How Much Does a Brake Job Cost?
Reviewed by GarageDex editorial
GarageDex's price data shows a brake job costs $150 to $300 per axle at a shop for pads only, or $30 to $60 per axle in parts if you do it yourself. If the rotors need replacing too, it rises to $300 to $600 per axle at a shop, or $100 to $180 in parts. The biggest factor in the bill is whether the rotors survive.
For your exact carFind your brake pad sizeLook it upBrake job prices at a glance
| Job, per axle | Parts (DIY) | At a shop |
|---|---|---|
| Pads only | $30 to $60 | $150 to $300 |
| Pads and rotors | $100 to $180 | $300 to $600 |
Ranges aggregated from published 2026 US repair-cost and parts price guides, including RepairPal and Car Talk. Prices vary by region, brand, and vehicle - treat these as a sanity check on a quote, not a fixed price.
Why the rotors decide the bill
Pads are the cheap part. Rotors are most of the cost of a full job, and they get ruined when pads are run down to the metal backing plate, which then grinds grooves into the rotor. Catching worn pads early is the single best way to keep a brake job at the pads-only price. Learn the signs of worn brake pads so you replace them before that happens.
What else moves the price
- Where you go: dealers cost the most, independent shops less, DIY least.
- Vehicle size: trucks, SUVs, and performance cars use larger, pricier pads and rotors.
- Electronic parking brakes: rear jobs need the piston retracted electronically, adding labour.
- Extras: seized calipers, worn hardware, or a brake fluid flush add to the invoice.
Doing it yourself
Front pads are a manageable DIY job with a jack stand and basic tools. Follow how to replace brake pads, and look up the verified pad dimensions for your car first so you buy the right set.
Frequently asked
How much do brake pads cost for one axle?
Pads alone run $30 to $60 per axle as parts. A shop charges $150 to $300 per axle fitted.
How much does it cost to replace brake pads and rotors?
About $300 to $600 per axle at a shop, or $100 to $180 per axle in parts if you do the work yourself.
Is it cheaper to replace front or rear brakes?
Front and rear jobs are usually priced similarly per axle, but fronts wear faster and need doing more often. Rears with an electronic parking brake can cost more in labour because the caliper piston has to be retracted with a tool or a scan tool.
Why is a brake job at the dealer so much more?
Dealers charge higher labour rates and fit genuine manufacturer parts. The work itself is the same. An independent shop, or doing it yourself, is usually where the savings are.
Need your car's exact spec?
Find your brake pad size