How Much Does Replacing a Brake Pipe Cost?

The cost of a brake pipe can vary depending on several factors, including how many brake pipes need to be replaced and whether other work is required to replace the pipe safely. According to our research, a brake pipe replacement in the UK can cost anywhere from £70 to over £1000 depending on the make and model of your car and more. 

Can I Replace a Brake Pipe Myself?

Since the quality and integrity of the brake pipes have a direct impact on the safety of the car, it is not recommended that you carry out a brake pipe repair or replacement on your own unless you have the recommended training. This job should only be carried out by a qualified mechanic.  

Are There Any Other Factors That Could Impact the Brake Pipe Replacement?

The cost of replacing a brake pipe could be impacted by several factors. The cost is often determined by the make and model of your car, where you go to have the work carried out, and your location. Along with this, you should also be prepared for any other issues that might arise during the job that could increase the price. For example, this could be other serious issues detected with the brake system or brake pipes or damage due to corrosion of other parts that occurs during the brake pipe replacement. 

How Much Do Brake Pipe Replacement Parts Cost?

The cost of a brake pipe will vary depending on the make and model of your car. The average cost of a brake pipe from Eurocarparts is £15-£30. 

How Much Does Labour Cost for a Replacement Brake Pipe?

Ultimately, the cost of labour for a brake pipe replacement on your car will depend on several factors including the make and model of your car, the mechanic that is carrying out the work, your location, and the local demand. How much you pay will also depend on whether you need to have a small section of brake pipe replaced or all the brake pipes replaced. On average, you will usually pay between £100 and £200 for the replacement of a small section of brake pipe, while having all the brake pipes replaced could cost £400 to more than £1000 depending on the other factors. 

How Long Does it Take to Repair a Brake Pipe?

How long you can expect to wait for your brake pipe to be replaced will depend on the make and model of your car, how long it takes for your mechanic to get the necessary parts, and how many brake pipes you need replacing. A replacement of a small section of the brake pipe can be quite a quick job depending on your mechanic and you will usually have your car back within a couple of hours. On the other hand, it could take up to an entire day if you need all the brake pipes replaced. 

Can I Drive if the Brake Pipe is Faulty or Broken?

It is not recommended that you drive your car if you have a broken or faulty brake pipe. The brake pipe plays a vital role in making sure that your car’s brakes function correctly and safely, and damage to the brake pipe could put you at risk when behind the wheel. Broken brake pipes can leak brake fluid, which puts you at a much higher risk of your brakes failing while on the road. 

What Else Might It Be if There are No Faults With the Brake Pipe?

If you are experiencing issues with your brakes and there are no faults or issues with the brake pipe, then other brake system components might be to blame. Brake pads, brake discs, callipers, brake hoses, brake lines, and other components should all be checked by a professional for faults or signs of wear and tear that could impact the effectiveness and safety of your brakes. Issues with these components could include signs like noisy brakes, the brake pedal feeling softer than usual to press, increased stopping distance, pulling to one side when braking, or vibration during braking. 

What Are Some Signs of a Broken or Faulty Brake Pipe to Look Out For?

Since the brakes are quite a complex system in the car, there might not always be obvious signs that your brake pipes need to be repaired or replaced, which is why it is important to take your car for regular servicing and pay attention to any brake-related MOT advisories. Broken brake pipes can lead to leaks of brake fluid, so pay attention to any fluid on the inner wheels or on the ground where you park your car. In some cars, the brake warning light might come on when there are issues with the brake pipes. Having to top up the brake fluid reservoir more often than usual can also be a sign that there is a leak coming from the brake pipes. 

What Happens When a Brake Pipe is Replaced?

The braking system will first be drained of fluid before the union where the pipe leads to the brake master cylinder are undone. Then, the pipe will be undone where it joins the brake hose before it is disconnected from the retaining clips and removed. The new section of the brake pipe will then need to be bent to match the shape of the old pipe so that it fits in place. It is then screwed into the union on the reservoir, hose, or calliper depending on the location of the brake pipe and tightened with a spanner, before being fastened securely with the clips. A check is then conducted to ensure that the new pipe does not come into contact with any moving parts, and the brake system is bled to check that there are no leaks. 

How Can I Repair a Brake Pipe?

Unless you are a trained mechanic, it is not recommended to try and repair the brake pipe yourself since it is such an integral part of the braking system. If you have the required expertise, you will need specialist tools including a jack, wrench, and tools to cut, bend, and flare the material of your new brake pipe to fit.

About Fixter

Fixter is revolutionising the car maintenance industry, one repair at a time. Fixter was founded to make car maintenance as easy as booking a taxi. Digital, transparent and stress-free, with world-class customer service. Since launching in Manchester in 2017, Fixter has expanded to more than 100 towns and cities across the UK and provided thousands of car owners with honest, convenient and affordable car repair services.