Mercedes-Benz C320 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 Mercedes-Benz C320 Brake Master Cylinder Replacement is $468 with $328 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
2001 Mercedes-Benz C320V6-3.2L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$857.50	Shop/Dealer Price$1029.69 - $1527.83
2004 Mercedes-Benz C320V6-3.2L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$801.99	Shop/Dealer Price$969.20 - $1463.61
2003 Mercedes-Benz C320V6-3.2L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$845.79	Shop/Dealer Price$1014.02 - $1509.19
2005 Mercedes-Benz C320V6-3.2L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$801.99	Shop/Dealer Price$969.24 - $1463.68
2002 Mercedes-Benz C320V6-3.2L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$845.79	Shop/Dealer Price$1017.37 - $1515.05

Show example Mercedes-Benz C320 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 Mercedes-Benz mechanics

Real customer reviews from Mercedes-Benz owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(67)

Rating Summary

62

1

2

0

2

62

1

2

0

2

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Allen

37 years of experience

471 reviews

Allen

37 years of experience

by Andy

Mercedes-Benz C320 V6-3.2L - Electric Problems - Deland, Florida

Would highly recommend Allen for your car servicing. Allen was on time, highly professional and knowledgeable.

Dellano

19 years of experience

554 reviews

Request Dellano

Dellano

19 years of experience

Request Dellano

by Lori

Mercedes-Benz C320 V6-3.2L - Car is not starting - Laurel, Maryland

Delano was on time; called me when he arrived; was very professional and took the time to explain and check everything. He even replaced the battery for me after I purchased it. It was COLD and I so appreciated his time and patience. Will definitely use him again if needed and refer him to others.

Berchel

19 years of experience

101 reviews

Request Berchel

Berchel

19 years of experience

Request Berchel

by Harry

Mercedes-Benz C320 V6-3.2L - Car does not shift from park to drive - Owings Mills, Maryland

Berchel was on time and perform great work new what he was doing a Great person as well as a great mechanic

Tien

24 years of experience

903 reviews

Tien

24 years of experience

by Winslow

Mercedes-Benz C320 V6-3.2L - Car is stalling - Oakland, California

Nice guy very friendly very Also professional

Excellent Rating

(67)

Rating Summary

62

1

2

0

2

62

1

2

0

2

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Recent articles & questions

Understanding the Suzuki Oil Life Monitor and Service Indicator Lights

Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Suzuki Oil Life Monitor system indicates when and what service your car needs.

How to Buy a Good Quality Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve

The The exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR valve) serves to dramatically reduce the emissions that are key contributors to pollution in the air. While EGR systems were not routinely added to engines until 1973, nearly all engines produced or on...

How to Install Offroad Lights on Your Vehicle

When When you’re pounding through backcountry trails after the sun goes down, you need more than just your headlights to illuminate the road ahead of you. Offroad lights come in many shapes and sizes including: Bumper-mounted spotlights Grille-mounted offroad lights...

Power steering pump whine and tough to turn when braking or going slow.

The most common problem for the whine noise is that the reservoir screen at the bottom of it gets clogged. When you turn the wheel, the pump needs more fluid, and cannot get it due to the clogged screen. There...

its time for transmission service, it is better to go with a transmission flush or go with Transmission service.

Changing the transmission fluid and filter is perfectly adequate and, of course, while the pan is off the pan and pan magnet should be thoroughly cleaned (with a lint free cloth!). There is no need to flush the transmission. The...

Erratic idle on cold start 2007 Audi a3

Hi Steven. Thanks for the question today. In most cases, what you're describing is caused by either a failed cold start injector, mass air flow sensor, or an idle control valve that is clogged with excessive carbon deposits. This is...

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