Dodge Ram 1500 Van 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 Dodge Ram 1500 Van Brake Master Cylinder Replacement is $344 with $204 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
2002 Dodge Ram 1500 VanV8-5.9L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$562.42	Shop/Dealer Price$667.88 - $976.14
2000 Dodge Ram 1500 VanV8-5.2L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$553.41	Shop/Dealer Price$657.10 - $964.04
2001 Dodge Ram 1500 VanV6-3.9L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$553.41	Shop/Dealer Price$657.12 - $964.08
1999 Dodge Ram 1500 VanV6-3.9L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$553.41	Shop/Dealer Price$657.12 - $964.08
2003 Dodge Ram 1500 VanV8-5.2L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$553.41	Shop/Dealer Price$658.60 - $966.66
1999 Dodge Ram 1500 VanV8-5.9L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$553.41	Shop/Dealer Price$657.26 - $964.33
2001 Dodge Ram 1500 VanV8-5.9L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$553.41	Shop/Dealer Price$657.14 - $964.11
2003 Dodge Ram 1500 VanV6-3.9L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$553.41	Shop/Dealer Price$657.12 - $964.08

Show example Dodge Ram 1500 Van 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 Dodge mechanics

Real customer reviews from Dodge owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(48)

Rating Summary

45

0

1

1

1

45

0

1

1

1

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Mathew

18 years of experience

66 reviews

Mathew

18 years of experience

by Sandy

Dodge Ram 1500 Van V8-5.2L - Car is not starting - New Port Richey, Florida

Very friendly and helpful took his time checking out our van and talking to us about what was wrong with it.

Brian

24 years of experience

818 reviews

Brian

24 years of experience

by Michael

Dodge Ram 1500 Van V8-5.2L - AC is not working - Jacksonville, Florida

Brian is always courteous and professional. He has become a very trusted mechanic for us. I would recommend him to any one.

Stefan

18 years of experience

367 reviews

Stefan

18 years of experience

by Denise

Dodge Ram 1500 Van V8-5.2L - Check Engine Light is on - Pleasanton, California

Great service took the time to look at the vehicle and inspect everything.

Jose

17 years of experience

324 reviews

Jose

17 years of experience

by Anibal

Dodge Ram 1500 Van V8-5.2L - Heater Bypass Tube - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Excellent experience, job well done and decent price.

Excellent Rating

(48)

Rating Summary

45

0

1

1

1

45

0

1

1

1

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Recent articles & questions

How Long Does a Ball Joint Front Last?

Ball joints are an essential part of your car’s suspension. They connect your steering to your control arms, allowing you...

How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Car Title in Massachusetts

As As a vehicle owner you have a title that proves the vehicle is yours and you are the registered owner. Over time it's not unheard of for this title to get lost, damaged, or even stolen. This can be...

Is it Safe to Drive With an Ear Infection?

An An ear infection is a viral or bacterial infection that affects the middle ear. Ear infections cause inflammation and buildup of fluids in the middle ear, which make them painful. Ear infections usually go away with treatment from a...

Engine stumbled, reduced power/speed, & warning light on

Hi there. This can be a coil or a number of other things. Since the check engine light came on the computer needs to be scanned for codes. I typically scan it first to see what is going on. From...

I have a 97bmw528i And i fixed my air intake boot on it and drove fine for that day next day the car would barely move the more I

Code P0730 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0730-obd-ii-trouble-code-incorrect-gear-ratio-by-ian-swan) is linked to the problem you are describing. Therefore, it's worth ruling in or out the typical causes of code P0730 which include dirty transmission fluid, low fluid, blocked filter, broken mechanical components within transmission, internal blockage...

Honda odyssey 2006 front right fender clips/bolts came out, how do i fix that and how much would it cost

Hi, I will be glad to help you with this. What you are describing could very well be limited in terms of the required repair, and thus not costly, if there are just a few missing fasteners. But, please keep...

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