Dodge Ram 50 Brake Master Cylinder Replacement Costs

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

Included for free with this service

Online Booking

Mechanic comes to you

12-month / 12k-mile warranty

Free 50 point safety inspection

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

See availability

Customer Ratings

Brake Master Cylinder Replacement Service

How much does a Brake Master Cylinder Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Dodge Ram 50 Brake Master Cylinder Replacement is $223 with $83 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
1992 Dodge Ram 50L4-2.4L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$428.92	Shop/Dealer Price$493.97 - $679.40
1990 Dodge Ram 50V6-3.0L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$418.11	Shop/Dealer Price$481.04 - $664.88
1990 Dodge Ram 50L4-2.4L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$418.11	Shop/Dealer Price$481.07 - $664.93
1991 Dodge Ram 50L4-2.4L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$418.11	Shop/Dealer Price$481.07 - $664.93
1993 Dodge Ram 50L4-2.4L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$388.91	Shop/Dealer Price$452.97 - $637.66
1991 Dodge Ram 50V6-3.0L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$418.11	Shop/Dealer Price$481.24 - $665.22

Show example Dodge Ram 50 Brake Master Cylinder Replacement prices

What is the brake master cylinder and how does it work?

The brake master cylinder has a piston that pressurizes fluid in the brake lines to each wheel cylinder as you apply force to the brake pedal. That pressure moves the pistons that are in the wheel cylinders. As the pistons in those wheel cylinders move, they force the brake pads or shoes tightly against the rotors or drums allowing the car to stop quickly.

The size of the pistons in the master cylinder and in the wheel cylinders are carefully selected when designing a car. This allows drivers to apply moderate pressure on the brake pedal when stopping, but creates tremendous pressure applied at the wheel cylinders. A car can then stop quickly even at high speeds. Depending on how much force is applied to the brake pedal, the pressure in a car’s brake lines will typically be in the range of 800 PSI to 2,000 PSI.

Master Cylinder

When to replace the master cylinder?

External fluid leaks. There should be no fluid visible on the external surfaces of any portion of the master cylinder or the plastic fluid reservoir.
Low, slowly falling, or spongy brake pedal. Faulty internal seals on the piston can cause internal leaks and also seepage of brake fluid into the power assist brake booster. Internal leaks will typically be accompanied by a low pedal, a spongy brake pedal, or a pedal that slowly sinks as you maintain pressure. In all cases, you will experience reduced braking abilities.
Discolored brake fluid. No brake fluids, other than those specified for the year, make, and model, are fully compatible with a car’s internal rubber seals in the master cylinder. Discoloration of brake fluid can also occur due to moisture and particulate contaminants in the fluid.
Warning lights on the dash. If the brake system warning light illuminates, there are several potential causes but failure of the master cylinder is in the list of causes that would have to be investigated.

How do mechanics replace the brake master cylinder?

On vehicles with power brakes, the master cylinder is bolted to the metal housing of the power brake booster. There is usually an electrical plug connecting to a brake fluid level sensor on the master cylinder reservoir and that plug must be disconnected.
Once all steel brake lines are disconnected from the master cylinder, the master cylinder is unbolted from the brake booster and removed from the vehicle.
The new master cylinder must be bench-bled to expel air from internal passages that contain the piston. Then the new master cylinder is bolted to the brake booster and the brake lines are reattached. The electrical plug for the fluid level sensor is reconnected.
Whenever a new master cylinder is installed, brakes lines to wheel positions must be bled to remove air, old fluid and contaminants. If your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes, the mechanic may use a bidirectional scan tool during brake bleeding to actuate the ABS pump, thus ensuring that all air is removed from the complex valving in the ABS system.
All brake line connections that were removed during the master cylinder replacement are inspected for any leakage and the vehicle is road tested to ensure normal operation of the brakes.

Is it safe to drive with a master cylinder problem?

No, any fault in the master cylinder, which is part of the braking system creates a safety risk. A fully operational brake system is essential to quickly stopping your car. Driving a vehicle isn’t safe, if the master cylinder is leaking or has other faults, as braking distances might be longer than normal. The braking system on a vehicle is among the most important safety systems and must be fully functional to safely drive your vehicle.

When replacing the master cylinder keep in mind:

The master cylinder is only one component of many in a vehicle’s braking system. During replacement of the master cylinder, all vehicle braking system components should be inspected to ensure maximum braking power is available.
The amount of friction material remaining on the brake pads and brake shoes should be verified.
Brake lines and flexible rubber hoses at each wheel position should be inspected for corrosion and deterioration.
The power brake booster should be evaluated to ensure that power assist is working properly.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee

Meet some of our expert Dodge mechanics

Real customer reviews from Dodge owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(4)

Rating Summary

3

0

0

1

0

3

0

0

1

0

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Luke

18 years of experience

322 reviews

Luke

18 years of experience

by Zach

Dodge Ram 50 L4-2.0L - Oil Pan Gasket - Austin, Texas

Super helpful and got the work done in a timely manner.

Alexander

30 years of experience

45 reviews

Request Alexander

Alexander

30 years of experience

Request Alexander

by casey

Dodge Ram 50 L4-2.0L - Car is not starting - Los Altos, California

He was able to come a day early he was quick and proffessional

Luke

18 years of experience

322 reviews

Luke

18 years of experience

by Zach

Dodge Ram 50 L4-2.0L - Car is stalling - Austin, Texas

Luke was great! He was quick to determine the issue and was super helpful in showing me the ins and outs of my engine. I learned a lot and few mechanics are as transparent and willing to help as Luke.

Deane

12 years of experience

340 reviews

Deane

12 years of experience

by Kenneth

Dodge B3500 V8-5.9L - Brake Master Cylinder - Imperial Beach, California

Very competent technician with great communication skills. Made sure the job was done efficiently and done right and that I was satisfied with the results before signing off on the work. Thank you!

Excellent Rating

(4)

Rating Summary

3

0

0

1

0

3

0

0

1

0

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Recent articles & questions

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Volkswagen Routan

For For those who need a vehicle that focuses on people-moving and little else, the 2012 Volkswagen Routan just might hit the mark. With improved fuel economy and responsiveness compared to the Chrysler platform on which it is based, this...

How Long Does a Fuel Tank Last?

The The fuel tank is responsible for holding the gas or diesel that runs the vehicle. Obviously, this job is very important. On top of being extremely inconvenient, a leaking or faulty fuel tank is downright hazardous. Gas vapor is...

2012 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Ford Fusion: Which One Should I Buy?

When you want a midsize sedan, you’re looking for something that will offer you the best fuel economy for the size as well as additional safety features that will keep your family safe while you’re driving across town or around...

Loud noise from engine.

This is caused by the timing chain tensioners (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/drive-belt-tensioner-replacement) in the engine are bad and they would need to be replaced with new chains and tensioners. On some of these vehicle the camshafts (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/camshaft-seal-replacement) may need to also need to...

How do I use the automatic anti-glare feature on the rear view mirror?

The rear view mirror provides added visibility out of the rear window. However, when driving at night, the headlights from other vehicles can reflect off of your mirror with large amounts of glare, which greatly decreases your visibility. The rear...

Key on engine won't turn over and the lights and power good. I have a 5 speed and a 2.3 liter engine.

Hi there. Sounds like the starter solenoid is sticking and the engine will not start. Take a pry bar or something and tap on the starter solenoid and then retest the starting situation. If the engine starts up good, then...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com