How much does brake pad replacement cost in the UK?

Last Updated on February 17, 2023

How much does brake replacement cost?

The average cost of brake replacement ranges from £104 to £134 for the front ones and £99 to £129 for the rear ones. In a full brake job, brake pad and disc replacement costs start at £189 to £239 for the front components and £184 to £234 for the rear ones. However, the service is more expensive for high-performance vehicles, reaching £350 for front or rear pads.

It's important to note that the cost of replacement parts, such as brake pads and rotors, will 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 disc, which turns the wheels. Every time you hit the brakes, the calliper presses the brake pads to the disc, and upon contact, slows down the vehicle. 

Once your brake pads are worn out, you lose your brakes. Worn-out brake pads will cause further damage to your calliper and disc, 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

Here's a table showing how much are new brake pads:

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. 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.

2. Reduced braking performance

Once your brake pads have started to wear out, you'll notice a decrease in braking performance while driving. It's not always palpable, but you'll gradually need to press the brakes harder to stop efficiently. Worn-out brake pads might also cause your car to pull to the left or right every time you brake. 

3. Soft and spongy brakes

When your brake pedal feels soft or spongey and goes lower than it should, it's a great time to speak to a mechanic and get a quote for either front or rear brake pad replacement costs. Perhaps your brake pads are getting too worn out and almost past the point of no return. Or your braking system might have underlying problems.

4. 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, chronic squealing/grinding indicates that your brake pads have worn out and need to be replaced asap. 

Brake pad manufacturers create brake wear indicators that cause squealing or grinding sounds when your brake pads have worn down to a certain length. Ignoring them causes brake pads to be ground into nothing, which makes you lose all braking power. 

Factors affecting brake pad replacement costs

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 £210 to £263. The total cost of brake pad and disc replacement for all four wheels is £373 to £474.

Type of brake pads

Most consumer vehicles use either only disc brakes on all four wheels or a combination of both disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear. Disc and drum brake prices are usually the same. But since cars typically have disc brakes on the front, these have to be replaced more often.

Vehicle make, model, and size

It would cost more to replace the brake pads of a supercar or a pick-up truck 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

• Your type of brake pads - either disc or drum

• Your car's make and model

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

• Your preferred schedule and budget

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.