How much does brake pad replacement cost?

The average cost of replacing your brake pads ranges from $130 to $400 per wheel axle. This covers only the brake pads. In a full brake job, brake pad and rotor replacement costs start at $300 to $350 per axle and can rise to around $600 or more. 

However, the service costs more for high-performance vehicles, European models, or those serviced at a dealership, where hourly labour rates can reach $325. In contrast, independent repairers may charge closer to $200 per hour. Costs can also increase depending on whether you choose genuine OEM parts or more affordable aftermarket or OE alternatives.

In short, the cost of replacement parts, such as brake pads and rotors, will ultimately depend on your vehicle type. Area-specific labour rates also affect brake pad replacement costs.

What are brake pads, and why are they important?

Brake pads are an integral part of your car's braking system. Simply put, they act as the cushion that stops your wheels from spinning. Your brake pads are attached to the calliper, which is attached to the rotor, which turns the wheels. Every time you hit the brakes, the calliper presses the brake pads to the rotor, and upon contact, slows down the vehicle. 

Once your brake pads are worn out, you could lose your brakes. Worn-out brake pads will cause further damage to your calliper and rotor, and you might end up in a fatal accident. When you think about it, brake pad change costs are a small price to pay for your safety. If you’re wondering how much brake pads cost to replace, you can refer to the price lists below. 

Brake pad replacement price list

This table shows the average cost of replacing your brake pads per axle. Since this job typically takes about an hour per axle, the total price often includes both the cost of parts and roughly an hour’s worth of labour.

New brake pad installation. (Source: iStock)

Labour cost estimates for brake pad replacement

Here's a table showing the average brake service cost in your city:

What are the signs of worn brake pads?

Here are some indications that it's time to replace your car’s brake pads:

1. Electric brake sensor warning

In some car models, the very first thing you’ll notice is a service warning light on your dashboard, triggered by an electric brake sensor. This means your brake pads are wearing thin, and it’s time to visit your dealer or local mechanic to get them inspected and quoted for replacement.

2. Faulty brake warning lights

You'll often encounter this when you start your car and your handbrake is engaged or when you're low on brake fluid. Usually, this disappears after releasing the handbrake or replenishing your brake fluid. However, if your brake warning light continues to stay on, your braking system might have issues. These could be anything from a worn-out brake pad or something more serious. Immediately get hold of a mechanic for your safety.

3. Reduced braking performance

Brake pads don’t typically cause noticeable braking issues unless they’re completely worn down past the manufacturer’s minimum thickness, usually around 2mm to 3mm (from the starting 12mm to 13mm). In some cases, if you find yourself needing to press the brake pedal harder to stop, the issue may not be the pads themselves but rather a problem with the power-assisted braking system. 

Worn-out pads, however, can sometimes cause your car to pull to the left or right when braking, especially if one side is more worn than the other. Either way, it’s worth having a mechanic check things out.

4. Soft and spongy brakes

When your brake pedal feels soft or spongy and goes lower than it should, it’s a clear sign to speak to a mechanic. While it’s possible that your brake pads are worn down, this issue may also point to a problem with your brake fluid, such as low levels or air in the brake lines. It’s best to get a quote and have the entire braking system inspected to pinpoint the exact cause.

5. Squealing and grinding noises when braking

Squealing or grinding noises are sometimes caused by small rocks stuck in your braking system. They usually go away once the braking system grinds up the particles. However, these sounds are more often a warning sign of worn-out brake pads. When the pad material wears down completely, the metal backing plate can come into direct contact with the rotor, creating a harsh grinding noise.

Many brake pads are also fitted with metal wear indicators that produce a high-pitched squeal once the pads reach a certain wear level. Ignoring them causes brake pads to be ground into nothing, which could lead to losing all braking power.

Factors affecting brake pad replacement costs

Mechanic installs new brake pads. (Source: iStock)

Number of brake pads

How much does it cost to replace four brake pads? Based on the earlier price estimates, the projected cost to replace all four brake pads is between $520 to $1,200. The total cost of brake pad and rotor replacement for all four wheels can vary widely, ranging from the low thousands for standard vehicles to well over $10,000 for high-performance or luxury models.

Type of brake pads

Most consumer vehicles use either disc brakes on all four wheels or a combination of disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear. But since the front brakes handle most of the stopping power, they typically wear out faster and need more frequent replacement.

Brake pads also come in different materials. Standard friction materials, like organic or semi-metallic pads, are common in everyday vehicles and offer reliable stopping power at an affordable price. On the higher end, ceramic and carbon-ceramic brake pads are designed for performance vehicles. They’re more expensive upfront, but last significantly longer and provide better heat resistance and braking consistency.

Vehicle make, model, and size

It would cost more to replace a supercar or pick-up truck brake pads than a mid-sized sedan or a small, entry-level hatchback. Size is a factor since a bigger vehicle by size or by horsepower requires stronger, heavy-duty brake pads to operate safely. Also, more expensive car brands and models tend to have pricier parts. 

Post a task for brake pad replacement

Car ownership requires time, commitment, and willingness to spend a bit here and there to keep your ride in good condition. Spending on car repair and maintenance is a small price to pay when it comes to safety and reliability. All you have to do is to book a brake pad replacement service from nearby professionals through Airtasker!

Just log on, post a task, and await offers from nearby Taskers. Airtasker’s rating system enables you to review each Tasker's credentials and previous reviews. When requesting a quote on brake pad replacement costs, indicate the following:

• Signs of worn-out brake pads that you've noticed (e.g., noises, dashboard warnings, soft brakes)

• Your type of brake pads - either disc, drum, or a combination of both

• Your car's make and model

• The last time you replaced your brake pads (if applicable)

• Your preferred schedule and budget

• Whether they’re checking both front and rear axles

Be sure to include other essential details for your prospective Tasker. This helps them give you accurate price estimates and prepare all the tools they need to do the job well.