Ford E-150 Econoline 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

(118)

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

(118)

Brake Master Cylinder Replacement Service

How much does a Brake Master Cylinder Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Ford E-150 Econoline Brake Master Cylinder Replacement is $230 with $90 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1996 Ford E-150 EconolineV8-5.8LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$457.96Shop/Dealer Price$533.79 - $752.35
1995 Ford E-150 EconolineV8-5.0LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$448.05Shop/Dealer Price$521.93 - $739.04
1992 Ford E-150 EconolineV8-5.8LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$436.95Shop/Dealer Price$511.55 - $731.16
1994 Ford E-150 EconolineV8-5.8LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$448.05Shop/Dealer Price$521.96 - $739.08
2000 Ford E-150 EconolineV6-4.2LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$600.81Shop/Dealer Price$707.89 - $1019.41
1990 Ford E-150 EconolineV8-5.8LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$436.95Shop/Dealer Price$511.69 - $731.41
1992 Ford E-150 EconolineL6-4.9LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$436.95Shop/Dealer Price$511.56 - $731.19
1996 Ford E-150 EconolineL6-4.9LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$448.05Shop/Dealer Price$521.96 - $739.08
Show example Ford E-150 Econoline 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 Ford mechanics

Real customer reviews from Ford owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(118)

Rating Summary
105
4
2
2
5
105
4
2
2
5

John

33 years of experience
1126 reviews
John
33 years of experience
Ford E-150 Econoline V8-4.6L - Check Engine Light is on - Friendswood, Texas
An excellent, competent mechanic.

Nestor

9 years of experience
60 reviews
Nestor
9 years of experience
Ford E-150 Econoline V6-4.2L - Exterior Door Handle Replacement (Passenger Side Rear) - Meridian, Idaho
Superb work. He had to think on the fly to adequately repair the door.

Jason

18 years of experience
429 reviews
Jason
18 years of experience
Ford E-150 Econoline V6-4.2L - Fuel Pump - Fremont, California

Scott

37 years of experience
995 reviews
Scott
37 years of experience
Ford E-150 Econoline V8-4.6L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - New River, Arizona
Scott performed a pre-purchase inspection and identified issues which would have cost me a lot of money. He gave an honest evaluation and was very professional.

Excellent Rating

(118)

Rating Summary
105
4
2
2
5
105
4
2
2
5
Number of Ford E-150 Econoline services completed
1298+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Ford MECHANICS
1800+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

How to Become a Certified Mobile Vehicle Inspector (State Car Inspector Certified) in Wyoming
Automotive technician jobs include mobile vehicle inspectors. Learn how to do car checks in Wyoming through the Universal Technical Institute.
How Long Does a Center (Drag) Link Last?
The The center link has ball joints on either end, and connects the pitman arm and idler arm on your car’s suspension. This part is sometimes called the relay rod or the drag link. The main purpose of the center...
How to Buy a Good Quality Jack Stand
If If you’re putting your car in the air for any reason other than changing a spare tire, you need to use jack stands. Never, ever leave your car supported only by a floor jack. If the jack lost pressure,...

Car won't start - replaced torque converter. 2005 Ford Expedition

Hi - if you are getting power to the starter solenoid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-starter-relay) - both the power cable from the battery, and the "start trigger" wire from the ignition switch, most likely the starter is no good - the solenoid at...

Car battery issue

It is possible the systems that charge the battery and the battery itself may be damaged from the shorting of the wires. I would recommend charging the battery and the recheck the battery holds a load or needs replaced. Then...

Second opinion] Good afternoon,

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