Brake Pad Replacement Cost
Brake pad replacement is one of the most common — and most upsold — repairs. A standard pad-only job on one axle should be quick and inexpensive.
Fair total cost
$138–$405
Parts
$50–$150
Labor time
0.8–1.5 hrs
Shop rate
$110–$170/hr
Common symptoms
- Squealing or grinding when braking
- Brake-pad wear indicator on the dash
- Longer stopping distance
What a fair quote includes
- New pads on one axle (front OR rear)
- Caliper slide pin lubrication
- Brake hardware clips when needed
Red flags to watch for
- Rotors automatically replaced without a thickness measurement
- Calipers replaced without seized-piston evidence
- Brake fluid flush bundled in without justification
FAQs
Do rotors always need to be replaced with pads?
No. If rotors are above the minimum thickness stamped on them and not warped, they can be reused or resurfaced.
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