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Brakes Cost

How Much Do Brakes Cost?

low costMedium: $100-$250

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Brakes may need to be replaced when wheels make a high pitched screeching or grinding noise, if brakes fail to slow or stop the car normally, if brake pedal slowly drops to the floor after brakes are engaged, if vehicle pulls to one side while braking, or if vibrations can be felt from the pedal while brakes are applied.
 
Typical costs:
  • $90 to $250, per axle. Many low cost advertised specials include only basic inspection and brake pad replacement.
  • Costs vary from one make and model to another, but cars with higher initial purchase prices tend to be more expensive to repair as the parts also tend to cost more than their more economical counterparts and sometimes involve more complex systems that require more labor.
  • Some examples of typical prices for front brake pads: 2005 Audi A6, $215. 2005 Toyota Camry, $150. 2005 Dodge Caravan, $185.
  • Prices also vary depending on prevailing labor costs. If workers tend to be paid less than average in your area, you may find lower prices.
What should be included:
  • Road test to check for problems and current operating condition.
  • Removal of wheels and inspection of brake pads, rotors, bearings and calipers.
  • Inspecting and/or replacing brake hoses, mounting clips, anti-rattle shims, brake pads.
  • Cleaning components, inspecting and possibly resurfacing or replacing the brake rotors, cleaning and repacking bearings. (Most front wheel drive cars have hub bearings, which are typically inspected and replaced if necessary, rather than being serviced).
  • Some, but not all, vehicles also require a hydraulic brake system flush.
Additional costs:
  • Condition of additional brake parts, beyond pads, that need to be replaced, will increase costs.
  • If rotors need to be replaced, expect repairs to increase to $300-$650.
Discounts:
  • Some repair shops offer discounts for AAA members.
Shopping for brakes:
  • Find a mechanic before you need one. Do your research and locate a mechanic you trust before you actually need servicing, so you aren't stuck with the first mechanic you find during a time of need.
  • If you don't already have a mechanic, look for mechanics who are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Search for ASE certified Blue Seal repair facilities.
  • Check with your state consumer affairs department or The Better Business Bureau to see if the shop has generated a lot of consumer complaints.
Article updated February 2007
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

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Brakes, Front, Rear
Amount: $527.00
Posted by: Bob Olsen in Round Lake Beach, IL.Posted: January 20th, 2011 02:01PM
Car Make: FordCar Model: Ranger
Auto Shop: Pep Boys RLB IL
Had the front pads replaced, rotos ground down, drums and rear brakes completely replaced, along with Fuel filter and spark plugs replaced, amazed me by the final price! Shopped around a bunch nothing Beats PepBoys, I use to have doubts about the corporate world repairing my vehicle, now I have PB do everything, much cheaper and they stand by their work. Happy to be a PepBoys customer.
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Brakes
Amount: $52.00
Posted by: CODYO in Fort Leonard Wood, MO.Posted: January 22nd, 2011 11:01PM
Car Make: MitsubishiCar Model: Eclipse
Auto Shop: ME!
This is serious.! now after reading this i didnt even think it was possible to get ripped off this bad! I (SERIOUSLY) paid 52$ +FREE SHIPPING for 2 BRAND NEW rotors and 4 pads of redline brakes GOOD BRAND off EBAY and put them on myself and its great i honestly didnt think people paid this much for brake work. I have a Mits Eclipse and using redline brakes is great when i go to the strip..I stop on a dime! well goodluck. either way order these brakes and have a shop do them for you if you dont want to it will save you money!

