Location of the brake master cylinder on a Chevrolet Lacetti with automatic transmission:
1. Open the hood and locate the brake fluid reservoir. It is usually located on the driver’s side.
2. Next to the tank you will see a black cylindrical component with tubes connected to it.
3. This is the main brake cylinder. It is located above the vacuum brake booster.
Design and principle of operation of the main brake cylinder:
The brake master cylinder is a mechanism that converts the force applied to the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure, which is transmitted through the brake lines to the wheel brake cylinders.
It consists of the following components:
* Brake fluid reservoir
* Piston or pistons
* Sealing cuffs
* Return spring
* Brake pedal pusher
When you press the brake pedal, the pedal pusher moves a piston inside the brake master cylinder. The piston forces brake fluid from the reservoir and forces it into the brake pipes. Hydraulic pressure is transmitted to the wheel brake cylinders, which actuate the brake pads and stop the vehicle.
The return spring returns the piston and pushrod to their original position when you release the brake pedal.
Access to the master cylinder:
You may need to remove the brake booster to access the master cylinder. To do this:
1. Disconnect the vacuum hose from the brake booster.
2. Unscrew the nuts securing the booster to the brake master cylinder and terminals.
3. Carefully remove the amplifier.
Once the vacuum booster is removed, you will have full access to the master cylinder.