| The size of a Master Cylinder is inversely proportional to the force it can exert. In other words, a larger diameter requires a higher force on the brake pedal to generate a certain hydraulic pressure than a smaller diameter, everything else being equal. The trade-off is that the smaller diameter requires a longer stroke of the brake pedal to displace the same amount of fluid. When choosing a master cylinder, find the available size that is closest to the calculated size. When the calculated size ends up roughly in between two available sizes, go with the larger size. This is the safer choice, since it is always better to NOT run out of stroke on your brake pedal, than to have to push a little harder than is comfortable, in order to achieve maximum possible deceleration. -------xxxxxxx-------xxxxxxx------- In case you are working with a tandem M/C, the calculated bore sizes refer to an imaginary situation in which the front and rear hydraulic circuits are independently pressurized. However, in a tandem M/C, hydraulic pressure behind the primary piston and secondary piston are the same, regardless any differences in diameter between both pistons (because the secondary M/C piston functions as a slave cylinder piston). Car manufacturers get the bias right by careful selection of all other components that affect bias, and with help of a proportioning valve. So if you want to make changes to your brake system and are working with a tandem M/C, you could do the following:
-------xxxxxxx-------xxxxxxx------- For single master cylinders (to install in a pedal box with balance bar), the available (current) sizes are:
Single master cylinders are usually available in two stroke lengths: 1" and 1.25" (go with 1.25" if possible). -------xxxxxxx-------xxxxxxx------- Tandem aftermarket master cylinders come in the following sizes:
Bigger sizes are available from the auto parts store for 2-ton trucks and up. And smaller sizes are available as OE parts for small European or Japanese cars. |
Last Update: 12/10/2024 | © Vanrossen 2011-2024 |