PS my father drove semi truck for 10 years only with REDLINE brakes and never had any problems.
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Back brakes and rotors
Amount: $394.00
Posted by: a user in Walnutport, PA.Posted: January 26th, 2011 06:01AM
Car Make: CHEVROLETCar Model: CAMARO
Auto Shop: CAR DOC
Back brakes and rotors and an oil change. Total came to 394 with labor and tax included.
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Turned (machined) front and back rotors
Amount: $231.00
Posted by: StaceH in Lake havasu city, AZ.Posted: January 31st, 2011 07:01PM
Car Make: DodgeCar Model: ram 1500
Auto Shop: break masters
Front and back rotors were warped, but pads were still in decent shape. alignment is an additional $80.00 I feel like the price was fair.
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Front brake pads, rotors and one caliper
Amount: $662.00
Posted by: mrobins in Cortland, NY.Posted: February 9th, 2011 12:02PM
Car Make: SubaruCar Model: Forester
Auto Shop: Royal Subaru
I don't know if this is good or bad, I just know it isn't fun... just took in for 150K servicing, they told me car not safe to drive home even tho I haven't had any braking issues. 8 mos ago took in for inspection they told me rear brakes needed pads rotors and calipers too.
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Front Brakes, rotors and 1 caliper
Amount: $140.00
Posted by: 176Joanna in Middle Island, NY.Posted: February 23rd, 2011 09:02AM
Car Make: 98 DodgeCar Model: Grand Caravan
Auto Shop: @ home, parts from autozone
I am so glad that I decided to do my brakes myself after looking on here I probably saved over $400. It is really not a difficult job, we ran into a snag such as needing a new caliper and a lug nut being over tightened. We bought all the parts from autozone so we get the money back on brake pads, rotors have a 1yr warranty, and we got $25 back for bringing back the broken caliper. I only watched my brother do the brakes once last year and I just went to ehow for the step by step directions.
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Front and Rear Brake pads and Rotors
Amount: $375.00
Posted by: a user in Chicago, IL.Posted: March 5th, 2011 09:03PM
Car Make: NissanCar Model: Altima
Auto Shop: Castrol
Went in for a oil change. I needed to change my brakes but was waiting for summer. First said 800 (like i was gonna do that). Then the manager came and said 350 for all 4 wheels (roators and brake pads)
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Brakes for Lincoln Zephyr Sport
Amount: $330.00
Posted by: a user in Lubbock, TX.Posted: March 11th, 2011 08:03AM
Car Make: LincolnCar Model: Zephyr Sport
Auto Shop: Pioneer Lincoln
I got four ceramic genuine Motorcraft brake pads for my Zephyr sport and my rotors were turned/remachined. It took around 2 hours.

