On average, the total cost for brake caliper replacement is $135, with parts averaging $18 and labor averaging 1.0 hours. The price range may vary based on your vehicle's make and model.

How long does it take to replace a brake caliper? A certified mechanic generally takes about 1.0 hours hours to replace your brake calipers. Your mechanic will first check your brakes and rotors and, if needed, perform a complete replacement.

Here’s an overview of the brake caliper replacement costs for different vehicles:

Brake caliper replacement cost for various vehicles

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 25, 2024	Carl, 20 Queens, NY	Eagle Talon	$133	$18	$115	1.0 Hours
April 24, 2024	Bertie, 21 Las Vegas, NV	Mercury Cougar	$145	$18	$127	1.0 Hours
April 21, 2024	Nannie, 28 Fort Lauderdale, FL	Mercedes-Benz CLS	$129	$18	$111	1.0 Hours
April 19, 2024	Hulda, 32 Troy, OH	Lexus IS	$115	$18	$98	1.0 Hours
April 15, 2024	Marc, 38 Pensacola, FL	Mazda Millenia	$153	$18	$135	1.0 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for a brake caliper replacement and how much do they cost?

Confirm exactly what you’ll need with your owner’s manual or mechanic, but in general, here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to replace your vehicle’s brake caliper:

Brake calipers: If your car is equipped with disc brakes, brake calipers squeeze the brake pads against the rotor to stop the vehicle during braking. Depending on the brake caliper quality, you can pay anywhere between $80 and $120 per caliper for front car brakes and $90 and $130 for rear brakes.

Brake fluid: Although not always necessary during a brake caliper replacement, the brake fluid is part of the car’s hydraulic braking system. It is designed to amplify your foot's force on the brake pedal and convert it into pressure on your brakes. Brake fluid is relatively cheap, costing around $6 to $39 per quart.

In addition to these parts, you’ll also need some tools if you’re going to change your brake calipers at home, such as a ratchet, extension and six-point sockets, line wrench, wire brush, torque wrench, and more.

We recommend buying these parts at local auto parts stores such as AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Auto Parts, as well as online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto. We also recommend trusted brands like ACDelco, Centric Parts, and Raybestos for brake calipers, and DOT 3, DOT 4, and Castrol for brake fluid. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

When it’s time to replace your brake calipers, cost might be at the forefront of your decision. This is why many people go for aftermarket calipers over OEM—they’re significantly cheaper! But when you buy OEM parts, you’re buying quality. OEMs are built using high-quality materials to withstand corrosion, and the seals are made with long-lasting compounds to withstand elements of nature. They’re also designed to OE specs to ensure proper function.

While aftermarket brakes may save you money, they’re generally made using low-grade materials prone to cracking, rusting, and deterioration. As a result, they may need to be changed more often than OEM brake calipers, which will cost you more in the long run.

Where can I buy parts for my brake caliper replacement?

You can purchase brake calipers through most auto parts stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts and O'Reilly Auto Parts. You can also find them on RockAuto, Amazon or other online automotive parts stores. Since there are many types of brake calipers, double-check with your owner’s manual to confirm you get the correct ones for your car.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my brake caliper replaced?

Finding the right place to get your brake caliper replaced can be tricky—especially if you don’t have a trusted mechanic to turn to. Luckily, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

can help you compare costs for the services you need from over 2,500 reputable repair shops across the country.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from shops using their actual hourly labor rate. Jerry's GarageGuard™ will also let you know if you need to budget for diagnostic fees and show you reviews from real customers to help you choose the best service.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.

177 Reviews

54th Street Auto Center

415 W 54th St, New York, NY

Brake Caliper Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$179

(Parts - $18, Labor - $161)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$191

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (212) 265-3120

171 Reviews

Vandorn Auto Repair

4938C Eisenhower Ave, Springfield, VA

Brake Caliper Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$168

(Parts - $18, Labor - $150)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$170

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (703) 751-1499

150 Reviews

RepairSmith - Tucson

Brake Caliper Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$115

(Parts - $18, Labor - $97)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (855) 254-6914

119 Reviews

Insta-Quick Fast Oil Change

5200 Park Blvd, Pinellas Park, FL

Brake Caliper Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$48

(Parts - $18, Labor - $30)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my brake calipers?

