How much does brake pad replacement cost?

Ignoring your car’s faulty brake pads can be dangerous, especially if you frequently drive around the city during rush hour traffic. Replacing them immediately might cost you, but it’s essential for your safety. 

So, how much does it cost to replace brake pads? On average, they can range from $35 to $150 per axle, while labor can cost you $80 to $120. This brings you to a total of between $115 to $270 and up to $300 per axle. Expect higher costs for high-performance cars, especially if you opt for genuine OEM parts rather than more affordable aftermarket or OE alternatives. 

Keep reading to learn more about brake pad replacement costs to prepare your budget well if you decide to hire a mechanic or technician for this service. 

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 caliper, which is attached to the rotor, which turns the wheels. Every time you hit the brakes, the caliper presses the brake pads to the rotor, 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 caliper 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. 

Cost estimates for brake pad and rotor replacement

Here's a table showing the average cost of replacing brake pads:

 Installing new brake pads is a hands-on job that’s crucial for safe braking performance. (Source: iStock)

Brake pad replacement costs by vehicle make and model

The cost of replacement parts, such as brake pads and rotors, can also depend on your vehicle type. For instance, if you own a luxury vehicle like a BMW, it typically costs more as it requires specialized parts.

Here's a table showing the average cost of brake pad replacement, depending on the vehicle make and model:

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 spongey 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 disc, 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

 Replacing worn-out brake pads—expect to pay more if calipers or rotors need attention too. (Source: iStock)

Number of brake pads

How much does it cost to replace four brake pads? Based on earlier estimates, the projected cost to replace all four brake pads is between $460 to $1,200. Meanwhile, the total cost of brake pad and rotor replacement for all four wheels could be around $1,200 to $1,400. 

Make sure to factor in the labor cost to replace your brake pads, especially if you're replacing all of them.

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 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. 

Cars are not the only vehicles that require brake pad maintenance. Brake pads of motorcycles also require routine check-ups and maintenance. Book a mobile motorcycle mechanic near you to check on your motorcycle's brake system along with your other vehicles. 

Leave brake pad worries behind with Airtasker

Timely brake replacement helps keep your vehicle performing at its best while ensuring your safety on the road. Find skilled mechanics and technicians to replace your faulty brake pads at Airtasker. Our platform helps connect you with experts by simply posting a task indicating following details:

• Signs of brake pad problems such as noises, soft pedal, dashboard warnings
• Type of brake system — disc brakes, drum brakes, or a combination?
• Your car's make and model
• Estimated date when the brake pads were last replaced
• Your schedule and budget expectations
• Indicate if the inspection and replacement require both the front and rear axles

Ensure road safety and drive with peace of mind with Airtasker.