the check engine light on is not a good idea.

Aside from storing diagnostic trouble codes, which a good auto diagnostic technician will use to start his investigation, the service engine soon light usually indicates the engine is running in limp-home mode or limp mode. In limp mode, the engine runs, but you’ll probably notice it doesn’t deliver the performance or fuel economy you’re accustomed to.

Depending on the failure, driving around with the check engine light flashing is particularly not recommended, as this indicates the fault could be causing expensive collateral damage to the catalytic converters.

An experienced technician, using reliable testing methods, can narrow down the fault for an efficient repair, fixing it right the first time. Once the repairs are completed and the codes are cleared, you’ll get your car back just the way it was built: efficient and reliable.

Lim’s Auto Body is a full service auto body and mechanical repair shop locally owned and operated in Largo, Florida. For more information, go to our web site www.limsautobody.com or call (727) 422-3232.