Ram C/V Brake Master Cylinder Replacement at your home or office.

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Brake Master Cylinder Replacement Service

How much does a Brake Master Cylinder Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Ram C/V Brake Master Cylinder Replacement is $281 with $157 for parts and $123 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2014 Ram C/VV6-3.6LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$463.83Shop/Dealer Price$555.41 - $800.92
2012 Ram C/VV6-3.6LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$437.83Shop/Dealer Price$529.44 - $774.96
2015 Ram C/VV6-3.6LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$452.85Shop/Dealer Price$548.21 - $805.00
2013 Ram C/VV6-3.6LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$437.83Shop/Dealer Price$529.41 - $774.91
Show example Ram C/V 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.

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Meet some of our expert Ram mechanics

Real customer reviews from Ram owners like you.

Excellent Rating

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Chris

15 years of experience
312 reviews
Chris
15 years of experience
Ram C/V V6-3.6L - Alternator - Spring Valley, California
Chris did a great job! He was on time and even early which he text me to see if it was ok and I was thrilled to get the work done earlier! I will use your service again!!! Thank you!

Duane

25 years of experience
510 reviews
Duane
25 years of experience
Ram C/V V6-3.6L - Brake System Flush - Spring Valley, California
Dwane was very professional. I have not driven my car yet, but I am sure the work will be outstanding.

Chris

22 years of experience
2223 reviews
Chris
22 years of experience
Ram C/V V6-3.6L - Oil Change - Irvine, California
I had Chris come for two of my vehicles (identical 2014 Dodge Tradesman Cargo Vans) and thought I would try his service at my home instead of at one of my clients parking lots when I'm there. I was concerned about the neighbors and HOA and doing an old change and tire rotation in my driveway and in front of the house. He was discrete and there wasn't any kind of mess. Everything worked out perfect. Now I'm going to be more preventative and attentive as I know the appointment time and cost based on what I requested.

Chris

22 years of experience
2223 reviews
Chris
22 years of experience
Ram C/V V6-3.6L - Oil Change - Irvine, California
It's really hard to schedule an appointment with a dealership and they always seem to have a delay. I was blown away by everything including a few automotive tips. We're going to have him service our other cars. Another great thing is now I can be preventative and know when and how long I will be without my work vehicle.

Excellent Rating

(9)

Rating Summary
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Number of Ram C/V services completed
99+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Ram MECHANICS
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