The presence of gas within a hydraulic braking system introduces compressibility. Unlike brake fluid, which is virtually incompressible, gases readily change volume under pressure. This characteristic fundamentally undermines the system’s ability to transmit force efficiently.
A hydraulic brake system relies on the principle of transmitting force undiminished from the master cylinder to the wheel cylinders. The system’s effectiveness hinges on the fluid’s inability to compress. The inclusion of a compressible medium negates this principle, leading to reduced braking power and an increased pedal travel distance. Historically, the understanding of fluid dynamics has been crucial in the development of reliable and safe braking systems, highlighting the critical need to eliminate gaseous contaminants.
