Question

Technician A says the master cylinder changes the driver's mechanical force on the pedal to

hydraulic pressure.
Technician B says this hydraulic pressure is changed back to mechanical force at the wheel brakes.
Who is correct?

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Both technicians are correct, but they are describing different parts of the brake system.

Technician A is describing the function of the master cylinder, which converts the mechanical force exerted on the brake pedal by the driver into hydraulic pressure. The master cylinder contains a piston that moves in response to the force applied to the brake pedal, which in turn pressurizes the brake fluid in the hydraulic lines.

Technician B is describing the function of the wheel brakes themselves. The hydraulic pressure generated by the master cylinder is transmitted through the brake lines to the calipers or wheel cylinders at each wheel. These components convert the hydraulic pressure back into mechanical force, which applies the brake pads or shoes to the rotors or drums and slows down the vehicle.

Therefore, both technicians are correct in their descriptions of the brake system, but they are referring to different components.