How much does Brake services cost?

Your vehicle’s brakes can mean the difference between a near-miss and a serious accident. They’re absolutely critical to the safe operation of any car or truck. But whether it’s through normal wear-and-tear or a sudden malfunction, brake problems are inevitable, and have to be dealt with by a mechanic. 

To ensure that they are safe, your brakes need regular inspection and servicing. If you drive in a hilly area that requires frequent braking, do a lot of stop-and-go driving, or tend to bear down hard on your brake pedal, your brakes may even need attention more frequently than your owner’s manual suggests. 

When you go to the repair shop, it helps to know the basics of how brakes work. In a nutshell, hydraulic brake fluid lines supply pressure from the master cylinder, which is located under the hood, to the calipers. These squeeze the brake pads against the rotors, slowing your vehicle down.

If you hear a squealing or squeaking noise or notice a vibration or “spongy” feeling when you apply the brake pedal, or if your car pulls to one side or doesn’t stop as quickly as it should, the brake pads may need to be replaced–a relatively inexpensive job. But it can also mean that brake fluid is leaking from the calipers or the rotors have become damaged. In any case, you need to take your vehicle to a mechanic right away for a brake inspection.

Different parts of the braking system have different lifespans. The cost of service will depend primarily on which parts need repair or replacement and on their accessibility, which influences labor costs. Here is a guide to the cost of auto brake services.

Auto repair shop labor costs generally range between $50–200 per hour. The rate will depend on the shop’s location, local labor rates, the type of shop (dealership, independent, chain), and the skill levels and certifications of the auto repair technicians. The average cost of brake repair services is $150–500.

Here are the most common brake parts that may need to be repaired or replaced; the costs are for parts and labor.

Brake pads. Brake pads are the parts of the brake system that need replacing most often. The average lifespan should be around 40,000 miles but can vary depending on how abruptly and often you brake and whether you haul or tow frequently. Cheaper brake pads are made of organic material, while more expensive ones are made of a more durable composite material. Replacing brake pads when needed will also help extend the life of the rotors. Average cost: $100–300 per axle

Brake pads and brake rotors. Putting new brake pads on an old, worn rotor surface is usually not advised, as this can cause vibration or make braking unsafe. When replacing brake pads, auto mechanics often also recommend rotor replacement or resurfacing. Average cost: $250–400 per axle

Calipers. Calipers fit over the rotor like a clamp. Inside each caliper are two metal plates that are held together by the friction the brake pads create. These are usually the most resilient parts of the brake system, and caliper replacement may not be needed until 75,000–100,000 miles. Average cost: $100–200 each 

Full brake service. Full brake system service involves replacing the brake pads, rotors, and calipers simultaneously. Average cost: $450–900 per axle

Here are a couple of variables that could increase your brake service bill.

High-performance parts. Some high-performance vehicles’ brake systems require significantly more expensive parts, such as specialized carbon-ceramic rotors and high-performance brake pads. This can raise the price of brake service to several thousand dollars.

Brake adjustment. Modern braking systems are often self-adjusting to ensure that the brake pad maintains constant contact with the rotor when the brakes are applied. Older brakes may need periodic adjustments to close the gap between brake pad and rotor. An automotive repair specialist may also recommend a brake fluid flush and refill. The average cost of a brake adjustment is $50–150

Shop around. If there are multiple brake repair businesses in your area, ask about their typical prices. However, it’s generally not a good idea to choose auto-service companies based on price alone. Ask friends and family for recommendations and check out online reviews before deciding where to go.

Look for coupons and discounts. Many auto mechanics and brake specialists publish coupons or discount deals in value mailers and online, especially for new customers. 

How much should a full brake job cost?

Full brake system service involves replacing the brake pads, rotors, and calipers and typically costs  $100–300 per axle.

How much does an average front brake job cost?

The front brakes on a car do most of the work, usually about 70%, vs. 30% for the rear brakes, so they typically need to be replaced more often. The average cost to replace brake pads on the front brakes is $250–400.

How much should a brake and rotor job cost?

Putting new brake pads on an old rotor surface is usually not advised, as this can create problems with the new pads, cause vibration, or make braking unsafe. When replacing brake pads, mechanics often also replace the rotors. The average cost to replace rotors and brake pads is $250–400 per axle.

Find auto brake services in your area.