Acura MDX 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 Acura MDX Brake Master Cylinder Replacement is $355 with $173 for parts and $182 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
2001 Acura MDXV6-3.5L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$580.18	Shop/Dealer Price$671.97 - $935.77
2017 Acura MDXV6-3.0L Hybrid	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$866.38	Shop/Dealer Price$1027.56 - $1504.39
2007 Acura MDXV6-3.7L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$707.99	Shop/Dealer Price$841.76 - $1233.58
2010 Acura MDXV6-3.7L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$707.99	Shop/Dealer Price$845.12 - $1239.45
2003 Acura MDXV6-3.5L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$603.80	Shop/Dealer Price$701.95 - $983.82
2011 Acura MDXV6-3.7L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$707.99	Shop/Dealer Price$841.80 - $1233.65
2017 Acura MDXV6-3.5L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$866.38	Shop/Dealer Price$1027.56 - $1504.39

Show example Acura MDX 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 Acura mechanics

Real customer reviews from Acura owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(754)

Rating Summary

709

21

3

8

13

709

21

3

8

13

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Robert

15 years of experience

49 reviews

Robert

15 years of experience

by Matt Gorelik

MDX 2006 - Alternator - Moraga, CA

Great guy, fixed my alternator and pulley very quickly. Pleasant to work with and will be using his services again.

Robert

15 years of experience

49 reviews

Robert

15 years of experience

by Matt Gorelik

MDX 2006 - Drive Belt Tensioner - Moraga, CA

Great guy, fixed my alternator and pulley very quickly. Pleasant to work with and will be using his services again.

Patrick

26 years of experience

1550 reviews

Request Patrick

Patrick

26 years of experience

Request Patrick

by Jess Knifton

MDX 2002 - Battery is dead - Austin, TX

Very helpful, with offer to reach out for follow-up additional service (battery replacement) should the charge not stick. Very much appreciated as I need the car working for a trip on Friday.

Yoel

5 years of experience

187 reviews

Yoel

5 years of experience

by Angelica Moses

MDX 2008 - Hazard / Turn Signal Flasher - Philadelphia, PA

Very helpful

Excellent Rating

(754)

Rating Summary

709

21

3

8

13

709

21

3

8

13

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Recent articles & questions

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Transfer Case Output Shaft Seal

Common signs include difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises coming from underneath the vehicle, and jumping in and out of four-wheel drive.

Should I Buy Electric Automotive Power Tools?

Automotive technician jobs require electric power tools, which are user-friendly and easy to transport, but can be expensive.

Cell Phones and Texting: Distracted Driving Laws in Ohio

Ohio Ohio has similar cell phone and texting laws to other states in the nation. Texting is illegal for drivers of all ages. Drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to use a cell phone at all while...

my trans malfunction warning light came on and 1st and second gear is slow. what can i do

When a module illuminates a warning light, generally there is a fault code that accompanies it. there can be many reasons for the concern like a low fluid level (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) or a failing internal transmission component. Fluid leaks are common...

Car vibration when accelerating and cornering

Hello. This is typically either an engine mount (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-mount-replacement) or a cv axle problem. Both of these will cause this. Most of the time it starts out as a motor mount issue which will end up causing a failure in...

Car says service stabilitrak and has a knocking noise.

The light could have come on for the brake fluid could be low and causing the system to see that the brakes are not safe. For the engine loosing power and making a knocking noise, there could be a misfire...

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