Chevrolet Astro 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 Chevrolet Astro Brake Master Cylinder Replacement is $231 with $91 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
1995 Chevrolet AstroV6-4.3L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$422.02	Shop/Dealer Price$481.83 - $650.73
2002 Chevrolet AstroV6-4.3L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$581.71	Shop/Dealer Price$682.07 - $977.80
1991 Chevrolet AstroV6-4.3L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$504.10	Shop/Dealer Price$553.92 - $694.18
1994 Chevrolet AstroV6-4.3L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$328.91	Shop/Dealer Price$376.50 - $515.08
2005 Chevrolet AstroV6-4.3L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$685.37	Shop/Dealer Price$813.59 - $1188.53
1996 Chevrolet AstroV6-4.3L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$581.71	Shop/Dealer Price$682.28 - $978.17
1990 Chevrolet AstroV6-4.3L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$504.10	Shop/Dealer Price$553.95 - $694.23
2004 Chevrolet AstroV6-4.3L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$685.37	Shop/Dealer Price$811.68 - $1185.17

Show example Chevrolet Astro 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 Chevrolet mechanics

Real customer reviews from Chevrolet owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(134)

Rating Summary

120

9

1

2

2

120

9

1

2

2

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Yoel

5 years of experience

187 reviews

Yoel

5 years of experience

by John oconnor

Astro 2003 - Door will not open - Philadelphia, PA

Solved the problem

Diego

17 years of experience

636 reviews

Diego

17 years of experience

by Karen Tobin

Astro 2003 - Tune-up - Tempe, AZ

Very polite, knowledgeable and efficient. Keeps you informed and asks before doing work that wasn’t quoted so no surprises.

Diego

17 years of experience

636 reviews

Diego

17 years of experience

by Karen Tobin

Astro 2003 - Crankshaft Position Sensor - Tempe, AZ

Very polite, knowledgeable and efficient. Keeps you informed and asks before doing work that wasn’t quoted so no surprises.

Yoel

5 years of experience

187 reviews

Yoel

5 years of experience

by Dennis Potter

Astro 2001 - Brake pedal is spongy - Philadelphia, PA

Yoel is a very knowledgeable mechanic and has a great personality. I would recommend him to anyone.

Excellent Rating

(134)

Rating Summary

120

9

1

2

2

120

9

1

2

2

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Recent articles & questions

How to Replace a Windshield Wiper Arm

Properly working windshield wipers (https://www.yourmechanic.com/parts/windshield-wiper-blade) are essential to safe driving. A dirty windshield can drastically affect your ability to safely drive...

3 Essential Things to Know About your Car’s GPS

Thanks Thanks to technology, navigation has become quite a bit easier. Instead of relying on maps and directions from friendly gas station attendants, most people are using GPS, global positioning satellite systems, to help them find their way around the...

How to Renew Your Car Registration in Arkansas

For For most people, the most important possession that they have is their car. Making sure that your car stays registered with the Arkansas DMV should be important to you. Generally, you will be able to get a reminder mailed...

How do I reset the sunroof?

If your battery has been disconnected or replaced, then the sunroof will need to be reset before it will start working properly. To reset the sunroof, follow these steps: 1. Turn the ignition to the ON position. 2. Push the...

Car sputters and will not start, 1987 Pontiac Fiero

An engine that cranks but doesn't start is lacking one or more of the following: compression, fuel, or spark. Each of these will need to check systematically to narrow down the cause. Fuel pressure can be checked at the rail...

I Have A 08 Ford Taurus My Thieft light Is Blinking And My Car Won’t Crank How I Can Get It Off I Tried Everything

Hi Keosha. Thanks for contacting us today. When a theft code is activated, it will disable the ignition and fuel system to prevent the vehicle from being stolen. Unfortunately, this is something that needs to be removed by a Ford...

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