| |
|
 |  | At a Repair Shop: $130-$800 per axle |  | At a Car Dealership: $350-$850 per axle |
|
Brake pads can last tens of thousands of miles but they wear down over time, and should be inspected and replaced when needed. Brake rotors/discs (the part the pads rub against to stop the vehicle) may last through two or three sets of pads before needing to be replaced; slightly scratched rotors can sometimes be resurfaced (shaving off enough metal to make them smooth again). A brake caliper holds the brake pad and piston in place around the rotor; a caliper typically lasts longer than pads or rotors, but may need replacing if sticking or leaking brake fluid.
Typical costs: |
- Brake repairs typically cost $130-$900 per axle, depending on the make and model of the vehicle and what is included -- whether it is only a basic inspection and brake pad replacement or if it includes replacing pads and either resurfacing or replacing rotors; or if it includes pads, rotors, calipers and flushing the brake fluid system. Prices are typically higher at car dealerships than at standard repair shops (such as independent or chain car-repair companies, or muffler or tire shops).
- For example, from 2010 to 2012 CostHelper readers reported paying $140-$799 for an average of $349 for brake repairs on one axle in standard repair shops; or $350-$850 at dealerships for an average of $504.
- For work on front and back brakes, CostHelper readers reported paying $273-$1,025 for an average of $567 at standard repair shops, or $280-$935 for an average of $578 at dealerships.
- Repairs tend to be more expensive on vehicles with higher initial purchase prices; these sometimes have more complex systems that require more labor. For example, a CostHelper reader reported paying $965 for front and back brake pads and front rotors on a Mercedes.
Related articles: Wheel Alignment, Replacing a CV Boot, Replacing a Timing Belt, Tires, Oil Change
|
|
What should be included: |
- A brake job typically includes road testing the vehicle to check its current operating condition; removing the wheels and inspecting the brake pads, rotors, bearings and calipers; inspecting and/or replacing brake hoses, mounting clips, anti-rattle shims and brake pads; cleaning the components; inspecting and possibly resurfacing or replacing the brake rotors; and cleaning and repacking bearings. Nevada Mobile Automotive service describes what should be included[1] .
- Most front-wheel drive cars have hub bearings, which are typically inspected and replaced if necessary, rather than being serviced. Some vehicles also require a hydraulic brake system flush.
- Brakes may need to be replaced when the wheels make a high-pitched screeching or grinding noise; if the brakes fail to slow or stop the car normally; if the brake pedal slowly drops to the floor after the brakes are engaged; if the vehicle pulls to one side while braking; or if vibrations can be felt from the pedal while the brakes are applied. DriverSide.com explains how to know[2] when it is time to change brake pads.
Discounts: |
- Some repair shops offer discounts for AAA[3] members.
- Edmunds provides do-it-yourself instructions[4] for replacing brake pads, calling it an "easier-than-expected DIY project" that requires standard tools and takes about an hour, for a savings of about $250 in labor costs on most cars. CostHelper readers report paying $23-$285 for an average of $104 for materials for brakes on one axle, and $135-$439 for all parts for both front and back brakes, for an average of $304.
- CostHelper readers who bought the needed replacement parts and then paid a mobile mechanic or one at a local shop or gas station to install them report total costs of $80-$430, for an average of $251.
Shopping for brakes: |
- Ask for details about why the brake parts need replacing, and the quality of the replacements (whether they are made by the original vehicle manufacturer or are manufactured by another company). The Family Handyman magazine describes potential brake-job rip-offs[5] .
- The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence provides a searchable directory[6] of certified shops.
- Consumer Reports lists tips for finding a good mechanic[7] .
