Chevrolet G20 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 G20 Brake Master Cylinder Replacement is $224 with $84 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
1993 Chevrolet G20V8-6.2L Diesel	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$413.56	Shop/Dealer Price$474.77 - $648.68
1993 Chevrolet G20V6-4.3L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$402.75	Shop/Dealer Price$461.84 - $634.16
1991 Chevrolet G20V6-4.3L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$504.94	Shop/Dealer Price$565.36 - $738.68
1993 Chevrolet G20V8-5.7L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$402.75	Shop/Dealer Price$461.87 - $634.21
1990 Chevrolet G20V8-5.7L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$504.94	Shop/Dealer Price$568.16 - $743.58
1991 Chevrolet G20V8-5.0L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$504.94	Shop/Dealer Price$565.63 - $739.15
1992 Chevrolet G20V6-4.3L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$504.94	Shop/Dealer Price$565.39 - $738.73
1991 Chevrolet G20V8-6.2L Diesel	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$504.94	Shop/Dealer Price$565.36 - $738.68

Show example Chevrolet G20 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

(57)

Rating Summary

51

2

1

1

2

51

2

1

1

2

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Larry

18 years of experience

54 reviews

Larry

18 years of experience

by Cynthia Dupree

G20 1995 - Brake System Flush - Oakland, CA

Very professional

Larry

18 years of experience

54 reviews

Larry

18 years of experience

by Cynthia Dupree

G20 1995 - Automatic Transmission Fluid Service - Oakland, CA

Very professional

Larry

18 years of experience

54 reviews

Larry

18 years of experience

by Cynthia Dupree

G20 1995 - Adjust Ignition Timing - Oakland, CA

Very professional outstanding

Andrew

10 years of experience

440 reviews

Andrew

10 years of experience

by Taylor Hanlan

G20 1989 - Radiator - Portland, OR

Andrew was very efficient, and helpful to explaining the process of what repair was done.

Excellent Rating

(57)

Rating Summary

51

2

1

1

2

51

2

1

1

2

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Recent articles & questions

The 10 Transmission Problems to Never Ignore

There’s nothing quite like transmission problems to stress out the average car owner. They are, at best, inconvenient and, at worst, very expensive. Proper...

How to Register a Car in Iowa

Moving Moving to a new area can be a bit of a stressful situation due to the wide variety of things that have to be handled when attempting to get settled in. For new residents to the state of Iowa,...

4 Essential Things to Know Before Renting a Car

When When it comes to renting a vehicle, there are a number of questions that immediately arise – especially when the person behind the counter starts trying to get you to add a bunch of things to the bill. The...

What does the hill-start assist control system do?

The hill-start control system is designed to help keep you from rolling backward when you stop and then start again on a hill, or you’re driving in slippery conditions on a slope. Anyone who’s ever felt their stomach lurch as...

Check Engine light came on

An illuminated Check Engine Light can be caused by many different issues on a vehicle that is 15 years old; it could be anything from a gas cap, to a bad sensor. I recommend hiring a mechanic, such as one...

When I turn my headlights on my windshield wipers come on and they don't stop. Also the right side headlight get very dim.

Check the ballast resistor for the headlights and see if it has a burned wire or loose connection. If not, then the ballast resistor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ballast-resistor-replacement) needs replaced for the headlights. A ballast resistor will balance the power to the headlights...

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