The average cost to replace your brake hose is $136—parts cost about$19 and labor costs about$118. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate. Your brake hose replacement price will vary based on your vehicle's make and model.

How long does it take to replace a brake hose? A certified mechanic generally takes about 1.0 hours to replace your brake hose. Your mechanic will first look for physical damage or seepage and replace the brake hose(s) if needed.

Here’s an overview of the brake hose repair costs for different vehicles:

Brake hose replacement cost for various vehicles

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
November 14, 2024	Gregory, 25 Westfield, MA	Volvo S60	$129	$18	$111	1.0 Hours
November 14, 2024	Birdie, 26 Princeton, NJ	Lincoln Mark	$121	$18	$103	1.0 Hours
November 13, 2024	Chad, 27 Stone Mountain, GA	Genesis G70	$126	$18	$108	1.0 Hours
November 7, 2024	Jayden, 38 Independence, MO	BMW M440	$137	$18	$119	1.0 Hours
November 7, 2024	Grace, 38 Duluth, MN	Oldsmobile Cutlass	$117	$18	$99	1.0 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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See fair price estimates for popular cars

What parts do I need for a brake hose replacement and how much do they cost?

The parts needed for a brake hose replacement may vary depending on the vehicle, but here’s a breakdown of what you may need:

New brake hoses: The brake hose is a flexible tube connecting the rigid metal brake line to the brake caliper or wheel cylinder. It is a critical component that delivers brake fluid from your vehicle’s master cylinder to the wheel cylinder (in a car with drum brakes) or brake caliper (in a car with disc brakes). The average price of a new brake hose ranges from $10 to over $100.

Brake fluid: Brake fluid is used in the car’s hydraulic braking system and amplifies your foot’s force on the brake pedal and turns it into pressure on your car’s brakes. Brake fluid costs about $6 to $39 per quart.

Brake bleeder kit: Once the new brake hose is installed, you’ll need to bleed the brakes to remove any air using a bleeder kit. Depending on the type and brand, these cost anywhere from $15 to over $100.

On top of these parts, you may also need:

Wrenches

Ratchet and socket set

Lug nut wrench

Floor jack

Wheel chocks

Pliers

Brake cleaner

Drain pan

We recommend purchasing these parts from local auto part stores like AutoZone and online retailers like Amazon. We also recommend trusted brands like ACDelco, Raybestos, Dorman, DOT 3, DOT 4, Castrol, Mityvac, and OEMTOOLS for quality options to maintain your car's braking system.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my brake hose replaced?

Finding the right place to get your brake hose replaced can be tricky—especially if you don’t have a trusted mechanic to turn to. Luckily, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

can help you compare costs for the services you need from over 2,500 reputable repair shops across the country.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from shops using their actual hourly labor rate. GarageGuard™ will also let you know if you need to budget for diagnostic fees and show you reviews from real customers to help you choose the best service.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.

154 Reviews

61 Auto Center

1226 Centre Ave, Reading, PA

Brake Hose Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$68

(Parts - $18, Labor - $50)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$70

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (610) 370-7224

123 Reviews

Wrench Inc. - PHL

Brake Hose Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$143

(Parts - $18, Labor - $125)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

170 Reviews

Foster's Automotive Service Inc

3909 Polk St, Houston, TX

Brake Hose Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$133

(Parts - $18, Labor - $115)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$108.45

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (713) 228-2385

183 Reviews

Lopez Express Auto Service

542 White Horse Ave, Princeton, NJ

Brake Hose Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$98

(Parts - $18, Labor - $80)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$40

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (609) 888-2007

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my brake hose

The mechanic will follow these general steps to replace the brake hose:

Jack up the vehicle and support it with steel jack stands

Remove the wheel and tire assembly

Place a pan underneath the car to catch the brake fluid

Relieve residual pressure in the brake line by briefly opening the brake caliper bleed screw

Detach each hose end and remove the hose

Install the new hose with new copper-sealing washers and factory OEM torque on the tube nut and banjo bolt

Bleed the brake system to remove all the air and road test vehicle

Do a final check for leaks after the road test

What happens if I don’t replace my brake hose?

Brake hoses aren’t typically considered a maintenance item, so they won’t be checked on a general service unless you specify. And because they don’t wear over time, they’re usually only replaced if there is an issue—i.e., they break, corrode, or are damaged.

Not replacing a broken brake hose poses a significant risk to you and cars around you, as your brakes will not be fully functional. There are two primary consequences of not changing your brake hoses

Soft or spongy brake pedal: A defective brake hose can result in brake fluid leading, which will impair your ability to slow down your vehicle.

What is a brake hose replacement?

When getting a brake hose replacement service, the mechanic will assess the hose to confirm that a replacement is needed. The mechanic will also check all other hoses and lines to see if others are due for a replacement and to check for bad brake lines.

The brakes need the brake hose to function—it is a flexible pipe linking your rigid brake line to the brake caliper or wheel cylinder. Because the brake hose is flexible, it adjusts to your wheel movements easily.

If the brake hose is leaking, insufficient brake fluid will reach the brake caliper. Without sufficient hydraulic pressure to force the brake caliper closed, clamping the brake pads against the rotors or the brake shoes against the drum, the brakes would not be able to function at full capacity. A snapped hose would cause the brakes to lose their function completely.

How do I know if my brake hose is faulty?

If you see any physical damage or seepage, it's time to replace your brake hose.

Other signs to look out for that may indicate a damaged brake hose include:

Brake warning light—if there are issues with any part of your brake system, your vehicle’s brake warning light should activate

Physical damage—cuts, cracks, abrasions, bulging, or rust at the hose fitting ends

Internal hose failure—can cause fluid blockages and is diagnosed using test gauges

End of lifetime—if you haven’t changed your hose in 10 years, it’s best to replace the hose

How often should a brake hose be replaced?

Like most other brake system components, brake hoses are designed to be durable and last. However, depending on your brake hose's material, they may experience corrosion from exposure to moisture and salt, or they can be flattened and interfere with fluid flow back and forth.

That said, steel brake lines and rubber or steel hoses don’t have a recommended replacement schedule—they typically won’t need replacing unless something goes wrong and they become damaged. Rubber hoses generally last about six years, while stainless steel hoses are more durable and can last between seven and fifteen years. Still, you should have them inspected during

routine car maintenance

Can I replace my brake hose myself?

If you’re handy in the automotive department and looking for a DIY job, replacing your brake hoses is possible from home—as long as you have the right tools. But if you’re not confident in your automotive repair knowledge and are hesitant about tackling the job, leave it to a professional mechanic to change your brake hoses.

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FAQs

Are brake hoses hard to replace?

Much like replacing brake pads, putting in new brake lines and hoses is pretty straightforward. As long as you have the required tools, it’s a simple swap that can easily be done at home.

How long does it take to replace front brake hoses?

If you’re prepared, replacing the entire brake line takes about two to three hours, while replacing the brake hoses takes about a half hour to an hour.

What’s the most common cause of brake hose failure?

Exposure to the elements and the high heat generated during braking can lead brake hoses to wear out and develop cracks and tears, weakening the hose and impairing its ability to hold pressure. As such, it becomes more susceptible to developing brake fluid leaks.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.