Beyond pads and rotors, your brake system has many components needing periodic service. From brake fluid flushes to caliper rebuilds and ABS repairs, Tresl helps you maintain your entire braking system affordably.
Get Financing NowUnderstanding the components helps you recognize when service is needed and communicate with mechanics.
Converts pedal pressure into hydraulic pressure. Contains brake fluid reservoir. Failure causes soft or sinking pedal. Replacement: $200-$500.
Steel lines carry fluid from master cylinder. Rubber hoses connect to calipers. Lines can rust; hoses deteriorate with age. Replacement: $150-$400.
Hydraulic clamps squeeze pads against rotors. Pistons push pads when fluid pressure applied. Can stick, leak, or seize over time. Rebuild: $100-$200 per caliper.
Anti-lock Braking System prevents wheel lockup during hard braking. Sensors monitor wheel speed; module controls pressure. Sensor: $50-$200, Module: $500-$1,500.
Uses engine vacuum to multiply pedal force, making braking easier. Failure causes extremely hard pedal requiring much more force. Replacement: $300-$700.
Mechanical system using cables or electronic motors to hold vehicle when parked. Cables stretch over time; electronic motors can fail. Service: $150-$500.
Regular maintenance keeps your brake system performing safely and extends component life significantly.
Complete replacement of old brake fluid with fresh fluid. Removes moisture and contaminants that degrade braking performance and cause internal corrosion of expensive components.
Removes air bubbles from brake lines that cause spongy pedal feel and reduced braking power. Necessary after any brake work that opens the hydraulic system.
Clean and lubricate caliper slide pins that allow calipers to move freely. Prevents uneven pad wear, brake drag, heat buildup, and premature caliper failure.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic—it absorbs moisture from the air over time through microscopic pores in rubber hoses and seals. This moisture lowers the fluid's boiling point, which can cause brake fade during heavy use when the fluid actually boils and creates compressible gas bubbles.
Moisture also causes internal corrosion of brake components, leading to premature failure of expensive master cylinders, calipers, and ABS modules. Regular fluid replacement prevents these costly repairs.
Fresh DOT 3 fluid boils at 401°F. After 2-3 years of absorbing moisture, this can drop below 300°F—dangerously low for aggressive driving, mountain descents, or towing. Testing strips can measure moisture content.
DOT 5 is silicone-based and completely incompatible with glycol-based DOT 3, 4, and 5.1 fluids. Mixing causes brake failure. DOT 5.1 (note the decimal) IS compatible despite the similar name. Always check your owner's manual for the correct specification.
Calipers don't need regular replacement but can develop issues affecting safety and performance.
Caliper doesn't release fully, causing constant brake drag, excessive heat, and uneven wear. Often caused by corroded slide pins or seized piston. Vehicle may pull to one side when braking.
Rebuild: $100-$200 | Replace: $150-$400Brake fluid leak from worn piston seal or damaged bleeder valve. Causes fluid loss, contaminated brake pads, and progressively reduced braking power. Requires immediate attention for safety.
Seal Kit: $50-$100 | Replace: $150-$400Slide pins allow caliper to float and center over rotor for even pad contact. Worn or corroded pins cause uneven pad wear, noise, and reduced braking. Often overlooked during pad changes.
Pin Kit & Service: $50-$100Modern vehicles use electric motors instead of cables for parking brakes. Motors can fail from wear or water intrusion, preventing engagement or release. Common issue on European vehicles.
Motor Replacement: $200-$500Complete pricing guide for brake system maintenance and repairs at independent shops.
| Service | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake Fluid Flush | $20-$40 | $60-$100 | $80-$150 |
| Brake Bleeding (4 wheels) | $10-$20 | $60-$100 | $70-$120 |
| Caliper Rebuild (each) | $30-$60 | $70-$140 | $100-$200 |
| Caliper Replacement (each) | $80-$250 | $70-$150 | $150-$400 |
| Brake Hose Replacement | $20-$60 | $50-$100 | $70-$160 |
| Brake Line Replacement | $50-$150 | $100-$250 | $150-$400 |
| Master Cylinder | $100-$300 | $100-$200 | $200-$500 |
| Brake Booster | $150-$400 | $150-$300 | $300-$700 |
| ABS Sensor (each) | $30-$150 | $50-$100 | $80-$250 |
| ABS Module | $300-$1,000 | $200-$500 | $500-$1,500 |
Major brake system repairs can exceed $1,000—especially ABS issues or multiple component failures. Financing lets you address problems immediately instead of risking your safety or causing more expensive damage by waiting.
| Amount | 12 Mo | 24 Mo |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | $45/mo | $24/mo |
| $1,000 | $89/mo | $47/mo |
| $1,500 | $134/mo | $71/mo |
| $2,000 | $179/mo | $95/mo |
*Estimated at 12.99% APR
Don't wait for brake failure. Finance preventive maintenance and repairs today.