[aharrah]

Hi,

First time post. I searched through the threads and hope i didn't miss a prior relevant post. So here it goes, wife got a warning message on our 2012 Volt about the brake system and stability control. I checked under the hood and the brake fluid was low and could see brake fluid leaking onto the front suspension. I got the car to the dealer who diagnosed a bad master cylinder. Mileage is 63,009. Quote is 1,248.36 with tax and shop charges. They have not given me a breakdown on parts/labor. Questions: (1) this quote seems high, anyone have any experience they could share, (2) has anyone tried replacing the master cylinder themselves? I'm pretty mechanically inclined, but am not sure if there is anything special about this job on a Volt. Maybe its time to start searching for a shop manual. Thanks in advance for any and all information.

 

[quantum]

This can probably tell you if you would be comfortable DIY:

http://www.autocats.ws/manual/chevrolet/tis0911/en/documents_2012/Volt/SM-R/92395279.EN.html#4711

http://www.autocats.ws/manual/chevrolet/tis0911/en/documents_2012/Volt/start_Volt.html

 

[firehawk72]

Hi,

First time post. I searched through the threads and hope i didn't miss a prior relevant post. So here it goes, wife got a warning message on our 2012 Volt about the brake system and stability control. I checked under the hood and the brake fluid was low and could see brake fluid leaking onto the front suspension. I got the car to the dealer who diagnosed a bad master cylinder. Mileage is 63,009. Quote is 1,248.36 with tax and shop charges. They have not given me a breakdown on parts/labor. Questions: (1) this quote seems high, anyone have any experience they could share, (2) has anyone tried replacing the master cylinder themselves? I'm pretty mechanically inclined, but am not sure if there is anything special about this job on a Volt. Maybe its time to start searching for a shop manual. Thanks in advance for any and all information.

HOLY MOLY, that is one expensive repair. I have no idea if that is accurate or not, but geez, wow, I would love to see the breakdown on this.

 

[mpmoore1979]

Replacing the master cylinder is not hard, bleeding the system requires a scan tool that can command the system to self bleed among other commands. Bleeding the system is not a simple task on these cars when the master has been replaced. I have done one on a brand new 2015 and it took some time to get all the air out even with the factory tools.

 

[aharrah]

Quantum, thanks for the shop manual. Looks like the high voltage system needs to be disabled and that will require a dealer to get it re-energized and the brake bleed could be a little more complicated than normal.

Firehawk, labor is $616.95, (including diagnostic time) and parts are 532.92. Another dealer quoted me 530 labor and 466 for parts. Love the car, but this is a crazy expensive price for this type of repair. Not sure i have many options.

 

[DonC]

Maybe because of where I live but this doesn't seem like a crazy quote. Modern cars are wonders of technology but lots of things end up costing a lot to repair. My impression is it's a recipe of Shop Time X Shop Rate + Parts (retail).

Replacing the master cylinder is not hard, bleeding the system requires a scan tool that can command the system to self bleed among other commands. Bleeding the system is not a simple task on these cars when the master has been replaced. I have done one on a brand new 2015 and it took some time to get all the air out even with the factory tools.

Thanks for posting. The info is helpful.

 

[Henry_FL]

Maybe because of where I live but this doesn't seem like a crazy quote. Modern cars are wonders of technology but lots of things end up costing a lot to repair. My impression is it's a recipe of Shop Time X Shop Rate + Parts (retail).

Thanks for posting. The info is helpful.

Anyone that has set foot in a dealership for a repair in the last decade would know this. Bottom-line, car repairs are not cheap with modern cars. Get a quote for an alternator change or rotor work for example. This is one reason having a car in warranty is important OR keeping it, till the repairs average out to the cost of new payments.

 

[aharrah]

Update: Approved the dealer to replace the M/C. They called today, its not the M/C leaking. (Tech that diagnosed the master cylinder leak no longer with the dealership???). Dealer now claims its the ABS modulator. Repair estimate increased to approx. $2,000. Anyone know if this the same brake modulator assembly covered by the 8 yr. 100,000 mile warranty. Dealer is researching.

 

[firehawk72]

Update: Approved the dealer to replace the M/C. They called today, its not the M/C leaking. (Tech that diagnosed the master cylinder leak no longer with the dealership???). Dealer now claims its the ABS modulator. Repair estimate increased to approx. $2,000. Anyone know if this the same brake modulator assembly covered by the 8 yr. 100,000 mile warranty. Dealer is researching.

If it is the EBCM, it will be covered by the 100k warranty. At first my dealership thought it would not be, but when they entered the codes after performing the work, they realized it was. At the time, my Volt had less the 36k miles, but we had this discussion anyway.

Now, these may be two totally different parts we are talking about here. Dunno

 

[aharrah]

Looks like both EBCM and ABS Mod are covered under the emissions warranty. Will confirm with dealer and follow-up w. post.

 

[floatjoy]

Hi Aharrah,

My 2013 Volt was just diagnosed with a leaking Brake Pressure Modulator Valve. Were you able to have it covered under the emissions warranty? I'd love to get your advice before I proceed if possible?

Thanks

William