|
| |
|
|
|
CostHelper News
| 
7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
| | 
7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
Page 9 of 9 - << Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
|
| Posted by: Lisa H. in Alexandria, VA. | Posted: October 17th, 2021 04:10PM |
| Car Make: 2006 Chevy | Car Model: Malibu LT |
| Auto Shop: Yates Automotive |
|
|
| Posted by: Athena1318 in Lake City, FL. | Posted: May 6th, 2020 11:05AM |
| Car Make: Lexus | Car Model: Gs 300 |
| Auto Shop: Wishes Auto |
|
|
| Posted by: Heidi L. in Naples, FL. | Posted: March 25th, 2020 04:03PM |
| Car Make: Honda | Car Model: CRV |
| Auto Shop: Kurt’s Automotive |
A coupon for Kurt's Automotive came up so I went to his shop to get a second opinion from what the dealership told me for a free brake job inspection. He told me of ways he could save me on cost where no other repair shop would probably offer this information. Kind of reminds me of back in the old days. He gave me printed estimates and decided to have him do the job because the estimates he gave me were right on spot with driverside.com, actually driverside was just a tad more expensive than Kurt's estimate and decided to have Kurt do the work. Entering the shop this morning there was a customer waiting and we got to talking and he had told me he would go to no other shop but this one and proceeded to give me tidbits on how you can tell if it is a good shop. I decided to add on a service, brake flush, and Kurt showed me I did need one per a test he had, so I had that done. The cost exceeded my expectations, because I actually thought in the end it would be a little more than the |
|
|
| Posted by: Heidi L. in Naples, FL. | Posted: March 17th, 2020 06:03PM |
| Car Make: Honda | Car Model: CRV |
| Auto Shop: Germain Honda of naples |
This is the estimate they gave me. Breakdown is brake fluid exchange would be 134.95 (too much it seems). front brake pads and resurface rotors $249.95 and same amount for the rear. Problem is my rotors might not need resurfacing, hope they don’t charge me for that. |
|
|
| Posted by: Lisa Gialucci in Kenneth City, FL. | Posted: November 6th, 2019 12:11PM |
| Car Make: Oldsmobile | Car Model: Alero |
| Auto Shop: Kenneth City, Fl. |
Car was making a thumping sound in R. front tire, with every rotation-very annoying and not so much when the brakes were engaged very
much. Glad it’s fixed . |
|
|
| Posted by: CaliSunshine in Columbus, OH. | Posted: November 17th, 2018 11:11AM |
| Car Make: Honda 2012 | Car Model: Civic LX |
| Auto Shop: Independent |
Replaced all four pads in little over an hour. Pads bought at Advance Auto. Mechanic works full time for some company but also has his own shop at his home. |
|
|
| Posted by: J.Wade in Columbia, MD. | Posted: May 11th, 2018 12:05PM |
| Car Make: Honda | Car Model: CRV |
| Auto Shop: Jim Coleman |
Car had noise when applying brakes. (No service lights on.) Went back to dealership and was charged $1440.00 for inspection, rear pads and rotors brake fluid and left rear caliper. |
|
|
| Posted by: NJDealGuy in Langhorne, PA. | Posted: February 20th, 2018 08:02AM |
| Car Make: Honda | Car Model: Accord LX 2010 |
| Auto Shop: Craigslist & Advance Auto Parts |
My strategy whenever I feel theres a problem with the car is to first take it to a dealer that tests and diagnoses what needs to be done (such as brakes, alternator, etc). Was quoted approx $850 by the Honda dealer in this case to replace all brake pads and rotors on my car (and in addition suggested calipers, and other shocks/struts bs). Then went to advance auto parts with 20% off coupon and purchased front/back premium wearever brand ceramic brake pads and 4 rotors and a can of brake fluid for approximately $205 in total including tax.
Found a 'mobile mechanic' who came to my place on craigslist who was a professional that actually works for a dealer and does this work for some side income and did the replacement work for me and charged $70 (and took about 2 hours for him to do the work).
