Brakes are the most important safety feature on a vehicle. When the braking system fails to respond, it is time to panic and find a mechanic. Of course, the first thought in anyone’s mind is “How expensive will this be?” Finding the brake pad replacement cost for a vehicle is fairly simple; telephone calls to different service facilities, a quick search on the Internet or reading ads for brake jobs in the newspaper give consumers a general idea. However, people need to be armed with information before they venture into this unknown territory. By understanding the different components of the brake system and how they work, vehicle owners learn what questions to ask. These prepared consumers know how to avoid expensive, unnecessary repairs.
Indications of Brake Problems
• the brake pedal feels soft
• a grinding sound when the brake pedal is pressed
• the vehicle pulls to one side when the brakes are used
• the brakes vibrate
• the vehicle does not stop as quickly
• the brake pedal needs to be pumped for maximum stopping power
• a squeal
The Process
Because this system has many different parts, many service centers use this information to their advantage. Often when an automobile repair facility gives a brake pad replacement cost quote, the estimator only computes the cost to remove and replace brake pads. This quote may be as low as $100.00. The estimate may be technically correct, as the caller asked specifically for the cost to replace this part on the car or truck. The service tech knows keeping this quote cheap will entice the customer to come in.
A standard brake repair job includes turning the rotors. Of course, this expense is extra. It is not uncommon for an innocent vehicle owner to suddenly discover additional repairs are needed. Unprepared individuals quickly agree to any price that will make the vehicle safe to operate; these added costs increase the expense of a normal brake job from a realistic $150 or $200 to a very expensive $700 or even exorbitant $1,000. The added benefit may be a lifetime guarantee on the parts and service; this lifetime guarantee is for as long as the person owns the vehicle. It may list specifically the parts covered and may or may not include labor.
Common Brake Components
The braking system is a complicated arrangement of metal, lines, fluids and electronics running from the brake pedal to all four wheels and the brake lights. Some vehicles have special pad warning devices when the pads need to be replaced or a dash light that signals a problem. A partial list of these components are:
• disc brakes
• rotor
• drum
• power brake booster
• master brake cylinder
• electronic antilock brake sensors
• calipers
• brake lines
• hydraulic brake fluid
Brake Pad Replacement Cost
The repair cost depends on the year, make and model of vehicle and location. An inexpensive brake pad starts around $10 or $15. Quality replacement brakepads for most vehicles are $30 to $60 a pair. Turning the rotors normally cost between $30 and $60 a rotor. Mechanics labor charges vary by shop and location. In some areas, the mechanic charges $55 or $60 an hour while in other areas, the going rate is $100 an hour.
Prices also vary according to terminology. The cost for brake work on a 2007 Kia Sedona in Palm Springs, California, was quoted as front pads only $175.48 and up, front disc brake job $195.25 and up and the master cylinder replacement as $360.58 and up. However, a face-to-face consultation with a service representative and a detailed brake pad replacement cost estimate came in at $600. The details matter; experienced drivers ask what parts and labor their rig normally requires.
Popular Brake Stores
Many places specialize in this restoration. For example, Midas, Firestone and Brake Centers of America all advertise this specialized service. Midas, with 50+ years of service, offers a lifetime guarantee with the claim that the vehicle owner will never purchase brake pads or shoes again for as long as they own the vehicle. Firestone does 1 million brake jobs a year. This company recommends the brake system be inspected every time the tire rotation is done at 5,000 miles or 10,000 miles and even offers brake specials for $99.99 per axel occasionally. Brake Centers of America specialize in hour and a half walk-in repairs and advertise a $49.95 per wheel renovation.
All of these specialists repair brakes. However, consumers can save themselves a lot of hassle by asking what every single brake pad replacement cost covers and what other items are commonly needed. At these loss leader prices, the service facility cannot make money. Therefore, customers should expect to be sold additional services. Many times drivers are so concerned about having reliable brakes, they willingly pay more to just feel safe.
The average cost to replace rear brake pads should be somewhere between $150 and $200 if the only thing need is the pads replaced and routers turned. If other components need to be repaired or replaced, the actual brake pad replacement cost will be considerably higher. By understanding this complex system and the games servicers play, drivers can protect themselves and only buy the work and parts they really need. However, drivers know these brake repair prices are not as expensive as automobile accidents if these stopping devises totally fail.
