Kia Spectra 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

(318)

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

(318)

Brake Master Cylinder Replacement Service

How much does a Brake Master Cylinder Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Kia Spectra Brake Master Cylinder Replacement is $276 with $136 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2000 Kia SpectraL4-1.8LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$556.54Shop/Dealer Price$649.98 - $919.77
2002 Kia SpectraL4-1.8LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$544.83Shop/Dealer Price$635.97 - $904.04
2006 Kia SpectraL4-2.0LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$506.67Shop/Dealer Price$598.70 - $870.60
2005 Kia SpectraL4-2.0LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$506.67Shop/Dealer Price$598.70 - $870.60
2008 Kia SpectraL4-2.0LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$506.67Shop/Dealer Price$600.17 - $873.18
2003 Kia SpectraL4-1.8LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$544.83Shop/Dealer Price$636.18 - $904.41
2004 Kia SpectraL4-2.0LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$525.51Shop/Dealer Price$622.26 - $908.31
2009 Kia SpectraL4-2.0LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$506.67Shop/Dealer Price$598.70 - $870.60
Show example Kia Spectra 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 Kia mechanics

Real customer reviews from Kia owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(318)

Rating Summary
306
9
0
1
2
306
9
0
1
2

Ernesto

30 years of experience
28 reviews
Ernesto
30 years of experience
Spectra 2008 - Alternator - Richfield, WI
Ernesto had a great attitude and talked to us very matter of factly about what we needed to fix now vs. what may need to be replaced in the future. Would recommend!

Larry

18 years of experience
54 reviews
Larry
18 years of experience
Spectra 2009 - Serpentine/Drive Belt - Emeryville, CA
Excellent !!!

Corey

15 years of experience
184 reviews
Corey
15 years of experience
Spectra 2009 - Ignition Cable (Spark plug wires) - Charlotte, NC
Very knowledgeable and courteous. He's professional and friendly. Always explains the repairs clearly so that you understand what is going on. I would recommend him 100%.

Robert

3 years of experience
61 reviews
Robert
3 years of experience
Spectra 2004 - Power Steering Fluid Service - Tacoma, WA
Great and fast!!

Excellent Rating

(318)

Rating Summary
306
9
0
1
2
306
9
0
1
2
Number of Kia Spectra services completed
3498+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Kia MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

What Components of the Heating and AC System Are Most Likely to Fail?
The The average automotive heating and cooling system (HVAC) is actually very complex, and they’re not connected to one another outside the cabin. Yes, your HVAC controls allow you to switch from warm air to cold, adjust the fan speed...
How to Renew Your Car Registration in West Virginia
The The state of West Virginia requires vehicle owners to register their vehicles every year. The fee charged for registration is used to help keep roads maintained and for other purposes by the Department of Motor Vehicles. All renewals must...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Steering Damper
Common signs include a wobbly or shaky steering wheel, unstable steering off-road, leaking hydraulic fluid, and clunking noises under the vehicle.

Catalyctic chugging issues

Hello. If the issue started after the catalytic converter was removed, then it may be possible that the issue is related to the removal of the converter. For many vehicles, the catalytic converter plays an important role in engine performance....

I have a "suspension fault" light that appear on my 2011 Range Rover sport supercharged. It goes away after I cut the truck off.

The air suspension system is comprised of air struts front and rear. The air pump is located beneath the carpeting in the cargo area. The system relies on height sensors at each strut to signal the electronic control unit for...

2018 subaru crosstrek, brand new...think i left interior lights on...had to jump start car..now radio will not come on..

If you bought the vehicle new, from a new car dealer, the radio malfunction is undoubtedly covered by a manufacturer warranty. You should pursue that option first as it will be your least cost (perhaps zero cost) option. YourMechanic does...

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