How Does Brake Cup Work?

17 Mar.,2025

 

Why the Front Brake Fluid Cup on the Handle Bars? | Page 2

AFAIK the reservoir needs to be above the master cylinder for safe/proper operation of the whole system and to eliminate air entering. Additionally, it's mounted on the handlebar because it is all hand actuated via your brake lever while remaining above the caliper. Connecting the lever directly to the master gives you the best feel of the braking pressure and also keeps things simple (cost effective). Having a remote mount master cylinder and getting it to work with the hand activated lever from the bar introduces an engineering puzzle; cost, weight, complexity, more points of failure, etc. The best answer on 99.9% of bikes is to mount it high on the bars directly to the lever and let gravity do it's magic. I would say the master cylinder is fed hydraulic by gravity from the reservoir and pumps hydraulic fluid to the slave cylinder or caliper. The height of fluid cup also helps keep air keep air and vapors out that fluid may absorb and boil off. Especially at high elevations and race tracks. The master feeds the slave and it does all the work, but not for free . Mr. Pascal did not ride a motorcycle and died unhappily at 39 years old. We thank him every time we squeeze the lever on the right and some levers on the left. That Z900 is a beauty.
June 19, ' August 19,



Blaise Pascal, (born June 19, , Clermont-Ferrand, France'died August 19, , Paris), French mathematician, physicist, religious philosopher, and master of prose.
How does Pascal's law work in hydraulics?


Pascal's law states that when there is an increase in pressure at any point in a confined fluid, there is an equal increase at every other point in the container.
I would say the master cylinder is fed hydraulic by gravity from the reservoir and pumps hydraulic fluid to the slave cylinder or caliper. The height of fluid cup also helps keep air keep air and vapors out that fluid may absorb and boil off. Especially at high elevations and race tracks. The master feeds the slave and it does all the work, but not for free . Mr. Pascal did not ride a motorcycle and died unhappily at 39 years old. We thank him every time we squeeze the lever on the right and some levers on the left. That Z900 is a beauty.
June 19, ' August 19,



Blaise Pascal, (born June 19, , Clermont-Ferrand, France'died August 19, , Paris), French mathematician, physicist, religious philosopher, and master of prose.
How does Pascal's law work in hydraulics?


Pascal's law states that when there is an increase in pressure at any point in a confined fluid, there is an equal increase at every other point in the container.

I nominate your answer for post of the month.

Interestingly, all MV Agusta B3 bikes have rear brake issues. Cause? Best everyone can figure: the fluid reservoir is actually below the rear brake caliper, and way below the ABS system located under the seat. The design is flawed. MV has written multiple tech bulletins on how to bleed. They need a complete re-design. Recently I "burped" thee ABS system rear brake banjo by the typical loosen bolt, pump, add fluid cycle. And now I have a working rear brake again. Another smart MV rider figured out: store the bike with a ten pound weight on the rear brake pedal. This pressurization keeps air out of the system longer. Also, MASH the rear brake to activate ABS, release air bubbles, and then bleed.

Rear brake and ABS system on my Moto Guzzi has no similar issues. Why? Rear brake reservoir is above the brake height.

I did not take fluid mechanics. But I have an engineering degree.
I nominate your answer for post of the month.

Interestingly, all MV Agusta B3 bikes have rear brake issues. Cause? Best everyone can figure: the fluid reservoir is actually below the rear brake caliper, and way below the ABS system located under the seat. The design is flawed. MV has written multiple tech bulletins on how to bleed. They need a complete re-design. Recently I "burped" thee ABS system rear brake banjo by the typical loosen bolt, pump, add fluid cycle. And now I have a working rear brake again. Another smart MV rider figured out: store the bike with a ten pound weight on the rear brake pedal. This pressurization keeps air out of the system longer. Also, MASH the rear brake to activate ABS, release air bubbles, and then bleed.

Rear brake and ABS system on my Moto Guzzi has no similar issues. Why? Rear brake reservoir is above the brake height.

I did not take fluid mechanics. But I have an engineering degree.
look like they need a RESIDUAL VALVE like old school cars where the master cylinder was below the floor Back to the original question of why a large reservoir instead of the little low-profile integrated ones like on dirt bikes. US DOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards set the minimum reservoir volume requirements for motorcycles designed for street use. They must be able to supply all the fluid absorbed by the calipers as the pistons extend from new pads to completely worn out, plus a margin of safety. A pair of four-piston calipers on a street bike sucks down a lot more fluid than the two piston and thin little pads on a dirt bike.

I have a frankenbike with parts from a bunch of different stuff, where I used the little round reservoir associated with the rear system on a bunch of dirt bikes instead of a big one from a street bike front. I figure I'm a brake nerd, so I'll be watching the fluid level right there in front of me, and when it gets low, I'll add some. The smaller reservoir looks kinda the same, but isn't so aesthetically obnoxious. I should install a DOT-compliant reservoir if I ever sell it.

How Does a Brake Master Cylinder Work?

