Master Cylinders

Master Cylinder Information

Your car's braking system uses hydraulic pressure applied from your foot as it presses the brake pedal to create friction, allowing you to brake safely. If your brake master cylinder is not working correctly then this will affect the braking power of your car and could potentially put you at risk. The hydraulic pressure sets the braking system into motion and is vital for enabling you to brake efficiently when needed.

If your brake master cylinder is failing, you may notice unusual braking, leaking or contaminated brake fluid, or an engine or brake warning light illuminated.

One of the most common failures for brake master cylinders is the contamination of brake fluid, so you need to carry out regular checks, as this can cause you to fail your MOT. You may notice when checking your vehicle that your brake master cylinder is not faulty but your issues are caused by the wheel cylinder. If you need a different replacement brake part, then check out our Car Brakes & Brake Parts page to find the replacements you need.

If you need any help or advice on which is the best master cylinder for your vehicle, then just call into your local Halfords and one of our team will be on hand to help you choose the right one. All of our brake master cylinders are available to order online today with free next day delivery on orders over £20, or if you want to order and pick up, then you can use our free click and collect service.

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Master Cylinder FAQs

How do you bleed a clutch master cylinder?

Bleeding the clutch master cylinder is all about getting the air out of the system so the pedal feels firm again. You open the bleed valve, press the pedal, and top up the fluid as you go. It’s a bit messy and easy to get wrong, which is why many drivers let a Halfords expert handle it instead.

How to install a clutch master cylinder?

Fitting one means taking out the old cylinder from the bulkhead, disconnecting it from the pedal and the hydraulic line, and then putting the new one in the same spot. Once it’s bolted back in, the system needs bleeding so it works properly. If you’re not confident doing this yourself, you can book a fitting at Halfords.

Where is the master clutch cylinder located?

You’ll usually find it in the engine bay, on the driver’s side, mounted to the bulkhead. It’s close to the brake master cylinder and links directly to the clutch pedal. If you’re unsure, Halfords can help you identify the right part for your car.

What is a clutch master cylinder?

It’s the part that starts the process when you press the clutch pedal. The cylinder pushes fluid to the slave cylinder, which then moves the clutch so you can change gear. If yours needs replacing, Halfords makes it easy to find the right fit by entering your registration number.