Michael Strong

Calipers are part of a vehicle’s disc brake system. The caliper mounts on the brake rotor like a clamp. It houses the brake pads and pistons, slowing a car by creating friction with the brake rotors. Stepping on the brake pedal transfers pressure to the caliper’s pistons and pushes the brake pads against the rotor, causing the vehicle to slow down and stop. If your brakes squeal, or grind, or if the pedal is soft or you see brake fluid on your wheels, get an inspection.

The brake master cylinder is an assembly that transfers the level of pressure the driver applies to the brake pedal to the calipers and drums. Pressing the brake pedal actuates a piston inside the master cylinder, forcing brake fluid through the brake lines and into the slave cylinders. If your vehicle leaks brake fluid, the brake pedal gets soft, or there’s a reduction in braking power, the brake master cylinder could be defective and in need of repair or replacement.

Part of the braking system, a brake slave cylinder is an assembly housing a piston that compresses and releases the brake shoes or pads in hydraulic brakes. If your slave cylinder is damaged, it likely will allow the hydraulic fluid or brake fluid to leak. This will result in decreased braking force, including a possible loss of braking.