Audi Cabriolet 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 Audi Cabriolet Brake Master Cylinder Replacement is $424 with $284 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
1996 Audi CabrioletV6-2.8L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$723.92	Shop/Dealer Price$872.45 - $1303.87
1998 Audi CabrioletV6-2.8L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$714.91	Shop/Dealer Price$860.35 - $1289.45
1995 Audi CabrioletV6-2.8L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$714.91	Shop/Dealer Price$860.39 - $1289.52
1994 Audi CabrioletV6-2.8L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$714.91	Shop/Dealer Price$860.39 - $1289.52
1997 Audi CabrioletV6-2.8L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$714.91	Shop/Dealer Price$862.97 - $1294.03

Show example Audi Cabriolet 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 Audi mechanics

Real customer reviews from Audi owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(2,694)

Rating Summary

2,506

93

20

13

62

2,506

93

20

13

62

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Stephen

33 years of experience

220 reviews

Request Stephen

Stephen

33 years of experience

Request Stephen

by Emily

Audi Cabriolet V6-2.8L - Car is not starting - Westminster, Colorado

He was able to diagnosed the problem, and able to fix ed my car. He's the only one, in fact. Thank you Stephen.

Brikk

19 years of experience

389 reviews

Brikk

19 years of experience

by Kip

Audi Cabriolet V6-2.8L - Window is not working - Charlotte, North Carolina

Brick is very thorough and makes sure he does the job right.

Martin

43 years of experience

90 reviews

Martin

43 years of experience

by Joel

Audi 200 L5-2.2L Turbo - Car is overheating - San Marcos, Texas

Thank you

David

17 years of experience

639 reviews

David

17 years of experience

by Barry

Audi A4 L4-1.8L Turbo - Coolant Recovery Reservoir - Sacramento, California

Good guy and great service... My problem still hasn't been resolved but he is good at what he does

Excellent Rating

(2,694)

Rating Summary

2,506

93

20

13

62

2,506

93

20

13

62

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Recent articles & questions

5 Red Flags That Your Car Needs Immediate Attention

It It isn’t popular to think about, but you should be prepared for vehicle problems. Vehicles are designed and built by people, and they are only as perfect or flawed as the people who build them. That means sooner or...

The Guide To Colored Curb Zones in Nebraska

Nebraska Nebraska parking laws: understanding the basics Even though you are well acquainted with all of the rules of the road and you are safe and abide by the law when driving, you need to make sure you take the...

B1843 OBD-II Trouble Code: Wiper Front Power Circuit Short to Ground

B1843 means there is an error with the wiper front power circuit, likely due to a faulty electrical component.

How much air pressure should be in the tires?

The right tire pressure is crucial for a lot of things, including fuel economy, handling, preventing premature tire wear and more. The key to keeping your tires aired up properly is to know how much they should have. Here’s what...

Vehicle died, but it's not the battery

Hi, a few things can cause a car to die while in traffic. Battery connection is one thing. Check the terminal and make sure it has a clean connection. Inspect the drive belt to make sure its intact and not...

Hearing clicking sound in the front left side while driving

This is a sign of a failing or worn out CV joint. A CV joint is packed with a special grease and sealed tight with the rubber or plastic boot, that is held in place with two clamps. A CV...

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 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com