10-23A – Cleveland Wheels and Brakes FAA-PMA Master Cylinder
Available now for order on the Aircraft Braking Systems Marketplace.
Overview Section
The Cleveland 10-23A is a high-performance, single-piston Brake Master Cylinder governed by FAA-PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval). Produced by Parker Hannifin’s Cleveland Wheels & Brakes division, it is an essential hydraulic component used to convert mechanical pedal pressure into hydraulic pressure to actuate aircraft brake calipers.
The 10-23A is a "reservoir-fed" type cylinder, typically mounted to the pilot or co-pilot's rudder pedals. It features a compact, lightweight aluminum body and is designed for long-service life in the demanding environments of general aviation. This specific model is a common replacement for legacy cylinders in various single-engine and light-twin aircraft, offering improved sealing technology and corrosion resistance.
Key Features Section
FAA-PMA Certified: Fully approved for installation on a wide range of certified aircraft, ensuring compliance with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) safety standards.
Corrosion-Resistant Construction: The body is machined from high-strength aluminum alloy with a protective anodized finish to withstand hydraulic fluids and environmental moisture.
Precision Internal Piston: Features a precision-ground piston and high-grade O-ring seals to ensure consistent pressure delivery and prevent fluid "blow-by."
External Reservoir Compatible: Designed to work with an external brake fluid reservoir, allowing for easy fluid level monitoring and replenishment.
Standardized Mounting: Features a universal mounting clevis and ports, making it a "bolt-on" replacement for many older Cleveland and McCauley cylinder models.
Optimized Displacement: Calibrated to provide the specific fluid volume and pressure required for standard 5-inch and 6-inch Cleveland brake assemblies.
Technical Specifications Section
Part Number: 10-23A
Component Type: Hydraulic Brake Master Cylinder
OEM Manufacturer: Cleveland Wheels & Brakes (Parker Hannifin)
Fluid Compatibility: MIL-PRF-5606 (Red Mineral Base) Aviation Hydraulic Fluid
Bore Diameter: Standardized for general aviation pedal ratios
Material: Anodized Aluminum Alloy
Connection Ports: Typically 1/8-27 NPTF (Must be verified by installation drawing)
Certification: FAA-PMA Approved
Weight: Approximately 0.8 lbs (0.36 kg)
Rebuild Kit: Uses the 061-00600 (or equivalent) seal kit for field maintenance.
Aircraft Compatibility Section
Cessna Single-Engine: Frequently found on Cessna 150, 152, 172, and 182 series aircraft.
Piper Cherokee Series: Compatible with various PA-28 and PA-32 models.
Beechcraft Singles: Used in certain Bonanza and Musketeer configurations.
Experimental Aircraft: A popular choice for high-end amateur-built aircraft due to its reliability and parts availability.
Note: The 10-23A is a critical flight control component. The aircraft Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) or Maintenance Manual is the final authority for verifying that the 10-23A is the approved part for your specific serial number airframe.
Applications Section
Primary Braking System: Providing the hydraulic force required for ground steering and deceleration during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
Parking Brake System: Acting as the pressure source for the parking brake valve to lock fluid in the lines.
Dual Control Systems: Installed on both pilot and co-pilot sides for training and multi-crew operations.
Why Choose the 10-23A?
The 10-23A is a safety-critical hydraulic component. In aircraft braking systems, a failure of the master cylinder—often due to internal seal leakage or bore pitting—leads to a "spongy" pedal or total loss of braking authority on one side, which can result in a runway excursion. Choosing the FAA-PMA certified Cleveland 10-23A guarantees: 1) Material Integrity: Higher grade alloys that resist the "pitting" common in generic cylinders; 2) Reliable Sealing: O-rings specifically formulated for MIL-H-5606 fluid stability; and 3) Direct Fit: Exact dimensional matching to ensure the rudder pedal geometry remains unchanged.
The mechanical efficiency of the Cleveland 10-23A is driven by its Area Ratio and Displacement. The cylinder is engineered to provide a specific volume of fluid to the brake calipers per inch of pedal travel. If the cylinder bore is too large, the pedal becomes hard to press; if too small, the pedal will "bottom out" before the brakes fully engage. The 10-23A is optimized for the standard "piston-to-pad" clearance of Cleveland calipers. Furthermore, it incorporates a "compensating port" design, which allows fluid to return to the reservoir when the brakes are released, preventing brake "drag" caused by thermal expansion of the hydraulic fluid.
Note: The 10-23A is a hydraulic component. After installation, the brake system must be bled to remove all trapped air. Use only MIL-H-5606 (red) fluid; using automotive brake fluid (DOT 3/4/5) will cause total seal failure and loss of braking.
Documentation
Cleveland Wheels & Brakes Product Catalog: Contains detailed mounting footprints and porting info.
Parker Hannifin Maintenance Manual (AWBMM0001): The official guide for the maintenance and repair of Cleveland braking components.