The brake master cylinder is a critical component of your vehicle's braking system. Understanding the role of the master cylinder can help you determine if you want to replace it and what to look for in a replacement.

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Let's take a brief overview of a braking system, then get into detail about the role of the master cylinder. We'll look at single and dual reservoir cylinders, bore size, and all the components of the master to help you make the best choice for your vehicle.

Braking System Overview

Whether you employ an all-disc system, a disc/drum combination, or an all-drum setup, the role of the master cylinder remains the same.

The act of braking begins when you depress the brake pedal. The master cylinder uses that pressure to push a piston and send hydraulic fluid through the brake lines to each individual brake. Pistons inside of a bore that are located on each of the four brakes, fill with brake fluid and engage the pads or shoes and squeeze against the rotor or brake drum and stop your vehicle.

The brake master cylinder uses the pressure from the brake pedal to push a piston, sending hydraulic fluid through the brake lines.

Simply put, the mechanical pressure exerted on the brake pedal by your foot gets converted into hydraulic pressure by the master cylinder. That pressure sends the fluid through your brake lines and engages the pistons at each of the four wheels, thus activating the brake calipers and slowing or stopping your vehicle.

Single vs. Dual Reservoir Master Cylinders

There are two types of master cylinders: single reservoir and dual reservoir. Single reservoir systems feed both the front and rear brakes from a single reservoir and brake line. Dual reservoir systems have one reservoir feeding the front brakes while the second reservoir feeds the rear brakes through two completely separate brake lines.

The failsafe of the dual reservoir master cylinder ensures that, in the event of a malfunction, your chances of having some working brakes are better than they are with a single reservoir master.

Bore Size

In addition to the reservoirs, the function will be affected by bore size. Bore size can range from 7/8' to 1-1/4' and will affect pedal travel distance and effort. In other words, a smaller bore size will increase pressure and decrease the amount of effort required by you to stop your vehicle.

'Decreasing master cylinder bore size will decrease your pedal effort and increase your pedal travel. Conversely, a larger bore in your car's master cylinder will, with all other components being consistent, increase your pedal effort and decrease your pedal travel. As with some other brake parts purchases, this comes down to your preference for how the brakes 'feel' underfoot when you are driving.'

' Master Power Brakes Tech Team

Components of a Master Cylinder

Now that we know the two main types, let's delve into the main parts of the master and how it works to regulate your braking system.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Brake Cup. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

1. Reservoirs

The reservoir, or reservoirs, are used to house the brake fluid. In a dual reservoir system, the reservoirs can be of equal size but in other master cylinders, one of the reservoirs might be smaller. No matter the size, one of the reservoirs feeds the front brakes, while the other reservoir feeds the rear brakes. It does matter which of the reservoirs is used to feed the front or rear and that is dependent on the actual master cylinder as there is not standard.

2. Piston

Machined into the center of the master cylinder body is the actual bore of the master cylinder which houses the pistons. The pushrod from the brake pedal or the booster pushes against the piston housed inside this bore. When the pedal is pressed, the piston is moved inside the bore and pulls fluid from the reservoir, and compresses that fluid thus creating hydraulic pressure for the rest of the system. The harder the pedal is pushed and the further the piston travels will create more line pressure.

3. Spring

The spring is a component inside the master cylinder bore that provides resistance when applying the brake pedal and also allows the piston and brake pedal to return to their original position after the brakes are no longer engaged.

How Do You Know When the Brake Master Cylinder Has Gone Bad?

There are internal and external seals inside the master cylinder. The breakdown of these seals over time results in brake fluid leaks outside of the unit or brake lines. Typically, if your master cylinder needs to be replaced, your brake pedal will feel mushy or spongy. In some cases, the brake pedal will even drop or fall to the floor when the vehicle comes to a complete stop.

Features to Consider

In addition to bore size, which is typically selected based on brake type, consider which side of the master cylinder would be ideal for port location when placing and installing the master. An adjustable pushrod attachment may work for your vehicle as well.

Customer Example: Ford Mustang with 4 Wheel Disc Brakes

Not long ago, we received a request for help from the owner of a Ford Mustang. He was looking for a Ford master cylinder to use for his 4-wheel disc brakes set up.

In this case, with the manual disc brakes both front and rear on the customer's '69 Mustang, we recommend MPB part number MCM. This master cylinder has a 1' bore and ports on the left-hand side of the master cylinder, which should work well for his vehicle.

This specific master cylinder has been greatly successful and used by many of our customers who drive four-wheel disc cars, as measured by vehicle owners reporting comfortable brake pedal travel and required pedal effort along with our own testing of components on a vehicle.

A braking system's master cylinder is a critical component that transfers the physical force into hydraulic force, sending brake fluid through the brake lines to engage the calipers and stop your vehicle. It's important to consider master cylinder size, port placement, and bore size when choosing the one that will fit your car the best.

Need help? Contact Us

As you can see, there are other vehicle-specific factors to consider when selecting your new master cylinder. If you're confused or torn between several options, please drop us a line. We'd be happy to help you figure out what part will be best for you.

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