A vehicle’s braking system is a complex system that includes many working components.
When all the components work well, you can quickly brake your vehicle and enjoy a smooth driving experience.
Any problem with any part will affect the overall braking experience.
The brake line is one of the crucial components of the braking system for safe driving.
However, with time the brake line gets old, starts leaking, or sometimes cracks.
If you are experiencing any of these problems, it’s time to replace the brake line.
Are you wondering how much it costs to fix a brake line?
I have provided detailed information about the brake line and its repair or replacement costs in this article.
Generally, a brake line repair costs anywhere from $200 to $500, depending on the brake line problem.
What is a Brake Line on a Car?
A brake line is an essential part of a car that enables it to operate safely.
It is defined as the component that connects the hydraulic brake system and the brake calipers on the wheels and assists the driver in stopping the vehicle.
Take the necessary steps when you find the brake line to be wrong.
How Many Break Lines are in a Car?
Most cars usually have four brake lines.
Each brake line is on a separate line, meaning there are two brake lines for the front wheels and two for the rear wheels.
A vehicle’s master cylinders operate the brake lines.
The mechanical force of the master cylinder controls the brake circuit by converting brake pedal pressure to hydraulic pressure.
How Do I Know if My Brake Line is Bad?
When your brake line becomes bad, you experience reduced braking in your vehicle, and sometimes you may fail to brake your car.
Symptoms of a bad brake line are:
- Brake warning light appears
- Brake fluid leaks
- Corrosion on the brake lines
- Reduced brake power
If you find the brake warning light is on, you must go to a repair shop for a proper diagnosis.
The same applies to brake fluid leaks because it compromises driving safety.
Check your brake lines if you see any of the symptoms listed above:
- Run the engine at maximum boost
- Check the hoses while someone is pumping the brake pedal
- The brake lines should be replaced if you find any symptoms, including chafing, cracking, leaking, expanding, bulging, or twisting.
- Physically touch the brake lines to check them
- The brake line shouldn’t be complicated or stiff; it shouldn’t be soft or weak or expand under pressure
- When physically touching the brake lines, if you find any problems mentioned in 05, you should replace the brake lines.
Here is a video on inspecting faulty brake lines:
Can a Brake Line be Repaired?
Yes, a brake line can be repaired.
It is also possible to fix a brake line even if it is broken.
You can replace the damaged section during the repair process, but it won’t help you in the long run.
Replacing the faulty section of the brake line will work as long as the rest of the brake line is intact and corrosion-free.
The most effective method to eliminate all brake line problems for sure is to replace the entire brake line.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Brake Line?
The average cost to fix a faulty brake line is $200 to $550, including labor costs.
Brake lines have different problems, so the cost of fixing them is also different.
That’s why first, you need to identify what parts of the brake line need to be fixed.
01. Brake Line Leakage Repairing Cost
Brake line leakage repair costs between $80 and $350.
In both cases, a leaky brake line repair will cost between $80 and $350.
The cost of brake line leak repair depends on several factors.
If your leakage is average, you’ll need mechanics and a few more for the leakage fix component.
However, if the leak is in the reservoir wall of the master cylinder, you need to replace it.
02. Rusted Brake Line Repair Cost
Rusted brake line repair will cost approximately $270 to $550 for separate brake lines.
If the brake lines are rusted, it is recommended to replace the brake lines.
Temporary repairs won’t help, so you’ll run into trouble soon.
03. Cost of Replacing Brake Hose
The cost of replacing brake hoses with labor ranges from $120 to $240.
You have to replace your brake hose just like you have to replace your brake pads and lines.
But it takes less time to replace the brake hose, so the mechanic’s labor cost is low.
04. Cost of Repairing Corroded Brake Line
The average cost of repairing a corroded brake line is approximately $100 to $180.
The corroded brake line is easily visualized.
Your safety is at stake, so it is imperative to repair the corroded brake line.
However, as a mechanic, I recommend replacing the corroded brake line instead of repairing it.
The average cost of replacing an entire brake is between $240 and $480, including labor costs.
Can I Drive with a Broken Brake Line?
No, because it is a safety issue for yourself and the pedestrian or passenger in your vehicle.
If you suspect your brake line is broken, immediately check it and take the vehicle to a repair shop for proper treatment.
You cannot stop safely in traffic when your brake lines are broken.
That’s why driving with a broken brake line is not recommended.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace All 4 Brake Lines?
Replacing all 4 brake lines costs around $1,000 to $1,950.
It’s time-consuming to replace all 4 brake lines, so labor costs go up.
If you do it yourself, the average cost will be lower.
How to Replace All 4 Brake Lines?
Here is the DIY method for replacing brake lines:
To perform the DIY method, you need the following parts:
- Jack stands
- New brake line
- Brake fluid
- Tape measure
- Flathead screwdriver
- Flaring tool
- Line wrench
- Tubing cutter, etc.
The 09 steps of replacing are as follows:
- First, check the master cylinder before replacing
- Remove the faulty brake line
- Pull out the clips on the brake hose
- Reinstall the brake hose cover
- Gravity bleeding
- Eric’s 2 men bleeding method
- Pump up the brake
- Pump up the brake fluid 5 times
- Now replace the brake fluid.
The following video shows the process.
FAQs
How long does it take to fix a busted brake line?
An experienced mechanic can fix a broken brake line in about one to two hours.
It takes a few more hours to diagnose and set up every part properly.
What causes a brake line to fail?
The causes of brake line failure are:
- Leak in the brake line
- Moisture and road salt corrode
- Rusty brake line
- Neglecting common symptoms etc.
How can you tell if a brake line is broken?
The following symptoms indicate a broken brake line:
- Brake light pops on
- Less or no braking power
- Visual damage to the brake line
- Brake fluid leaks etc.
How do I know if my brake line is bad?
When your brake line is damaged or bad, you’ll experience less braking power, and the brake light will appear on the dashboard.
You should go to the dealership or a repair shop for a proper diagnosis if you find such problems.
How often do brake lines fail?
Brake lines fail after 6 years or 100,000 miles, cease functioning properly, and cause various problems.
On the other hand, metal brake lines are designed to last as long as the vehicle is.
Lack of routine maintenance, rust, and corrosion can cause brake lines to fail early.
Can you repair rusted brake line?
Yes, it is possible to repair a rusted brake line.
But I recommend hiring an experienced mechanic for the task.
Final Words
It’s easier to fix brake line problems if you spot them early.
Your brake lines will last longer if you perform routine maintenance.
Besides, you may encounter additional problems with the brake line, and you will likely need to replace it soon.
You can take the vehicle to the dealership if it’s under warranty or to a qualified mechanic if it’s out of warranty.
Read more:
