How much does it cost to replace brake calipers and rotors?

Replacing brake calipers and rotors is one of the most common brake repairs for vehicles. As important safety components, worn out brake calipers and rotors can compromise braking performance and should be replaced. But how much does this repair typically cost?

The total cost to replace brake calipers and rotors can range from $300 to $1,500 or more, with the average cost around $700 depending on the make, model and year of the vehicle. Prices vary based on factors like:

• Labor rates at repair shops in your area
• The number of calipers and rotors needing replacement
• Whether calipers need to be rebuilt or replaced
• The quality of parts used (OEM vs aftermarket)

Getting an accurate quote tailored to your specific vehicle is the best way to estimate the total brake caliper and rotor replacement cost. But this overview will give you a general idea of average costs and what influences pricing.

Average Costs to Replace Brake Calipers

On average, the cost to replace just the brake calipers (not rotors) is typically between $200-$700 or more for all four wheels, with front calipers averaging $90-$400 each and rear calipers averaging $60-$350 each. Here are some of the factors that affect brake caliper replacement costs:

• Labor: Labor will account for a significant portion of the total caliper replacement cost, often $100 per hour or more. Front calipers take 1-3 hours per side, while rears take 0.5-2 hours per side in labor time.
• Caliper type: Rebuilding an existing caliper is cheaper than replacing it outright. But some vehicles require a full replacement.
• Location: Front calipers cost more to replace than rear calipers in most cases.
• Vehicle make/model: Luxury, performance and heavy-duty vehicles tend to have higher caliper replacement costs.

Additional charges like brake fluid flushes, brake bleeding, wheel alignments or taxes can add to the final invoice as well.

Average Costs to Replace Brake Rotors

The average cost to replace brake rotors is typically $150-$350 per axle, with front rotors averaging $80-$250 each and rear rotors averaging $70-$200 each. Labor accounts for much of the rotor replacement cost, which takes about 1-2 hours per axle. Here are some factors that influence brake rotor replacement pricing:

• Labor: Shop labor rates for removing and replacing rotors often add $100 or more per axle.
• Rotor type: Drilled/slotted performance rotors cost more than standard OEM-style solid rotors.
• Location: Front brake rotors usually cost slightly more than rear rotors to replace.
• Vehicle make/model: Trucks, SUVs and high-end vehicles tend to have pricier replacement rotors.

Additional shop fees like brake fluid flushes or taxes can raise the total price as well.

Factors That Influence Brake Caliper and Rotor Replacement Cost

Some of the main factors that determine the total cost to replace brake calipers and rotors include:

• Make/Model/Year – Luxury and high-performance vehicles are charged at higher labor rates and tend to have pricier parts.
• Location – Major metro areas have higher average labor rates, driving up costs.
• Repair shop type – Dealerships often charge more than independent shops.
• Labor rates – Shop labor rates vary greatly, from $70 per hour up to $150+ per hour.
• Parts quality – OEM parts are more expensive than aftermarket components.
• Repairs needed – A full caliper replacement costs more than a caliper rebuild.

Understanding these key factors can help you estimate the average total costs for your particular brake caliper and rotor job. Always get an itemized quote rather than a rough verbal estimate.

brake do I Need? Front, Rear or All 4 Wheels?

Whether you need to replace just the front or rear brake calipers/rotors, or require a full brake system overhaul, depends on:

• Wear patterns – Inspect rotors and calipers for uneven wear indicating a problem.
• Age/mileage – All brakes wear out eventually. Follow the factory scheduled maintenance.
• Performance issues – Symptoms like brake pulsation, squeaking or uneven braking hint at need for replacement.
• Damage – Issues like stuck calipers, leaks or impact damage necessitate replacement.

Front brakes handle the bulk of stopping power so they tend to wear out sooner. But for even brake performance, consider replacing components in pairs (both front or both rear). A full brake job with all four wheels is recommended once you reach the mileage limit or if rotors and calipers are heavily worn.

Cost to Replace Brake Calipers and Rotors by Vehicle

Brake repair costs are largely determined by your vehicle’s make and model. Here are some average price ranges for a complete brake caliper and rotor replacement by vehicle type:

Vehicle	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Total Estimate
Compact Sedan (Toyota Corolla)	$200-$400	$400-$800	$600-$1,200
Midsize Sedan (Honda Accord)	$250-$500	$400-$900	$650-$1,400
Full-size Pickup (Ford F-150)	$350-$600	$500-$1,000	$850-$1,600
Luxury SUV (Acura MDX)	$500-$800	$600-$1,200	$1,100-$2,000

Keep in mind these are just general estimates – prices can be below or above these ranges depending on your specific vehicle’s make, model and service needs.

How to Save Money on Brake Caliper and Rotor Replacement

While a brake caliper and rotor replacement is not a cheap job, there are some ways you can save money on the repair:

• Shop around for quotes – Prices can vary over $200 between shops.
• Ask for OEM equivalent parts – Aftermarket parts are cheaper but offer similar quality.
• Negotiate the labor rate – Try asking for a lower hourly labor charge.
• Purchase your own parts – Supplying your own rotors and calipers cuts out parts markup.
• Ask about coupons or discounts – Many shops offer first-time customer deals.
• Time the service right – Leverage seasonal sales and skip dealer markup on parts.

With some smart negotiating and deal hunting, you could potentially save $100+ on a brake service involving caliper and rotor replacements.

Signs You Need New Brake Calipers or Rotors

Watch for these common warning signs that your brake calipers or rotors need to be replaced:

Brake Caliper Signs

• Brake fluid leaks around the caliper
• Uneven brake pad wear
• Excessive heat, seizing or sticking
• Abnormal noise or vibration
• Rust/corrosion around caliper components

Brake Rotor Signs

• High-pitched squeaking or squealing while braking
• Thumping or pulsating brake pedal
• Visible irregular wear patterns on rotor surface
• Excessive rusting and corrosion on rotors
• Brake dust buildup on wheels

Promptly replacing worn parts as soon as you notice these symptoms can restore safe braking performance. Delaying needed repairs will only cause further damage over time.

How Often to Replace Brake Calipers

Brake calipers typically last anywhere from 30,000 miles to 70,000 miles before needing rebuilt or replaced. The front calipers tend to wear out sooner than the rear. Sticking with scheduled brake fluid flushes helps extend caliper lifespan. On higher-mileage vehicles, a preventive brake caliper replacement can be done during a major service to avoid getting stranded by a failed part later on.

How Often to Replace Brake Rotors

Most brake rotors need replacement every 50,000-70,000 miles on average. Aggressive driving can shorten rotor life. Rotors should always be replaced in pairs – never just one. Neglecting to replace severely worn rotors causes accelerated wear on the new pads. For optimal brake system health, replace rotors and pads simultaneously.

Brake Caliper and Rotor Replacement Process

Completing a brake caliper and rotor replacement yourself requires automotive experience. Without the right tools and expertise, it’s recommended you have a professional mechanic complete the brake service. But here is an overview of the general process:

1. Lift the vehicle using a hydraulic jack or hoist.
2. Remove the wheel to access the brake components.
3. Unfasten the caliper anchor bolts and slide it off the rotor. Hang it securely.
4. Detach the rotor from the wheel hub and slide it off.
5. Thoroughly clean the wheel hub surface where the new rotor contacts.
6. Install the new rotor and secure it with lug nuts.
7. Inspect, rebuild or replace the caliper as needed.
8. Reinstall the caliper and tighten the anchor bolts to spec.
9. Repeat steps for any remaining rotors/calipers being replaced.
10. Flush old brake fluid and refill the system, then bleed the brakes.
11. Road test the vehicle to ensure proper braking function.

Proper bedding of new brake pads against rotors is also critical. Follow the pad manufacturer’s recommendations for bedding to ensure optimal performance.

FAQ About Replacing Brake Calipers and Rotors

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about replacing brake calipers and rotors:

Should rotors be replaced in pairs?

Yes, it’s recommended to always replace rotors in pairs on the same axle to prevent uneven brake wear.

Do I have to replace calipers when replacing rotors?

Not necessarily. Calipers can be inspected and reused if in good working order. But worn calipers should be rebuilt or replaced when doing a rotor job.

Can I drive with a bad caliper?

It’s not recommended. A faulty caliper can lead to uneven pad wear, brake pull, overheating and extended stopping distances. Replace bad calipers promptly.

Is it cheaper to only replace front or rear brakes?

On most vehicles, only replacing the front rotors and calipers is cheaper than doing all four wheels. But for best performance, the front and rear brakes should be refreshed at the same intervals.

What tools do I need to change brake rotors?

At minimum, you’ll need a floor jack, jack stands, lug wrench, socket set, torque wrench, brake lubricant and a large C-clamp for caliper pistons.

Conclusion

A brake caliper and rotor replacement is an important service to restore safe braking function. Prices can range from $300-$1,500 or more depending on the make, model, part quality and shop rates for your vehicle. Watch for warning signs of wear like brake pulsation or leaks. For the safest results, have calipers and rotors installed by a certified professional mechanic. Following the manufacturer’s brake service intervals helps avoid premature wear and keeps your vehicle ready to stop safely.