The slave cylinder is found at the other end of the hydraulic system and works in the opposite way to the master cylinder. The master cylinder effectively works as a hydraulic pump, from which fluid is fed to the slave cylinders further down the line. This means that at least some braking force is applied to both the front and back wheels of the vehicle, with the reservoir also being split in two to aid the division of hydraulic pressure. Using this method вЂ“ if the first piston was to fail or primary hydraulic pressure is lost, the pushrod would simply need to be pushed further down the bore until the failed piston met up with the second piston, thus allowing at least some hydraulic pressure to be applied. One piston is used to send hydraulic pressure to the front right and back left brake calipers, and the second is used to assist the front left and back right respectively.

The master cylinder can be found directly behind the pedal box, connected to a respective pedal.Д®ach piston corresponds to a different brake вЂcircuitвЂ™ which doubles up as an added safety measure. The clutch and brakes on a car need a little help to actuate, considering the forces that they are designed to oppose, therefore hydraulic pressure is created within the master and slave cylinders to provide the required force.

The master and slave cylinders are used as focal points for pressure to be created so what are they and how do they work?

Racing master cylinder and slave