Brakes · critical priority
Master Cylinder Replacement Cost & Pricing
Replace the brake master cylinder — the hydraulic heart of the braking system that converts pedal pressure into brake line pressure. A failing master cylinder causes a spongy pedal, brake fluid loss, or complete brake failure.
Typical Master Cylinder Replacement cost
$280–$880, with an average estimate of $500 before vehicle-specific adjustments.
What to expect
Difficulty: moderate. Typical labor time: 1–3 hours.
Mechanic's tip
A pedal that slowly sinks to the floor under steady pressure is the classic sign of a failing master cylinder. This is a safety-critical component — don't delay. After replacement, the entire brake system must be bled to remove air. Ask whether the brake booster should be inspected at the same time since they're mounted together.