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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace a vacuum brake booster check valve?
Where can I get my vacuum brake booster check valve replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my check valve?
What happens if I don’t replace my vacuum brake booster check valve?
What is a vacuum brake booster check valve?
How often should a vacuum brake booster check valve be replaced?
Can I replace the check valve on a brake booster?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace a vacuum brake booster check valve?

Expect to pay around $105-$130 for overall replacement costs, with $15-$20 for parts and $100+ for mechanic labor. Your exact mechanic bill will depend on your vehicle.

How long does it take to replace a vacuum brake booster check valve? Since basic car inspections don’t cover the vacuum pump or booster check valve, tell your mechanic you’d like them to check these parts. They’ll decide if the check valve (or the vacuum pump) needs to be replaced.

Be prepared to wait about 1-1.5 hours for a certified mechanic to do the replacement. It’s a pretty straightforward repair, but if there are other problems with your braking system, it might take longer.

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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What parts do I need for my vacuum brake booster check valve replacement and how much do those parts cost?

Your owner’s manual or a certified mechanic can highlight the exact parts you’ll need for your vehicle’s vacuum brake booster check valve replacement, but here’s a general rundown:

Vacuum brake booster check valve: This is the main replacement part, which aids your vehicle’s braking system. On average, vacuum brake booster check valves cost $10 to $50 depending on your vehicle’s specs.

Vacuum hose or tubing: When replacing a vacuum brake booster check valve, you may need to replace the vacuum hose or tubing that connects the check valve to the brake booster and vacuum source. Vacuum hoses or tubes typically cost $5 to $20.

Connectors: Vacuum hoses are usually secured by connectors or clamps, which may need to be replaced due to wear and tear. These connectors can cost as low as $10.

Brake cleaner: Mechanics typically use brake cleaner to cleanse the area and connections around the check valve before installing the new part. Brake cleaner costs $10 at most.

We recommend purchasing parts at local auto parts stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Auto Parts, as well as online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto. We also recommend trustworthy brands like ACDelco, Dorman, and Standard Motor Products for quality check valve components, ensuring proper brake booster function and safety for your vehicle. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my vacuum brake booster check valve replaced?

Take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic who can diagnose what’s wrong with your vehicle and do the necessary repairs. Don’t have a reliable repair shop? Use Jerry's

GarageGuard™

, a free tool that can help you compare average costs from over 2,500 vetted repair shops in the US.

Here’s how it works. Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates* from each auto shop using their real hourly labor rate. Review the results and read reviews to choose the best service and labor costs.

Read through some of our vetted shops below and download the app to get a quote near you.

152 Reviews

Olympos Auto Service

400 Jericho Turnpike, Mount Vernon, NY

Vacuum Brake Booster Check Valve Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$142

(Parts - $13, Labor - $129)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$135

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (516) 739-1133

115 Reviews

University Tire & Auto Service

2908 Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA

Vacuum Brake Booster Check Valve Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$163

(Parts - $13, Labor - $150)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$180

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (323) 733-1236

100 Reviews

Innovative Auto Solutions

4135 Jackie Rd SE #101, Rio Rancho, NM

Vacuum Brake Booster Check Valve Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$143

(Parts - $13, Labor - $130)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (505) 273-7313

116 Reviews

Wrench Inc. - IND

Vacuum Brake Booster Check Valve Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$138

(Parts - $13, Labor - $125)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

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 check valve?

First, they’ll pop the hood and locate the brake booster, which is on the driver’s side. They’ll probably use pliers to remove the clamps that hold the vacuum hose in place. This way, the mechanic can take out the vacuum hose and the check valve.

Next, they’ll blow air into the hose with an aspirator bulb. This tests whether or not the valve is leaking air and needs to be replaced. If it’s leaking because of a broken grommet, the mechanic can swap out grommets for a quick fix.

The mechanic will replace the check valve with a new one and attach a vacuum hose. They’ll clamp or screw the valve in place before turning on your vehicle and testing the brakes. You can rest easy knowing that your braking system is fully functioning!

Keep in mind: Your vehicle’s check valve might be built into the vacuum hose, so you can’t replace them separately. If this is true for your car, be prepared to replace the vacuum hose and the vacuum brake booster check valve.

What happens if I don’t replace my vacuum brake booster check valve?

A faulty brake booster check valve can quickly become serious since your braking system relies on it. If you wait too long for repairs, braking will become harder, and it might take longer to stop your vehicle. Plus, you can wear out your brake pads faster or damage the brakes themselves.

Driving with a failing booster check valve can lead to these problems:

Braking system failure

Vacuum pump leak

Damage to the engine master cylinders

What is a vacuum brake booster check valve?

The vacuum brake booster check valve expels air that is trapped inside the brake booster to maintain the vacuum. You might also hear it called the power brake booster check valve. This valve maintains an engine vacuum in the

brake booster

, releases pressure in the brake booster, and keeps air out of the brake lines and master cylinder.

If the check valve stops working, brake fluid pressure could build up in the vacuum brake booster. This puts a lot of stress on your braking system. The vacuum brake boosters also give your brakes extra power when braking. In short, they supply a power assist to the brake master cylinder and improve the effectiveness of your braking system.

How do I know my brake booster check valve needs to be replaced?

It can be tricky to tell if the booster check valve is malfunctioning, but here are some common symptoms of a bad brake booster:

The brake pedal is easy to press at first but then gets hard. Excess pressure in the master cylinder means the check valve isn’t regulating the vacuum.

The brake pedal feels spongy when you press down. This means there’s air in the brake lines, and the brakes won’t function properly.

You have trouble pushing down on the brake pedal, or the brakes stop working. This is a serious sign that the vacuum brake booster check valve is broken, and you need to repair your vehicle immediately.

How often should a vacuum brake booster check valve be replaced?

Fortunately, the check valve is designed to last the life of the vehicle. If yours has become damaged and you need to replace it, the good news is that the replacement valve should last a very long time!

Can I replace the check valve on a brake booster?

If you feel confident with your automotive repair skills, you should be able to tackle this DIY project on your own. Before you begin, ensure you have these supplies on hand:

Brake booster check valve: This is your biggest cost and main replacement part. Buying a new brake booster valve typically sets you back $44.

Pair of pliers: You’ll use pliers to remove the vacuum hose from the check valve. You can usually pick up a pair of pliers for less than $10.

Screwdrivers: Use a Phillips and slotted screwdriver to remove the clamps holding the valve in place. You can buy inexpensive screwdrivers for under $5.

Penetrating oil: Spray a little oil if you struggle to remove or install the valve or vacuum hose. The oil reduces friction and provides lubrication, making removing parts easier. A can of penetrating oil costs between $8 and $40.

Tip: You can buy parts from your local auto supply store or online.

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FAQs

Do I need a check valve on my brake booster?

Yes! The check valve is an important safety feature because it holds and regulates the vacuum inside the brake booster. If your engine stalls or fails, the check valve ensures a momentary power supply.

Can I still drive with a bad brake booster?

It’s not a good idea to drive your vehicle if you suspect the check valve is faulty because your brakes won’t work correctly. If your engine stalls while driving, the check valve won’t give a temporary power assist to your brakes. This can make it incredibly hard to stop your car.

Can a bad brake booster check valve cause a vacuum pump leak?

Yes. If you notice the brake pedal is hard to press, a damaged check valve can cause a vacuum leak.

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.