Brake Line Repair Cost – Estimates to Fix or Replace

Last Updated on November 26, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

When you have a car, it might be pretty hard to know how much brake line repair and replacement costs. The final bill will be dependent on the state and type of lines and whether they are stainless steel or rubber, but there are other factors as well.

More about this in the article below, in which you will get the average brake line repair cost, as well as brake line replacement expenses and the factors affecting the price of this type of service.

How much does brake line repair cost?

The average cost of brake line repair is between $150 for a simple repair and $550 for more complicated jobs when you include both the needed parts and the associated labor. Of course, the final price varies based on factors like the labor required for a brake line repair, the type of line, as well as the extent of damage on the parts.

As with any car repair, multiple leaks or several damage on the line will be considerably more expensive than minor problems that require just a few tweaks. When you consider material cost differences, it’s clear that metal lines are more expensive to replace than rubber lines.

The labor costs will also vary when you need additional repairs like resolving fluid pressure issues or fixing calipers and they will also be different depending on each shop’s pricing structure.

Your general location, as well as the make and model of your vehicle, will also influence these costs. You can only get a clear quote when you talk to a professional and give them thorough details on the vehicle and its condition.

CarParts.com reports that brake line replacement costs vary between vehicles, but you can expect to spend anywhere between $5 and $220. Labor costs can range from $80 to $250.

NuBrakes estimates that brake line repair costs range from $150 to $550, depending on the extent of damage, line type, and labor required.

Synchrony states that in general, replacing a brake line costs around $150 to $300 per hose. Your vehicle has four hoses, although they don’t always need to be replaced at the same time.

My Transmission Experts states that typically, you will pay between $250 and $500 for one brake line. This is broken down between a cost for labor which is between about $40 and $50 and a cost for parts which is between about $200 and $450.

RepairPal estimates that the average cost for a brake hose replacement is between $162 and $195. Labor costs are estimated between $75 and $95 while parts are priced between $87 and $100.

How much does brake hose replacement cost?

The brake hose replacement costs are anywhere from $150 to $350 on average, depending on factors like the line material and the type of brake system.

Although they are less costly than stainless steel brake lines, rubber brake hoses are also less durable so you also have to change them more often. The complexity of the job of replacing the brake line will affect labor charges as well.

Among the factors to consider when it comes to pricing the brake line replacement job are any needed additional repairs, vehicle specifics, and your location.

You might also like our articles on the cost of bleeding brakes, replacing brake pads, or resurfacing brake rotors.

You should get in touch with a reputable mechanic to get an accurate quote, regardless of whether you’re considering a brake line repair or a replacement.

You can prevent higher costs in the future and safety hazards while traveling if you have regular inspections of your brake lines for damage.

Brake Line Repair – Additional Costs

Below you will find just some of the potential extra costs you might come across during this type of repair.

• Towing Expenses – You might have to spend additionally on towing expenses if you have a car that needs extensive brake repairs or replacements, which makes it unsafe on the road.
• Vehicle Make and Model – Depending on the make and model of the car you have, the brake system will come with unique specifications and complexities, needing different specialized parts which can be cheaper or more expensive.
• Labor Cost – The mechanic’s expertise and the job complexity will usually determine the cost of labor. This is where you shouldn’t look for the cheapest alternatives, and instead, look for reputable mechanics that offer a fair price for quality service.
• Type of Brake Lines – Older models of vehicles still have rubber brake lines. These are known to deteriorate faster and require periodic brake line replacement. Most newer vehicle models come with metal brake lines, which are considerably more durable and slightly costlier, but totally worth the additional expense.
• Number of Lines Replaced – When you have more than one worn out or damaged brake line, you should replace all lines to increase the performance and safety of your car. This will ensure a braking system that works efficiently, even though it will increase the total cost.
• Brake Fluid Leaks – A leakage in the brake fluid is a very important safety risk because it can easily lead to loss of braking power. Among the most common signs are a soft brake pedal feel or a low brake fluid warning light.

Faulty Brake Line Symptoms

Brake lines are one of the most important elements of the whole vehicle braking system. They are in charge of transporting brake fluid to wheel cylinders and brake calipers from the master cylinder, which applies pressure to the brake pads or shoes.

This will make the vehicle decelerate even to a halt. Here are some of the more common signs of a failing brake line, signaling the need to talk to a mechanic.

Mushy Brake Pedal

Mushy pedals point to a compromised brake hose assembly. This should lead to brake fluid leakage.

Noise From Brakes Due to Corrosion

If you drive your car in a snowy climate where people use road salt, you are prone to need brake line corrosion repairs. Corrosion can weaken the lines and increase the vulnerability the system has to leaks.

When brakes reach a certain level of corrosion, they will begin to make grinding or squealing sounds. These sounds will come from the wheel area and can lead to a bad brake system so you should go to the mechanic.

Diminished Braking Power

The pedal depressing to the floor or a spongy brake feel would mean that there is an issue with the brake hose or the brake line.

Brake Fluid Leakage

Fluid streaks, rust spots on the line, or drips on the inner side of the wheels could point to a leaking brake line, regardless of whether they are wet or dry. This is one of the most obvious signs of a deteriorating brake system.

It is very important to take your vehicle for an inspection done by a qualified mechanic as soon as you notice any of these symptoms.

Replacing Brake Lines

It’s very important that you understand the role of regular maintenance as well as the expected costs, when it comes to deciding whether you have a vehicle performance and safety issue and how to approach it.

You should expect a cost to replace your brake line between $150 and $350, depending on your car, the extent of the damage, the professional you’re going to, and your geographical location.