The mechanic will follow these general steps to replace a brake caliper:

Remove the caliper and pads

Replace with new brake pads and calipers

Inspect brake rotors

Inspect brake line hoses

Replace brake fluid

Re-check for brake fluid leaks in the brake system

Bleed the brake system

Torque wheels according to factory specifications

Check brake system performance

What happens if I don’t replace my brake calipers?

Not changing a failed or damaged brake caliper can be dangerous. Damage to a single caliper can lead to uneven braking, causing the car to pull to one side. Because the amount of pull increases with speed, it can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. If your rear caliper is damaged, it won’t cause as much pull, but it does reduce total braking power, leading to increased stopping distances and reduced braking performance.

So, while you can drive with a bad caliper for short distances at slow speeds, you’ll want to have it replaced as soon as possible.

What is a brake caliper replacement?

When you take your car in for a brake caliper replacement service, the mechanic will assess the calipers to confirm if any replacements are needed. The mechanic will also check the brake pads, as they will likely need a replacement.

The brakes need the brake calipers to function, as they push the brake pads onto the rotors to slow down or stop your car.

A car can have two or four calipers. A car with two rotors and two drums will have two calipers in the front. If a car has four rotors, it will have four calipers. When the calipers become contaminated and rusty, they can leak brake fluid.

If a brake caliper is leaking, insufficient brake fluid will reach the pistons in the caliper to push the brake pads onto the rotors. The brakes will not be able to function at full capacity.

How do I know if my brake calipers need replacing?

If you see any physical damage or leakage, it might be time to replace your brake calipers. Other common symptoms to look out for that may indicate a damaged or failed brake caliper include:

Physical damage, including rust and weakened seals

Abnormal squeaking noises

Car pulling hard left or right when braking

Brake pedals feel soft and spongy

A leaking or worn-down caliper is a big risk to you and the cars around you, as the brakes won’t function at their full capacity. This increases the risk of a collision because your vehicle won’t stop as quickly if the car in front of you suddenly brakes.

Pro tip: Have your brake calipers inspected every time your car is serviced. This allows the mechanic to monitor for any issues before any leakages occur.

How often should brake calipers be replaced?

Brake calipers aren’t generally considered maintenance items—they’re not expected to wear over time and are usually only replaced if they fail, are damaged, or you want to upgrade them. This is why experts normally set the lifespan for brake calipers between 75,000 to 100,000 miles or every 10 years.

Some drivers may be able to go longer before replacing their calipers, but it’s a good idea to have your brake system routinely inspected to ensure it stays in proper working order.

Generally speaking, brake pads and rotors wear out faster and need replacing more frequently than brake calipers. However, one of the most common causes of worn-out calipers is driving on worn-out pads or warped rotors. Worn pads or rotors inhibit the brake system from dissipating the heat of friction, damaging the calipers.

Regular brake system inspections and maintenance will not only ensure your car’s safety, but it can also help extend your brake calipers’ lifespan.

Can I replace my brake calipers myself?

If you’re a car-savvy DIY-er and know your way around with a wrench, replacing your brake calipers is usually simple. For most people, the post-replacement brake bleed is the toughest part. But if you have any hesitation about tackling the job, let a professional change your calipers.

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FAQs

How much does it cost to replace four brake calipers?

The average cost for new calipers is around $$135 for a full replacement. Labor costs are about $$118, while parts cost $$18.

What are the symptoms of bad brake calipers?

If you think your brake calipers are failing or damaged, be on the lookout for the following symptoms:

Dashboard warning light

Leaks

Vehicle pulling to one side

Uneven brake pad wear

Reduced stopping power

Spongy brake pedal

Clunking

Squealing

Does a brake job include calipers?

Most mechanics recommend replacing brake calipers and wheel cylinders as part of a brake job. Over time, the rubber seals on brake calipers and wheel cylinder pistons harden and lose elasticity, which can cause the seal to leak. If the caliper or wheel cylinder isn’t leaking when the linings are replaced, it will eventually. Since there’s no way to estimate how long before the next brake service, most mechanics recommend rebuilding or replacing the brake parts to avoid brake issues down the road.

Can worn brake pads damage the calipers?

Yes—when the brake pads start to wear, the calipers are grinding directly against the rotors, which damages not only the rotors but also the calipers. If you’re in this situation, you’ll likely need a brake pad replacement and rotor replacement.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.