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Knowing These VW Brake Master Cylinder Problems Could Save Your Day!

ByZain Mark

What’s the common problem with the VW brake master cylinder? VW brake master cylinder problems can include a loss of braking power, a squeaking or grinding noise, and diminished stopping distance. However, that’s not the end of the story.

There have been reports of VW cars experiencing problems with their brake master cylinders and some owners have even claimed that they had to replace the entire unit. 

It seems that these issues have been plaguing Volkswagen models for years and are only getting worse. So, whether you’re experiencing any issue with your braking system or want to skip any risks, this article can help you out.

VW Brake Master Cylinder Problems

There are few things more frustrating than a car that won’t stop, no matter how much you pump the brake pedal. VW vehicles have been known for their reliable braking systems for decades, but there are still a few common problems with VW’s brake master cylinder that can cause them to fail. 

Here are 5 most common  problems with the master cylinder of VW brake shown in the table:

ProblemsPossible Solutions
Leaking fluidReplace the seal or damaged connectors
Pulsing or squealing noiseAdding fluid to the reservoir
The brake pedal doesn’t seem to work at allReplacing the master cylinder entirely
Shaking car violentlyUse unsealed fluid supply port
The brake pedal feels spongyCheck the fluid

Well, since you have a quick look at some common issues, let’s discuss them elaborately.

1. Leaking Fluid

This is one of the most common VW Passat brake master cylinder problems. Over time, the fluid can seep out and cause the brakes to stop working.

It can be caused by several factors, including damage to the system from wear and tear, corrosion, or poor installation. If fluid leaks onto the ground or into the wheel well, it can cause a dangerous condition called hydroplaning. 

How to Fix:

When you’re experiencing a leak from your VW brake master cylinder, there are a few things that you can do to fix the issue. First, make sure that the seal on the master cylinder is in good shape. 

If it’s not, you can replace the seal with a new one. Next, check to see if any of the brake lines are kinked or broken. Inspect the bolts that hold the cylinder to the caliper and make sure they are tight. 

2. Pulsing Or Squealing Noise

This symptom means that there’s something wrong with either the line connections between the master cylinder and calipers or with the hydraulic pressure regulator (HPB). 

To fix this, add fluid to the reservoir or flush the system with water. If the squeak persists, the brake pads may need to be replaced.

How to Fix:

Check for any loose or broken connections in the system. These can cause noise and instability, so take careful note of where they are and have a mechanic replace them as needed.

Find out if there are air bubbles in the brake fluid reservoir. If they’re large enough, they can cause the brakes to squeal when applied, which is why it’s important to keep them under control.

Test the brakes by applying pressure to the pedal while slowly rolling the car forward (or backward).

3. Brake Pedal Doesn’t Seem To Work At All

Some users have reported that their brakes have felt hard like a rock or sometimes don’t work. This could be caused by faulty wiring, a broken or corroded slave cylinder, or defective hardware in the master cylinder itself. In most cases, fixing this issue requires replacing the master cylinder entirely.

How to Fix:

In most cases, this will just require a new part to be installed, but there are a few things that you can do in the meantime to try and fix the issue. First of all, make sure that all the brake fluid is properly drained and replaced. 

You must ensure that the brake pads and shoes are in good condition by checking for any fraying or cracking. If everything looks good on the surface, you may need to replace the master cylinder itself.

4. Shaking Car Violently

Well, this issue might seem to be connected with other components. However, the reason lies in the design of Volkswagen’s braking system design. 

Technically, Volkswagen vehicles feature an assembly interference between the booster and the master cylinder to achieve a quick response from the brake pedal instead of reducing the travel ratio between the master cylinder and the brake pedal. 

The main objective of this design pattern was to activate the brakes with a short pedal stroke by reducing the clearances between the master cylinder piston seals and the brake fluid supply port. 

For this, many Volkswagen vehicles come with brake fluid supply ports that are either fully or partially covered with seals.

As a result, the flow of thermally expanded brake fluid is obstructed and pushes the brake pads opposite to the rotors, resulting in brake dragging. Consequently, the car starts to behave abnormally. 

How to Fix: 

Since this problem is completely related to the design pattern of the Volkswagen braking system, you can get rid of this by replacing the system with a VW-compatible one. You can use an unsealed fluid supply port as well.

5. Brake Pedal Feels Spongy or Sinks

When Volkswagen first introduced the caddy, they must have thought it was a great idea. After all, who doesn’t love the convenience of having all your gear right at your fingertips? 

Unfortunately, the caddy’s design hasn’t aged well. Many owners report brake problems that seem to stem from faulty master cylinders. Many users have reported a lack of response or feeling abnormally spongy when pushing the brake pedal. 

In some cases, the brake pedal tends to sink, which means it doesn’t return to its usual position. It may be due to a problem with the mechanic seals that block brake fluid from leaking. These seals are designed to resume normal functionality.

If the seals are badly damaged or begin to tear, brake fluid may leak out and the calipers will have insufficient pressure to sufficiently slow down your vehicle.

How to Fix:

When the brake pedal feels spongy, it means that the hydraulic pressure inside the master cylinder isn’t strong enough to stop the car reliably.  So, check to see if the brake fluid level is low.

If it is, refill the reservoir and bleed the brakes. Make sure that the master cylinder is properly sealed and replace the master cylinder if it’s worn out or damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the symptoms of a faulty brake master cylinder?

The signs of a faulty brake master cylinder can vary depending on the make and model of the car, but typically they include a decrease in braking performance, a “Pinging” or “Knocking” noise when the brakes are applied, and a warning light on the dashboard. If any of these symptoms are severe enough, the car may need to be taken to a mechanic for repair.

Can a master cylinder fail without leaking?

Yes, a master cylinder can fail without leaking, but it is more likely to do so if it has been over-torqued or if it has been subject to high temperatures.

How do you reset a brake master cylinder?

To reset a brake master cylinder, you will need to remove the wheel and brake caliper. The brake fluid reservoir should also be drained. Next, use a wrench to unscrew the cap on the brake fluid reservoir. Pour out the old brake fluid and replace it with new fluid. Screw the cap back on and after that it’s better to replace the wheel and brake caliper.

Final Words

VW brake master cylinder problems can be dangerous at any time. If you’re noticing a decrease in braking performance, it’s important to have your VW checked out for a master cylinder issue.

Fortunately, these repairs are relatively straightforward and can be done at a VW dealership. Make sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible, as the sooner the issue is diagnosed and corrected, the better.

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