Subaru WRX Brake Master Cylinder Replacement Costs

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Brake Master Cylinder Replacement Service

How much does a Brake Master Cylinder Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Subaru WRX Brake Master Cylinder Replacement is $410 with $270 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
2015 Subaru WRXH4-2.0L Turbo	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$1251.16	Shop/Dealer Price$1528.80 - $2353.62
2017 Subaru WRXH4-2.0L Turbo	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$1242.15	Shop/Dealer Price$1518.02 - $2341.52
2013 Subaru WRXH4-2.5L Turbo	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$730.29	Shop/Dealer Price$867.83 - $1275.02
2018 Subaru WRXH4-2.0L Turbo	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$1285.95	Shop/Dealer Price$1562.40 - $2386.33
2016 Subaru WRXH4-2.0L Turbo	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$1242.15	Shop/Dealer Price$1519.52 - $2344.14
2014 Subaru WRXH4-2.5L Turbo	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$730.29	Shop/Dealer Price$868.01 - $1275.33

Show example Subaru WRX 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.

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Attila

20 years of experience

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20 years of experience

by Derby

Subaru WRX H4-2.0L Turbo - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Elmwood Park, New Jersey

It was once of the best experience I've had buying a car. I felt more confident then nervous and I would 100% recommend this

Tabitha

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18 years of experience

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by Stephen

Subaru WRX H4-2.5L Turbo - Battery Terminal Ends - San Diego, California

Tabitha was fantastic. She determined the likely cause of the issue on the initial appointment, secured parts and fixed everything on the second appointment. In addition, Tabitha was friendly, courteous, and very kind to explain what was going on. I sincerely appreciate the work done by Tabitha, and will certainly consider using YourMechanic again.

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Subaru WRX H4-2.0L Turbo - Clutch is not working - San Antonio, Texas

Was on time, explained everything and was very thorough with my car.

Attila

20 years of experience

1104 reviews

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20 years of experience

by Mohammed

Subaru WRX H4-2.0L Turbo - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Colonia, New Jersey

Pre-purchase inspection during online retailer's 7-day trial period of a used car. Great insight and solid advice. Pointed out areas of potential/eventual concern, but also highlighted things that had been especially well maintained. Enthusiastic too! Nice to have somebody also get excited over a car you're happy about. 10/10 would recommend.

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