How Much Does A Brake Hose Replacement Cost in the UK?

Brake hoses are an important part of a vehicle's braking system, connecting the brake caliper to the brake pedal. Brake hoses are used to transfer hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder to the brakes. They are made of a flexible material that can withstand high pressure and are often reinforced with a metal or Kevlar braid. Brake hoses must be replaced if they are damaged or leaking.

Over time, however, brake hoses can become worn or damaged, causing the brakes to malfunction. That's why it's important to inspect your brake hoses regularly and replace them if necessary.

How much does it cost to replace a brake hose?

The average cost of replacing a brake hose is £125, with prices ranging from £120 and £150. This is the cost for one brake hose and will increase depending on how many brake hoses need to be replaced. The exact price of the brake hose replacement depends largely on your car and the parts recommended by the manufacturer.

Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of a brake hose replacement. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of a brake hose replacement.

Average cost of a brake hose replacement by location

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for a brake hose replacement, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for brake hose repairs and replacements and part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for a brake hose replacement for your car.

Average cost of a brake hose replacement by manufacturer

Signs your brake hoses need to be replaced

Brake hoses wear out over time and are susceptible to corrosion. The rubber parts can perish and steel brake hose ferrules have a tendency to rust which can cause the brake hose to deteriorate.

• Brake pedal is soft or spongy
• Brake fluid is leaking/ low brake fluid level
• Brake warning light on dashboard
• Reduced braking power
• Brake hose damaged or visible cracking
  
  

’Spongy’ brake pedal

​​Any leaks in brake hoses can compromise the hydraulic pressure of the braking system, resulting in a spongy or soft pedal. This will make the brakes much less responsive.

Low brake fluid level

If you notice a fluid behind the wheels or on the rims, it could be brake fluid that is leaking due to a ruptured brake hose. If the brake fluid level is unusually low then it’s definitely a leak somewhere and should be addressed before attempting to drive again.

Ineffective brakes

​​Brake fluid levels that are dangerously low means there is a leak somewhere which will result in your car taking longer to stop than normal. If you are having problems with your car stopping, it’s advisable to have them inspected as soon as possible to avoid any risk of accidents!

Frequently asked questions about brake hose replacement cost

Can I drive with a broken brake hose?

It is not advisable to drive with a broken brake hose. If the brake hose is faulty, then the brake fluid will leak out and the brakes will not work as they should. This can escalate into a very dangerous situation so it’s best to get it checked and fixed immediately.

Should brake hoses be replaced in pairs?

Not necessarily. However, it is good practice to get them changed in pairs as it is likely the other brake hose may have also suffered wear and tear.

What happens if the brake hose fails?

If a brake hose ruptures or leaks, thus draining out the brake fluid, the vehicle will lose some or all of its braking ability. This can lead to longer stopping distances and increased risk of accidents.

How do you temporarily fix a leaking brake hose?

There are a number of DIY hacks and ‘temporary fixes’ such as using adhesive and plugging material to fix brake hoses, HOWEVER, this is extremely dangerous and is not advisable. The brakes are the only component that enable you to stop the car and carrying out any sort of ‘temporary’ fix is never a good idea. It’s best to avoid driving with a faulty brake hose and get it inspected and fixed by a professional mechanic before attempting to drive again.

How long does a brake hose replacement take?

A brake hose replacement usually takes around 1.5 hours, but can take less or more time. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

Can I carry out a brake hose replacement myself?

The braking system is one of the most critical safety components of a car and mechanics are trained to diagnose and carry out repairs by following the required procedures. Brake hose replacement requires advanced auto repair knowledge but special tools and equipment such as brake bleeding kits, torque wrenches and flare nut wrenches.

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a brake hose replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

What else could be the problem if my brake hose isn’t broken?

If you’re experiencing braking issues and it’s not the brake hose that is the issue, then it could be one of the many parts of the braking system including brake fluid contamination, damaged brake lines, brake pads and discs damaged, brake caliper or problems with the ABS. It’s best to get a qualified mechanic to carry out a brake inspection to diagnose the exact cause of the problem.

What happens during a brake hose replacement?

• Mechanic will inspect the brake system.
• Mechanic will establish which brake hose needs to be replaced.
• Mechanic will replace the damaged brake hose.
• Mechanic will renew the brake fluid.
• Mechanic will bleed the brake system.
• Mechanic will inspect the brake system and will, if deemed safe, test drive the car.