I've used this strategy for several different things as needed over the years and believe it is the way to avoid getting ripped off and also have control over what is being done on the car |
|
|
| Posted by: a user in houston, TX. | Posted: July 22nd, 2017 08:07PM |
| Car Make: nissan | Car Model: pathfinder |
| Auto Shop: sears |
Fair price for what they did ceramic pads and used 80 dollar coupon found online |
|
|
| Posted by: DRIVING MACHINE in Oakland, CA. | Posted: March 13th, 2017 03:03PM |
| Car Make: Lincoln | Car Model: MKS |
| Auto Shop: Dealership |
New front brake pads, new rotors, brake component test, system inspection and road testing. Only original Lincoln Motor Company parts were used. I feel it may look price first but not that expensive if I compare other luxury car brand. Pads come with lifetime warranty, rotors come with 2 yrs warranty |
|
|
| Posted by: Siameezkat in Indianapolis, IN. | Posted: March 7th, 2017 06:03AM |
| Car Make: Infiniti | Car Model: G35 |
| Auto Shop: Infiniti |
Sooooo took my Infiniti to Meinkie and they replaced the back brakes a month later I smell something burning so caliper on passengers side was stuck, they gave me some line about it was some electrical problem that made my emergency brake engage. Yeah right....so I take it to Infiniti and they say I need new brake pads, rotors and calipers and might as well do the other side to. Haven't got the bill yet but looks like around 1500 not to mention the job I paid for at Meinke around 400.00! |
|
|
| Posted by: frustratedHondaOwner in Santa Clara, CA. | Posted: July 23rd, 2016 05:07PM |
| Car Make: Honda | Car Model: Accord 2012 LXP |
| Auto Shop: Japanese Beatle |
Man our 2012 Honda ACcord LX-P is only 6 years old but I can't count how many times we've had to change the brake pads! Finally switched to a local mechanic instead of paying dealership prices. This was for the rear brake pads. REally liked the mechanic at this place, Japanese Beatle. I also asked his advice about some scratches on the bumper and he told me the local Maaco sometimes has bumper specials, which I might try to catch sometime. |
|
|
| Posted by: James C in Chicago, IL. | Posted: June 23rd, 2016 12:06AM |
| Car Make: Cadillac | Car Model: CTS4 |
| Auto Shop: Grossinger AutoPlex |
Made decision to use dealer thinking warranty would help,...my mistake, should have said no on estimate, but I was traveling and in a rush.
Would have been cheaper at independent shop in Chicago |
|
|
| Posted by: Jeffrey G in Deerfield beach, FL. | Posted: June 10th, 2016 12:06PM |
| Auto Shop: Mobile mechanic |
Had my friend replace the rear brake rotors on my toyota highlander 4 cyl. |
|
|
| Posted by: Mercedes88 in King of Prussia, PA. | Posted: April 7th, 2016 11:04AM |
| Car Make: Mercedes | Car Model: 560SL |
| Auto Shop: MIDAS |
Rebate of $100.00 on installation of $724.48. Mercedes dealer in West Chester, PA quoted a price of $540.00 for front pads and brakes?? Pep Boys quoted a price of $496.00?????? |
|
|
| Posted by: van81 in yonkers, NY. | Posted: April 6th, 2016 12:04PM |
| Car Make: dodge | Car Model: durango |
| Auto Shop: mavis |
I bought this car used. now a year later and I have to repair breaks. I so feel the dealership, should pay. |
|
|
| Posted by: dcw in marion, VA. | Posted: March 29th, 2016 01:03PM |
| Car Make: Honda | Car Model: Accord EXL |
I bought new rotors and pads. Paid 85.00 for the labor to install. I could have bought cheaper parts but paid extra for low dust pads and rust resistant rotors |
|
|
| Posted by: Toeser in The Villages, FL. | Posted: March 11th, 2016 10:03AM |
| Car Make: Subaru | Car Model: Outback |
| Auto Shop: NAPA |
Pads were an upgrade from basic. I probably could have done better, but don't know any service providers in the area. |
|
|
| Posted by: Yoder in Pueblo, CO. | Posted: February 9th, 2016 01:02PM |
| Car Make: VW | Car Model: Jetta |
| Auto Shop: DIY |
Let the car sit for two years and rotors and breaks were nice and rusted. Couldn't get the wheels off so I paid $14 for a tire rotation and they quoted me $350 for all pads and rotors. I still thought that was way too much.
Front Ceramics - $34.36
Rear Ceramics - $20.83
Front Rotors - $24.14x2
Rear Rotors - $15.82x2
plus about 2 hours of my labor as the rotors were rusted to the hub as well.
Then paid $40 to the same shop to bleed the brakes and I supplied them with the brake fluid.
