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A tandem master cylinder is a critical component in automotive braking systems.
- Dual-Circuit Braking Systems:
- In a dual-circuit braking system, the tandem master cylinder features two separate pistons.
- When the brake pedal is pressed, it activates the primary piston, which then moves the secondary piston.
- This design ensures that each piston operates independently to provide braking force to a separate circuit.
- In the event of a hydraulic failure in one circuit, the other circuit remains functional, allowing the vehicle to maintain some braking capability.
- Tandem master cylinders with dual pistons are essential for safety and redundancy in modern automotive braking systems.
- Split Braking Systems:
- In a split braking system, the tandem master cylinder has a single bore with two pistons and separate fluid compression chambers.
- Each piston controls brake fluid flow to a separate hydraulic circuit, typically the front and rear brakes.
- If there is a significant loss of brake fluid in one circuit, such as due to a leak or component failure, the other circuit remains pressurized and operational.
- This design enhances vehicle safety by ensuring that there is always some braking power available, even in the event of a partial hydraulic system failure.
- Tandem master cylinders with split bore configurations have been mandatory in cars marketed in the United States since 1967, contributing to improved vehicle safety standards.
In both configurations, the tandem master cylinder plays a crucial role in providing reliable braking performance and ensuring driver safety by enabling redundancy and fault tolerance in the braking system.
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