Chevrolet R3500 Brake Master Cylinder Replacement at your home or office.

Our mobile mechanics offer services 7 days a week. Upfront and transparent pricing.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(56)

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.

Customer Ratings

(56)

Brake Master Cylinder Replacement Service

How much does a Brake Master Cylinder Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Chevrolet R3500 Brake Master Cylinder Replacement is $382 with $116 for parts and $266 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1990 Chevrolet R3500V8-7.4LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$525.64Shop/Dealer Price$590.27 - $768.75
1990 Chevrolet R3500V8-5.7LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$508.52Shop/Dealer Price$569.79 - $745.76
1991 Chevrolet R3500V8-7.4LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$508.52Shop/Dealer Price$569.84 - $745.84
1991 Chevrolet R3500V8-6.2L DieselService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$508.52Shop/Dealer Price$569.84 - $745.84
1990 Chevrolet R3500V8-6.2L DieselService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$508.52Shop/Dealer Price$572.64 - $750.74
1991 Chevrolet R3500V8-5.7LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$508.52Shop/Dealer Price$570.10 - $746.31
Show example Chevrolet R3500 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 Chevrolet mechanics

Real customer reviews from Chevrolet owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(56)

Rating Summary
50
1
1
0
4
50
1
1
0
4

Andrew

12 years of experience
962 reviews
Andrew
12 years of experience
Chevrolet C1500 V8-5.7L - Brake Master Cylinder - Kansas City, Missouri
He did a good job and kept going even though he was challenged with unexpected stuff that came up.

Luis

5 years of experience
302 reviews
Luis
5 years of experience
Chevrolet Corvette V8-5.7L - Brake Master Cylinder Replacement - Chester, Virginia
Down to earth good mechanic

Breck

21 years of experience
681 reviews
Breck
21 years of experience
Chevrolet Equinox L4-2.4L - Brake Master Cylinder - Baytown, Texas
Very courteous and upfront about the work he's going to be doing.

Manuel

33 years of experience
590 reviews
Manuel
33 years of experience
Chevrolet C10 V8-5.0L - Brake Master Cylinder - Norwalk, California
Super!

Excellent Rating

(56)

Rating Summary
50
1
1
0
4
50
1
1
0
4
Number of Chevrolet Brake Master Cylinder Replacement services completed
616+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Chevrolet MECHANICS
1700+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

The Guide to Right-of-Way Laws in Colorado
Right-of-way Right-of-way laws are in place to ensure that if there are no traffic signs or signals, there are still rules in place that govern who goes first. These rules are based in courtesy and common sense, and work to...
How to Transfer a Car Title in Utah
In In the state of Utah, any change in vehicle ownership requires a title transfer. This is the process of removing the title from the previous owner’s name and putting it into the current owner’s name. Title transfers must be...
How Does a Timing Belt Work?
The The timing belt is a belt made of rubber that keeps your camshaft and your crankshaft synchronized so that your valve timing is always right. Some vehicles have a timing chain instead of a belt, but it serves the...

Replacement AC compressor labor cost

The AC may have a leak somewhere that is causing the AC to cycle on and off. The compressors on these vehicles are known to go bad and contaminate the entire system with compressor internal parts. The system will need...

Electrical Issues - 1999 Toyota RAV4

Hey there. It is very possible that the negative terminal end on your battery cables (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-cable-replacement) could be damaged. I would recommend loosening it up and removing it for further inspection. If the terminal is broken in any way it...

Hello my car has 4 codes coming up p0741 p0457 p0497 p0506

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