You can take care of your car, but at some point, it will need brake pads replaced. So how much does a front brake job cost, what does it involve?
In this guide, I’m evaluating the average cost of a front brake job. I’m also trying to determine what cost will go up if any additional parts are needed like rotors and calipers.
How Much Does a Front Brake Job Cost?
Generally, a front brake job cost between $110 and $250 without brake rotors. The average amount you’d expect for the parts on the front brakes would be about $35 to $100. Labor will run you somewhere between $75 and $150 on average, based on your location and your vehicles type.
You can expect to pay an additional $25 to $85 per rotor for parts if you need a set of rotors for the job. For service work, the basic labor cost for the brake pads and rotors is typically $125 to $250 per axle, meaning it’ll usually cost double for a full four-wheel brake job since most vehicles have two axles.
The most expensive item to replace is usually the caliper. A caliper could run you as high as $125 each just for the part. Therefore, a full front brake job (pads, rotors and calipers if needed) could run you between $250 and $900.
If you are able to do any of the work yourself, you will save a great deal of money. The part cost is not what ultimately drives the bill higher, it’s the labor cost that is major portion of what you are paying for.
Factors Affecting Brake Replacement Cost
1. Vehicle Type.
The type of vehicle you drive affects your brake costs. For example, you are not going to pay the same in brake maintenance for your little car as you would your larger diesel truck.
Brake costs are directly affects by the weight and size of vehicle. Often times brake prices for heavier vehicle such as a truck that is larger will cost more than a sedan or smaller vehicle.
2. Vehicle Brand.
The vehicle brand also is an important factor because of their nature, American-made vehicles usually will cost less for brake service than a European vehicles – Audi, Mercedes, VW, BMW, etc.
Related to this will be the costs for impact on brake related parts and the potential to need a qualified mechanic with a specialized background in your vehicle’s braking system.
On some occasions these specialized mechanics will cost more per hour compared to what a typical mechanic would charge, that said depending on the vehicle, brake repair could cost more based on this labor (hourly) rates.
3. Shop Type.
The shop type is a significant factor, always in conjunction with the prior factor. If and when your local auto repair shop is employing entry-level technicians, you can expect to pay less for your brake service.
If you engage a dealership or a specialized shops you will usually pay more, in theory depending on shop level of expertise – the peace of mind of expertise with a warranty could make up for the difference.
When considering brake repair and/or brake service, you might want to think about finding a reputable repair shop with consideration of shop level of expertise.
4. Shop Area.
In addition to shop type, it is also equally important to consider the area the shop is situated, simply put if you live in a more rural shop that might use labor (hourly) rates that would be lower than expected.
If living in a big urban location expect higher labor costs. There are also states in the US where you can expect to pay more on average in labor (hourly) rate.
5. Brake Materials.
Brake pads are made from a number of materials so material selected will matter in your financial contribution to brake cost.
The way you expand your options depending costs is you can move to organic, semi-metallic, or ceramic brakes, each having a price implication. If you get premium you will pay more, this applies to whatever economy of your new OEM parts.
How Often Should Front Brakes be Changed?
Most front brakes need replacement between 30,000 to 70,000 miles. Some brake pads need to be changed after 25,000 miles and others easily over 70,000 miles. Observing the symptoms of bad brakes will tell you when a front brake job needs to occur.
If you experience grinding, squeaking or squealing when pressing the brake pedal, you want to have the pads inspected right away. Driving on a bad brake pad can cause wear on another more critical component, the rotor.
Not only are you putting your safety at risk by driving around with less stopping time, you are also increasing your total repair bill by wearing out brake rotors.
The good news is that rotors typically don’t need replacement. A lot of times if the rotor has minimal wear it can be turned and resurfaced for continued use. This is much cheaper than having to buy rotors.
Factors Affecting Brake Change Frequency
1. Materials.
Brakes affect costs and durability. If your semi-metallic brake pads are replaced with high-carbon, severe-duty pads, expect them to last longer.
You pay for quality brake pads. For instance, ceramic pads create less dust and are quieter, but aren’t as good with braking, and they’re more expensive.
It will be important to pick materials based on your budget, wants, and how often you want to replace brakes.
2. Driving Habits.
Riding brake pedals means you will need to change them more often; if you are hard on the brakes every stop, you can expect the same.
To extend the life of brake pads you need to be braking less and coasting more frequently than stopping. You also want to apply consistent, soft pressure when it is time to stop.
Also, the wear and tear on brakes can increase with towing and heavy hauling. If every time you stop while towing or hauling you are putting the brakes to stress.
So brakes are going to wear out significantly faster than someone driving a small compact car with no weight loaded.
3. Environment.
If you are driving daily, commuting mostly on the highway, the average person driving in a city, with lots of stop-and-go, is going to go through brakes significantly sooner than you.
Likewise, for you living in an area that is mountainous, you will have to ride your brakes more often to reduce speed going downhill. The more you have to ride the brakes, means the more wear & tear to brakes.