The function of the wheel cylinder is to convert hydraulic energy input from the master cylinder into mechanical energy, thereby activating the brake system. Brake wheel cylinders come in single-piston and double-piston types. Single-piston brake wheel cylinders are primarily used in dual-leading-shoe and dual-trailing-shoe brakes, while double-piston brake wheel cylinders have broader applications. They can be used in leading-trailing shoe brakes, bidirectional dual-leading-shoe brakes, and bidirectional self-energizing brakes.
The brake wheel cylinder, also known as the hydraulic master cylinder, serves as the power source for the service braking system. Braking force originates from the pedal force applied by the driver and the vacuum level in the engine intake manifold (vacuum assist), with vacuum being the primary power source for the master cylinder.
Function of the Brake Wheel Cylinder - Driving
The primary function of the master cylinder is to convert the mechanical force applied by the driver to the brake pedal and the force from the vacuum booster into hydraulic pressure. This pressurized brake fluid is then delivered through the brake lines to the wheel cylinder (slave cylinder) at each wheel. Finally, the wheel brake converts this hydraulic pressure into wheel braking force.
