The brake pedal pushes a rod connected to which component?

The brake pedal functions by pushing on a rod that is directly connected to the master cylinder. When the driver presses the brake pedal, this action compresses the fluid within the master cylinder, which in turn creates hydraulic pressure. This hydraulic pressure is what activates the braking system, enabling the vehicle to slow down or come to a stop. The master cylinder serves as the central component that converts the mechanical force applied to the brake pedal into hydraulic force, which then moves to the brake calipers located at each wheel.

The brake booster is another important component in the braking system, as it amplifies the force applied to the brake pedal, but it does not directly interface with the pedal to push a rod. The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) module plays a role in preventing wheel lockup during braking but is not directly connected to the brake pedal. The brake caliper is the component that houses the brake pads and applies pressure to the brake disc, but it is activated by the hydraulic pressure generated by the master cylinder rather than being directly connected to the pedal.

This chain of functions emphasizes the critical role of the master cylinder in the braking process, clarifying why it is the answer to this question.