Lincoln Ultra High Performance Brakes would have been $650 for 4 pads, Lincoln High Performance Brakes would have been $450 for 4 pads and the mechanic told me that is actually Motorcraft but different packaging so I would pay for the brand name thus that is the same as the ceramic Motorcraft that comes in Motorcraft box not in Lincoln Hight Performance labeled box.
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Front brake pads and resurfacing of rotors
Amount: $266.00
Posted by: a user in Austin, TX.Posted: March 11th, 2011 03:03PM
Car Make: 2005 HondaCar Model: Accord
Auto Shop: Lamb's
The price seemed high, but after reviewing this website, it seemed average. The service took about as long as they said it would, one hour.
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Rear brake pads and rotors
Amount: $200.00
Posted by: RF in Sun Valley, CA.Posted: March 18th, 2011 11:03AM
Car Make: MazdaCar Model: 3i
Auto Shop: RC Automotive
based on what I see here, very reasonable price, $200 for rear brakes.
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Brake Job
Amount: $188.00
Posted by: a user in Los Angeles, CA.Posted: March 18th, 2011 03:03PM
Car Make: Dodge '03Car Model: Grand Caravan
Auto Shop: Totongs
Price was fair. Work done on the 2 new front wheel brake ceramic pads plus rotor sanding. rear drum brakes was also checked.took 1 hour to finish.
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Rear brakes Volvo s40
Amount: $577.85
Posted by: Bucky_8607 in San Antonio, TX.Posted: March 20th, 2011 05:03PM
Car Make: VolvoCar Model: S40
Auto Shop: NTB
Started hearing metal on metal. It was a Sunday and the only place open was NTB. He suggested about $1300 in maintenance and I told him only the rear pads and rotor. He quoted me $400, called after I left telling me it was actually $690. I told him I'd call him back. He called me back with 577. Took about 2 hours. The brakes are working fine. It just seems like a lot for just the rear.
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Cost of a Brake Job
Amount: $629.00
Posted by: CV in Fredericksburg, VA.Posted: March 24th, 2011 12:03PM
Car Make: Jeep Grand CherokeeCar Model: 2005
Auto Shop: Dealer
Dealer quoted $629 with OE. Firestone quoted $496 with OE.
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Front Brakes
Amount: $490.01
Posted by: PAJ in Puyallup, WA.Posted: March 31st, 2011 11:03PM
Car Make: 97 GeoCar Model: Metro
Auto Shop: Advanced Tire and Auto Care
Front Brake Pad Set, Front Brake Rotors, Front Calipers, Left Rear wheel Berrings, Labor and Fluid.
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BRAKE PRICING
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Chaarrrrllliieee in SAN ANTONIO, TX.Posted: April 5th, 2011 09:04AM
Car Make: ANY CARCar Model: ANY CAR
Auto Shop: ANY SHOP
After reading all these post on how much you guys paid ,I almost cried. Ther is no need to pay so much. What some shops charge you to resurface is as much as new rotors and pads are usually 20 -50 dollars (not all). If you are ever in San Antonio,Tx look me up I will do the labor for front and back for fifty and the parts are lifetime warranty so if you need brakes again ,its only fifty for labor.(domestic cars) My experience includes working at a local shop(name withheld)
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BRAKE PRICING
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Chaarrrrllliieee in SAN ANTONIO, TX.Posted: April 5th, 2011 10:04AM
Car Make: ANY CARCar Model: ANY CAR
Auto Shop: ANY SHOP
After reading all these post on how much you guys paid ,I almost cried. Ther is no need to pay so much. What some shops charge you to resurface is as much as new rotors and pads are usually 20 -50 dollars (not all). If you are ever in San Antonio,Tx look me up I will do the labor for front and back for fifty and the parts are lifetime warranty so if you need brakes again ,its only fifty for labor.(domestic cars) My experience includes working at a local shop(name withheld)
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2003 MAXIMA
Amount: $464.00
Posted by: Charlieeeeee in SAN antonio, TX.Posted: April 5th, 2011 01:04PM
Car Make: NISSANCar Model: MAXIMA
Auto Shop: ?
Charlie again, Nissan Maxima premium front pads 42.00 and two rotors go for 66.00. Inspection just inlvolves removing tire , my fee 50 for labor=158.00 total cost (lifetime warranty on pads) ( we underscore will1 at hotmail dot com ) Contact me in San Antonio if anyone is tired of paying shop prices.
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Replaced Front Brake pads and rotors
Amount: $60.00
Posted by: Ken Ngo in Chicago, IL.Posted: April 25th, 2011 10:04AM
Car Make: BMWCar Model: 330XI
Auto Shop: HOME
Monroe pads from Amazon for $45 and free after rebate. Two centric rotors from carjunky for $60. Did it myself at my backyard. On BMW's, rotors and pads have to be replaced at the same time. I usually go with cheapest parts which last about 30-40K miles which I careless about. I never had problems with these parts.
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Front brakes, rotors and pads
Amount: $365.00
Posted by: Mia45 in Wethersfield, CT.Posted: April 27th, 2011 09:04AM
Car Make: 2004 SaabCar Model: 93
Auto Shop: Precision
I think I got ripped off.
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Front Rotors and Pads
Amount: $68.00
Posted by: Jason Eddy in Quincy, IL.Posted: May 20th, 2011 09:05PM
Car Make: FordCar Model: F-150
Auto Shop: in my garage
the $68 was just for parts. i got free labor. because i know what im doing.
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Resurfaced all 4 rotors
Amount: $280.00
Posted by: subi2008 in Plano, TX.Posted: May 23rd, 2011 10:05AM
Car Make: Subaru 2008Car Model: Legacy
Auto Shop: Subaru of Plano
I have been servicing my care there for the last 4 years. Went to the shop to check on brakes as my car was making a little noise and the wheel shook. I was told that my pads are good, but rotors needs resurfacing. So, they did it. Seems ok. I do think I was overcharged a bit for the job (can't really complain - its a dealer), but it is hard to find a good trusting mechanic....
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Front Brake Pads and Rotor
Amount: $408.00
Posted by: DarrylDublin in Dublin, CA.Posted: June 3rd, 2011 06:06PM
Car Make: JeepCar Model: Grand Cherokee
Auto Shop: Midas
Spent 408, including 386 for job plus tax. Each rotor was 86, labor was 117 in total, parts where 250. I think it was a little high, but not much.

