How Much Does It Cost To Replace Brake Pads On A Car?
The braking system in your car is made up of several components that, like many other vehicle parts, wear out and must be replaced over time. Driving without working brakes jeopardizes your safety.
It is critical to maintain the braking system on your vehicle. A number of factors influence the cost of a brake job. This article will provide information on the factors that influence the cost of a brake job, as well as other relevant information.
But first, let’s look at what goes into a typical automobile braking system.
Components of a Typical Car Braking System
While there is some variation across several car models, most braking systems include:
- Brake Lines: Most cars have a hydraulic system that uses fluid to transfer pressure to the brake pedal. The brake lines transport brake fluid to the calipers.
- Brake Pads: Brake pads are made of steel and have friction material on their surface. When you depress the brake pedal, it presses against the rotor, causing friction and slowing or stopping the vehicle.
- The rotor is a bowl-shaped component that is attached to the wheel.
- Brake Calipers: They assist in pressing the brake pads against the rotors to slow or stop the vehicle.
What’s the Average Cost for Brake Pad Replacement?
Brake replacement parts typically cost between $35 and $150, while labor costs between $80 and $150.
A typical brake pad replacement job would cost between $120 and $300 per axle. Keep in mind that this is only an average; you could pay less. Meanwhile, a brake job can cost up to $600 or more, depending on what needs to be replaced.
Repair costs can easily exceed $1000 if you drive a high-end or performance vehicle with larger brakes. A number of factors influence the cost of replacing brake pads. Continue reading to learn about some of these.
How Much Does a Four-Wheel Brake Job Cost?
A complete brake job will averagely cost you between $400 – $500 per wheel. For all four-wheel, you’d spend about $1,600 on brake repair. However, the cost should be slightly less if you only replace brake pads and rotors.
Factors Affecting Brake Pad Replacement Cost
Vehicle Make and Model
The cost of a brake pad replacement job is affected by factors such as part availability, luxury level, and year of manufacture. Some older vehicles have out-of-stock parts and must rely on fabricated brake pads.
Other vehicles, on the other hand, require shipping their brake pads to avoid damaging other components if the wrong brake pads are used.
DIY Brake Repair
If you’re familiar with brakes, a brake repair job could be a piece of cake. However, as you progress to procedures such as replacing the brake rotor and caliper, it may become intimidating.
Depending on your mechanical skills, you can decide how much of the brake repair you can do yourself before seeking professional assistance. A do-it-yourself repair saves you money on car brake pad replacement.
Other factors that affect your brake pad replacement cost include:
- The quality of the brake pads you want
- Your mechanic’s rate
- The type of brakes you have (drum or disk)
- The time it takes to remove the old brakes
What Differentiates Brake Pads from Rotors?
Brake rotors are metallic discs that are attached to each wheel’s axle and rotate in tandem with the car wheel. Brake rotors are the components on which your car’s brake pads clamp to prevent the wheel from moving.
Rotors, like brake pads, wear out over time. If you live in Souderton, PA, and need brake pads and rotors repaired, call StarBrite Express Lube & Automotive Repair for an excellent repair job.
How Long Before I Need to Change My Brake Pads?
Quality brake pads can last anywhere between 20,000 and 70,000 miles. However, the duration of use varies, as some high-performance vehicles wear out their brake pads in less than 20,000 miles.
Factors Affecting Brake Pad Longevity
- Driving Habits: Riding the brakes and sudden applications can cause the brake pads to wear out faster.
- Driving Environment: Hilling environments or traffic situations where you have to use the brakes often and control downhill speeds can shorten the lifespan of your brake pads.
- Materials: The manufacturing material of brake pads impacts their durability differently. You can’t compare the durability of semi-metallic brake pads to ceramic brake pads. Each material has different strengths and limitations.
- Condition of Brake Rotors and Calipers: Your brake pads work in tandem with other braking components like rotors and calipers, if they aren’t in good condition, your brake pads may wear quickly.
How Much Would Replacing Brake Pads and Rotors Cost?
If you are not performing a complete brake repair, rotor and brake pad replacement will be less expensive. Rotors cost between $30 and $75, and labor to replace brake pads and rotors costs between $150 and $200 per axle. Because brake pads cost $50 or more, you could spend $250 to $500 per wheel for brake pads and rotor replacement.
Signs Indicating Your Car is Due for Brake Pad Replacement
Several signs can indicate your car needs new brake pads, and they include:
- Vibrating brake pedal
- The indicator light on the speed gauge comes on
- Grinding metal sound
- The car leans to a side when you apply the brakes
- The brake pedal is less responsive
- Squealing or squeaking sound from the brakes
Get Professional Help for Your Braking System Maintenance and Repair
Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a professional, keep an eye on the condition of your brakes at all times. Call StarBrite Express Lube & Automotive Repair if the problem is beyond your mechanical abilities.
We offer impeccable and high-quality automotive maintenance services in addition to brake pad replacement. Our expert mechanics have many years of experience working on various vehicle types, so you can be confident that your vehicle is in excellent and safe hands.