Subaru WRX STI 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

(8)

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

(8)

Brake Master Cylinder Replacement Service

How much does a Brake Master Cylinder Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Subaru WRX STI Brake Master Cylinder Replacement is $452 with $270 for parts and $182 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2018 Subaru WRX STIH4-2.5L TurboService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$756.36Shop/Dealer Price$899.76 - $1319.41
2017 Subaru WRX STIH4-2.5L TurboService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$744.65Shop/Dealer Price$885.75 - $1303.68
2015 Subaru WRX STIH4-2.5L TurboService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$744.65Shop/Dealer Price$885.78 - $1303.74
2016 Subaru WRX STIH4-2.5L TurboService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$744.65Shop/Dealer Price$885.78 - $1303.73
2014 Subaru WRX STIH4-2.5L TurboService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$730.29Shop/Dealer Price$869.74 - $1278.37
2013 Subaru WRX STIH4-2.5L TurboService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$730.29Shop/Dealer Price$868.01 - $1275.33
Show example Subaru WRX STI 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 Subaru mechanics

Real customer reviews from Subaru owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(8)

Rating Summary
7
1
0
0
0
7
1
0
0
0

Ryan

23 years of experience
85 reviews
Ryan
23 years of experience
Subaru WRX STI H4-2.5L Turbo - Battery will not hold a charge - Greensboro, North Carolina
Ryan was great. Professional, knowledgeable, and fixed the problem on site. Will ask for him specifically in the future.

Kenneth

21 years of experience
870 reviews
Kenneth
21 years of experience
Subaru WRX STI H4-2.5L Turbo - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Long Beach, California
Knowledgeable and thorough.

Joseph

19 years of experience
115 reviews
Joseph
19 years of experience
Subaru WRX STI H4-2.5L Turbo - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Owings Mills, Maryland
Joseph was GREAT! He did a very thorough inspection finding several issues with the car I was thinking of purchasing. He took detailed pictures and added voice notes detailing his findings. I'll definitely request and recommend him again.

Andrew

12 years of experience
396 reviews
Andrew
12 years of experience
Subaru WRX STI H4-2.5L Turbo - Brake Pads Replacement (Front, Rear) - Elkridge, Maryland
showed up a little early and got the job done and we talked about the new corvette after the work was done... great experience... recomended

Excellent Rating

(8)

Rating Summary
7
1
0
0
0
7
1
0
0
0
Number of Subaru WRX STI services completed
88+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Subaru MECHANICS
800+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

How to Replace a Brake Master Cylinder
Brake master cylinders are a key part of your car braking system. Brake master cylinder replacement helps brake pedals hold pressure when you brake.
How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Car Title in Hawaii
Once Once your car is paid off, the lender should mail you the physical title to the vehicle. This is proof that you own the car outright. However, many of us don’t take the proper care of that essential document....
P0201 OBD-II Trouble Code: Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 1
P0201 code definition P0201 is referencing a generic issue in the injector circuit in cylinder 1. Note: This code is similar to...

Car won't start - 2006 BMW 325i

Hi there. If the engine is not cranking, then the issue can be a number of things. I usually start by checking for power at the starter when trying to crank it over. If there is no power there, then...

I'm replacing my gas cap with a regular black one though I drive an e85 flexfuel that's got a yellow cap, is that ok?

Gas caps are no longer mundane, low tech devices. The only replacement gas cap that a knowledgeable, professional mechanic will recommend is an OEM cap, supplied by the dealer, and matched to your vehicle VIN number. Any other cap, including...

Does a 1999 hyundai elantra have a fuel inertia switch, if so where is it located?

An inertial type fuel pump cut off switch was not used on the 1999 Elantra. However, there are other solenoid operated fuel cut off switches on the vehicle, in the tank area, that could account for the no fuel condition....

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