I still need to get back brakes done
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Did it myself
Amount: $276.00
Posted by: PatWoz in Commerce Twp, MI.Posted: June 3rd, 2011 07:06PM
Car Make: FordCar Model: Five-Hundred AWD
Auto Shop: Home
Purchased 4 new rotors and brakes shoes for total of $276.00 from Auto Zone.
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John Kim
Amount: $430.00
Posted by: John K in Closter, NJ.Posted: June 28th, 2011 02:06PM
Car Make: SubaruCar Model: Impreza WRX
Auto Shop: Private
bought 4 centric premium rotors, 4 stoptech street performance pads online.

then bought it to the shop for install. paid $160 for just the labor.
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Front Brakes and Rotor Resurfacing
Amount: $196.00
Posted by: Kgirl in Brea, CA.Posted: July 6th, 2011 03:07PM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Corolla
Auto Shop: Big O Tires
I wasn't sure about the price but Big O Tires generally have good prices and I was getting my front tires changed anyway.
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Frozen Right Brake Caliber
Amount: $720.00
Posted by: Pie in Boston, MA.Posted: July 23rd, 2011 04:07AM
Car Make: 325XICar Model:
Auto Shop: BMW
I had a frozen right brake caliber. The parts are BMW parts.
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Front + rear pads & all rotors resurfaced
Amount: $501.00
Posted by: Ht in Van nuys, CA.Posted: August 11th, 2011 07:08PM
Car Make: Toyota sequoiaCar Model:
Auto Shop: Brake masters
Front. 151 parts + 131 labor + 15 each rotor labor
Rear. 121 parts + 100 labor + 15 each rotor labor
Plus sales tax $24.

I feel it's high.
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New front rotors and brake pads
Amount: $285.00
Posted by: a user in Cherry Hill, NJ.Posted: August 19th, 2011 01:08PM
Car Make: HyundaiCar Model: Accent
Auto Shop: Conte
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Front Pads & Rotors. Replaced 2 Exhaust Hangers & an Oil Change
Amount: $485.00
Posted by: RVB in Saint Louis, MO.Posted: October 4th, 2011 12:10PM
Car Make: ChevyCar Model: Monte Carlo
Auto Shop: St Louis
I thought this was HIGH until I start looking around and finding that it wasn\'t... ( i guess )
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Front brakes, rotors and pads
Amount: $577.00
Posted by: i8breaks in Andover, MA.Posted: November 5th, 2011 02:11PM
Car Make: 2006 SaabCar Model: 93
Auto Shop: Woodworth Saab dealership
Spent waaay too much! I had thought it was both sets of breaks but it was only for the front ones. Horrible, never go to a dealer.
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Front brake pads
Amount: $53.00
Posted by: Robins in cary, NC.Posted: January 22nd, 2012 10:01PM
Car Make: 04 hondaCar Model: civic
Auto Shop: dealership
Majority of the cost is going to be technician labor. i got 2 front brake pads at autozone for $18 with lifetime warranty and i took it to dealer and they charged me $35 dollars for the install. so go ahead and pick up the parts and take it to a decent shop and save you a lot of money!!!
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