First time ever changing the brakes and they stop better than when I fist got the car, just do a little research and go for it. |
|
|
| Posted by: TAS in sparta, NJ. | Posted: February 2nd, 2016 06:02AM |
| Car Make: Infiniti | Car Model: Q45 |
| Auto Shop: Home-self |
I do my own brakes not only to save money, but to do it right, I drive high miles. Poor jobs can squeak, rust out your calipers and damage ABS. I did a full rear job, fully rebuilt calipers (one stuck, did both sides), new rotors, pads, shims, fluid flush/bleed. Took 4 hrs going slow, longest time to rebuild calipers. Costs: Caliper rebuild kit ($5 x 2) Caliper piston ($14 x 2) Caliper giude pins w grease ($12 x 2) ceramic pads ($27 set) rear rotors ($23 x 2) brake fluid, 32 oz ($7) pad quiet spray ($6) brake cleaner ($6). Did proper job, following the vehicle specific repair manual. I found garages lack diligence and skip steps. DO IT RIGHT, do it yourself! |
|
|
| Posted by: Stuart Z in Columbus, OH. | Posted: January 27th, 2016 03:01PM |
| Car Make: Toyota | Car Model: Celica GTS |
| Auto Shop: Voss Toyota |
My son reported "squishy" brakes. In addition, I heard an odd sound from the right rear tire area. Upon taking our car to the Toyota dealer (I have a Platinum maintenance warranty good until 5 years 2017 or 100K miles, now at 4 years and 70K miles) it was determined that lack of tire rotation caused uneven wear on the right rear, producing the odd rotational noise. The brake issue was determined to be a frozen right front caliper. The work include resurfacing 2 front rotors, installation of 2 new pads, shims, and a new right front caliper. Total parts $209.19 labor $227.50. A discount was applied since I had a few more items taken care of plus oil and power steering flush/fluid, cabin air filter, removal of dysfunctional power antenna, and tire rotation. Sure - dealerships cost more....but with my warranty I did the only prudent thing! |
|
|
| Posted by: Liz4rmLA in Northridge, CA. | Posted: January 18th, 2016 06:01PM |
| Auto Shop: L.B. Auto Service |
Very nice. Showed me what he was going to do and what was wrong. Took a few hours since they were busy and gave me a lift home so I wouldn't have to wait there. |
|
|
| Posted by: Neatfix in Monmouth Junction, NJ. | Posted: September 9th, 2015 11:09AM |
| Car Make: Subaru | Car Model: 2003 Legacy wagon |
STS tire and auto worked fast, did a good job, finishing in aboult an hour. Charged $114 for quick work, $89.95 for pads and $120 for two new disc rotors. Professional treatment. |
|
|
| Posted by: DJones in Minneapolis, MN. | Posted: September 4th, 2015 07:09AM |
| Auto Shop: National Tire & Battery |
Sept 2015, not 2014 -Quoted $325 when I purchased new tires. Returned 2 weeks later quoted $395. Negotiated $350. Then found on line a coupon @ Tires Plus for $60 off per axel. Pays to shop around. |
|
|
| Posted by: TJ WV in Wheeling, WV. | Posted: July 15th, 2015 02:07AM |
| Auto Shop: Straub Nissan |
Overcharged. Bought the car there and went back for "free" state inspection. They placed a rejection sticker on the car which gave me 5 days to repair. Scheduled the work there, quoted $350. Charged $130 more than quoted. Never again! |
|
|
| Posted by: Dawn Boline in Spokane, WA. | Posted: July 10th, 2015 07:07AM |
| Car Make: Saturn | Car Model: Ls |
They didn't make any noise or go to the floor |
|
|
| Posted by: Chris, Germany in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Other. | Posted: July 9th, 2015 03:07AM |
| Car Make: BMW | Car Model: 325xi |
| Auto Shop: Bosch Auto Services |
Sensor came on but nothing felt wrong while on the autobahn. Took it to the Bosch shop in my hometown and got the call for 800Euro. Seems the discs weren't thin or warped but "damaged/old." The good news is they had new QuietCast(TM) Premium Rotors and Pads in. Spent two days in the shop. |
|
|
Page 9 of 9 - << Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
|
|
|
|
|
External Resources: |
- www.nvmobileautoservice.com/blog/2010/11/16/What-Is-Included-In-A-Complete-Brake-J...
- www.driverside.com/auto-library/car_brakes_how_do_you_know_when_to_change_them-22
- www.aaa.com/scripts/WebObjects.dll/ZipCode.woa/wa/route?stop=yes&
- www.edmunds.com/how-to/how-to-change-your-brake-pads.html
- www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Home-Repair/Vehicle-Repairs/Auto-Repair-Tips/a...
- www.ase.com/Landing-Pages/Car-Owners/Find-a-Repair-Shop/Shop-Locator.aspx
- www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/how-to-find-a-great-car-mechanic/index.htm
More Cars Topics
|
Search Thousands of Topics on CostHelper.com
|
Post
