Town & Country Van AWD V6-230 3.8L VIN L SMFI (1998)
Brake Master Cylinder: Description and Operation
Without Antilock Brakes
Master Cylinder Assembly
The master cylinder consists of the following components. The body of the master cylinder is an anodized aluminum casting. It has a machined bore to
accept the master cylinder piston and threaded ports with seats for the hydraulic brake line connections. The brake fluid reservoir of the master cylinder
assembly is made of a see through polypropylene type plastic. A low fluid switch is also part of the reservoir assembly.
This vehicle uses 3 different master cylinders. Master cylinder usage depends on what type of brake system the vehicle is equipped with. If a vehicle is
not equipped with antilock brakes, or is equipped with antilock brakes without traction control, a conventional compensating port master cylinder is
used. If a vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes with traction control, a dual center port master cylinder is used.
The third master cylinder used on this vehicle is unique to vehicles equipped with four wheel disc brakes. The master cylinder used for this brake
application has a different bore diameter and stroke then the master cylinder used for the other available brake applications.
The master cylinders used on front wheel drive applications (non four wheel disc brake vehicles) have a master cylinder piston bore diameter of 23.8
mm. The master cylinder used on the all wheel drive applications (four wheel disc brake vehicles) have a master cylinder piston bore diameter of 25.4
mm. When replacing a master cylinder, be sure to use the correct master cylinder for the type of brake system the vehicle is equipped with.
The master cylinder is not a repairable component and must be replaced if diagnosed to be functioning improperly
CAUTION: Do not hone the bore of the cylinder as this will remove the anodized surface from the bore.
The master cylinder primary outlet port supplies hydraulic pressure to the right front and left rear brakes. The secondary outlet port supplies hydraulic
pressure to the left front and right rear brakes.
