Jerry has delivered reliable repair pricing for more than 40,000 customers nationwide, and found that replacing a brake hose generally costs between $116 – $145. Brake hoses are often overlooked in routine maintenance, but they’re one of the most critical components when it comes to stopping safely. A $200 repair today could prevent a potentially dangerous brake failure that costs much more in the future.
While your repair price varies depending on a few specifics, it’s important to get the work done promptly. When a brake hose begins to fail, it can lead to a spongy brake pedal feel, or even a total loss of braking pressure that creates a very unsafe situation.
Why do brake hose costs vary?
Some vehicles may use hoses that are part of a larger assembly or integrated with additional brackets, or junctions, which can increase the overall cost of replacement.
Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems (ABS) or electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) will also have more complex setups.
Where you go also matters. An independent shop may charge $150 for the repair with aftermarket parts. The same service may cost $300 at the dealership, but with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts and the vehicle serviced by a brand specific specialist.
See what a brake hose replacement cost could look like for drivers like you. Here are some examples of costs for real vehicles and locations.
What does a brake hose do?
The reinforced rubber hose transfers pressurized brake fluid from the solid steel brake line on the frame to the brake caliper or wheel cylinder. As the link between hard brake lines that run the length of the vehicle and the wheel brake assemblies, a brake hose must be durable enough to seal under high pressure while also flexible enough to articulate with the up and down movement of the suspension or the lateral movement of the steering.
Most cars have one brake hose per wheel. There are two main types:
- Reinforced rubber hoses: OEM standard on most vehicles.
- Braided stainless steel hoses: Mainly used in performance or heavy-duty applications.
Over time, rubber hoses will deteriorate, especially if there’s moisture in poorly-serviced brake fluid. Once a hose starts to balloon or collapse, your brake feel and safety are compromised.
Symptoms of a failing brake hose
1. Spongy or soft brake pedal: If pressing the pedal feels mushy or travels toward the floor, a hose may not be sealing properly.
2. Visible cracks or bulges: Rubber hoses should look smooth and solid. If you see cracking, blistering or fluid buildup near the fittings, that hose is past due for replacement.
3. Brake pulling or dragging: A collapsed hose can allow fluid in, but not back out. This traps pressure in the caliper and causes brake drag.
4. Uneven brake pad wear: When one caliper responds slower than others, it may wear pads unevenly.
5. Brake fluid leaks near wheels: If a dripping puddle of fluid is found behind a wheel or around a caliper, inspect the hose fittings immediately.
Related repairs
If one brake hose has failed due to age, the others are likely close behind. Most shops recommend replacing all four hoses together if the vehicle is over 10 years old.
When replacing a brake hose, your shop may also recommend additional services or parts to cut down on overall labor costs, including:
- Brake fluid flush: $70–$120 if the brake fluid is dirty or contaminated.
- Metal brake line repairs: $50–$200+ if the hose fitting is seized or the line cracks during removal, or if new tube nuts and line mending must be performed.
- Brake pad or caliper inspection: $148–$216. If one corner has overheated or dragged, you may need further brake work. The repair facility may offer to look for free while the wheels are off.
Pro tip: Consider upgrading to steel braided steel hoses if you’re towing frequently, driving in mountainous areas, track racing or living in a region that experiences extreme heat or cold.
I decided not to drive the unsafe vehicle and instead rolled it into the shop. Once in the air, I saw fluid dripping from one of the front wheels. I removed all of the wheels to find the brake caliper had been twisted around when it was put on, so the brake hose was in a bind, rubbing on itself and leaking from the hole that was worn into it. The brake pads were also installed backwards!
I worked with the parts store to get a replacement set of brake pads for the customer but the new brake rotor and hose had become damaged by the improperly installed brake pads. And that’s how a $20 set of brake pads ended up costing an extra $350 in parts and labor.
When repairing a vehicle DIY, take a step back and look over the work before wrapping up. Do not rush the job, as a simple fix may turn into an unsafe situation over an honest mistake.
Is it safe to drive with a bad brake hose?
No. Even if the brakes seem to be working, a weakened hose can rupture under emergency braking. A collapsed hose can also apply the brake slightly, leading to brake fade, pulling or overheating without warning.
Some drivers ignore early signs like brake drag or a soft pedal only to end up with a complete loss of braking on one wheel. If that happens at highway speeds, the result is incredibly dangerous and potentially deadly.
Pro tips: Overfilling the reservoir before starting gives some time to cap off the leaking line once the brake hose is removed. Work on one hose at a time and never let the reservoir go dry. And always use new copper washers (if applicable) and properly support the hose with factory clips.
What our customers are asking us
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Can a brake hose fail without leaking?
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Can I replace a brake hose myself?
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How can I tell if the brake hose is the problem or the brake caliper?
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How long does it take to replace all four brake hoses?
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Is it safe to drive with a bad brake hose?
Jerel Lawrence is an experienced and certified automotive technician with a strong foundation in diagnostics, repair and technical mentorship. A graduate of NASCAR Technical Institute in 2010, Jerel began his career at national automotive repair chain locations, where he earned eight certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
From 2017 to 2022, he worked as a General Motors-certified technician at a Cadillac dealership, refining his skills in manufacturer-specific diagnostics and service procedures. Today, Jerel leads as the senior technician and mentor at a family-owned repair facility, where he helps guide the next generation of technicians while ensuring top-quality service.
In addition to hands-on work, Jerel contributes to the automotive community through writing detailed articles and answering technical questions to help vehicle owners better understand and care for their cars.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
