How much does a front brake job cost? (Rotors Pads & parts)

It doesn’t matter how gentle you are with your vehicle; at some point, it will need to have the brakes replaced. What is the cost of a front-brake job and how much are they?

We will be evaluating the cost average for a front brake job in this guide. You can also find out how much it might cost if additional parts are needed, like calipers or rotors. 

Average Cost of Front Brake Jobs

Parts for the front brakes can cost anywhere from $35-100 on average. Depending on your location and vehicle type, you might also need to pay $75-150 for labor. The average price for front brake jobs without rotors is between $110 and $250 per axle. 

If you need additional rotors you will be charged $25-$85 for each rotor. This is just the cost of parts. The average labor cost for replacing brake pads or rotors in a shop ranges from $125 to $250 per axle. You would need to pay twice the price for a four-wheel job, considering most cars are equipped with two axles. 

READ MORE: Average Brake Rotor Replacement Cost (Front & Rear)

Caliper replacement is most costly. For one caliper you could spend as much as $125. You can expect to spend between $250 and $900 for a complete front brake job that includes the rotors and pads. 

You can save a lot of money if this is something you can do yourself. The parts aren’t the aspect that forces the bill to go higher. Most of your spending goes on labor. 

The cost of replacing a brake is affected by several factors

1. Types of vehicles

Cost of brakes will depend on what vehicle you are driving. For example, your tiny compact car isn’t going to cost nearly as much as your heavy-duty diesel truck.

Brakes cost will vary depending on how heavy and large the vehicle is. Some shops charge higher for larger vehicles than smaller ones. 

2. Make and model of vehicle

American made vehicles are more expensive for brakes than any other type. This is particularly true for European vehicles such as Audis, Mercedes, VW, BMW, and VW. 

You will pay more for brake parts and may need to hire a specialist mechanic to fix the braking system. This will increase your labor cost as these experts are more expensive per hour. 

3. Choose a Type

The type of shop that you go to has an impact on your total cost. This goes hand in hand with the previous factor. To pay less, you can go to a shop that employs entry-level auto mechanics.

Visit a specialist shop or dealership to pay more. These locations often offer more expertise and warranty protection, which can be worth it. If you need brake repair or service, it is important to select a reliable repair shop with the appropriate expertise.

READ MORE: Mechanic Labor Rates Per Hour – US Market

4. Locate a Store

It is just as important to choose the right shop, as it is about its location. You will probably find the labor rates cheaper if your home is in a rural area. 

However, urban shops will be more expensive. Some states have higher labor costs in general. 

5. Brake Materials

There are many materials that can be used to make brake pads. The material you select will affect how much money you spend. 

The price ranges for different types of brakes are varied, including semi-metallic, ceramic and organic. You will also spend more if the brand you select for its materials is a top-quality one. You can do the same if you choose OEM brake components. 

READ MORE Ceramic Brake Pads vs. Organic (Which Is Better?).

How often should front brakes be changed?

A majority of front brakes must be serviced between 30,000-70,000 miles. Some brake pads may need to be replaced after only 25,000 miles. Others can last up to 70,000. Paying attention to symptoms is the key to knowing when you need a front brake job.

The pads should be checked as soon as you notice any grinding, squeaking, or squealing sound when you push the brake pedal. Poor brake pads can lead to damage of other components such as the rotor. By driving with bad brake pads, you can put yourself at risk. You also run the risk of having to slow down for longer stops.

The good news is that brake rotors don’t always need to be replaced. There are occasions when the brake rotors can be turned to prolong their life. It is less expensive than buying new rotors.

READ MORE: When should you replace brake rotors? (Signs It’s Time)

Factors that Influence the Frequency Of Brake Changes

1. Materials

The type of brakes will also affect the price. However, the pad's life expectancy is determined by how durable they are. You can expect to have them last longer if you use high-carbon brake pads for severe duty. 

You will pay more for high-quality brake pads. For example, ceramic brake pads. These provide a quieter ride and create less dust, but the braking performance isn’t as good and you will spend more. It’s important to pick the appropriate material based on your budget, needs and how often you want to change the brakes. 

2. Caring Habits

You will need to replace the brakes more often if you enjoy riding them. You should also be careful when you apply the brakes hard to stop.

Coasting is better than braking if your brake pads are going to last longer. You also want to apply consistent, gentle force when it’s time to brake. 

Consistent towing and hauling of heavy objects is another thing that can cause brakes to fail. This puts more stress on brakes every time you use them with heavy loads. This will cause your brakes wear much faster than when you are driving a compact vehicle with no heavy loads inside. 

3. Environment

Driving on the highway daily for work means you're less likely to need brakes than someone who lives in a metropolis. The brake pads, and all of the traffic that is constant can cause damage to the components. 

If you are traveling through mountainous terrain, the same applies. The brakes will wear faster if the speed is reduced while you are traveling downhill.