Volvo S40 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

(169)

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

(169)

Brake Master Cylinder Replacement Service

How much does a Brake Master Cylinder Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Volvo S40 Brake Master Cylinder Replacement is $431 with $291 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2008 Volvo S40L5-2.5L TurboService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$1051.52Shop/Dealer Price$1230.04 - $1746.16
2001 Volvo S40L4-1.9L TurboService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$728.77Shop/Dealer Price$876.30 - $1314.76
2011 Volvo S40L5-2.5L TurboService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$1029.90Shop/Dealer Price$1204.24 - $1717.22
2009 Volvo S40L5-2.4LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$1029.90Shop/Dealer Price$1204.23 - $1717.22
2007 Volvo S40L5-2.4LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$1029.90Shop/Dealer Price$1207.77 - $1723.41
2008 Volvo S40L5-2.4LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$1029.90Shop/Dealer Price$1204.57 - $1717.81
2003 Volvo S40L4-1.9L TurboService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$728.77Shop/Dealer Price$876.34 - $1314.83
2005 Volvo S40L5-2.4LService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$1029.90Shop/Dealer Price$1204.23 - $1717.22
Show example Volvo S40 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 Volvo mechanics

Real customer reviews from Volvo owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(169)

Rating Summary
161
2
2
1
3
161
2
2
1
3

Pedro

7 years of experience
26 reviews
Pedro
7 years of experience
S40 2003 - Car is not starting - Bakersfield, CA
Professional attitude

Jose

6 years of experience
63 reviews
Jose
6 years of experience
S40 2007 - Transmission Mount - San Francisco, CA
Jose was very knowledgeable and professional, made an extra effort and completed work in less than estimated time.

Joseph

0 years of experience
646 reviews
Joseph
0 years of experience
S40 2005 - Transmission fluid is leaking - Salt Lake City, UT
I've had him work on my car six times now and he's always done a great job.

Joseph

0 years of experience
646 reviews
Joseph
0 years of experience
S40 2005 - Battery is dead - Salt Lake City, UT
I've had him work on my car six times now and he's always done a great job.

Excellent Rating

(169)

Rating Summary
161
2
2
1
3
161
2
2
1
3
Number of Volvo S40 services completed
1859+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Volvo MECHANICS
600+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

P2447 OBD-II Trouble Code: Secondary Air Injection System Pump Stuck off Bank 2
P2447 P2447 code definition Secondary Air Injection System Pump Stuck off Bank 2 What the P2447 code means P2447 is an OBD-II generic code for the engine control module (ECM) detecting the bank 2 secondary air injection pump stuck in...
Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change
Oil changes keep your car engine running smoothly. Rough idling, slow acceleration, and engine noises mean you need to replace your car oil.
How to Buy a Good Quality Camshaft Position Sensor
The The camshaft position sensor is a vital part of your engine’s ability to function properly. It detects the position, speed, acceleration and deceleration of the camshaft, which regulates the injection of fuel into the engine. In order to make...

What does it mean when the computer readout said p0606-engine control module/power train control module and p1680-power train mod

You will need to have the battery and charging system checked for a low voltage of 9 volts or below to the engine control module. The engine code is for low voltage to the module. After the battery low voltage...

Transmission thinks it's in 5th gear. But resets when you turn it off and turn it back on

Hello. If your transmission is having trouble identifying gears, then there is likely an issue with one of the sensors or components. It may be possible that the input or output speed sensors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/speed-sensor-replacement), or one of the shift solenoids...

Vibration noise when letting off the accelerator

Hello, thank you for writing in. There may be a few different things going on. First and foremost we need to make sure the throttle is not sticking and that the brakes are complete released. If the issue is more...

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