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Brake Rotor Disc Replacement Cost Estimate
Brake Rotor Disc Replacement Cost Estimate
Worried you might overpay for your brake rotor disc replacement? Use Jerry's GarageGuard to get fair cost estimate for your brake rotor disc replacement.
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John Davis
Expert Automotive Writer
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content
Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor
What's on this page?
- How much does it cost to replace disc brake rotors?
- Where can I get my brake rotor disc replaced?
- How will a mechanic do a brake rotor disc replacement?
- What happens if you don’t change bad rotors?
- What is a brake rotor disc replacement?
- Can I do a brake rotor disc replacement myself?
- FAQs
- Meet Our Experts
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How much does it cost to replace disc brake rotors?
You can expect an average cost of $250-$400+ for a brake rotor disc replacement, comprising of about $50-$70 for parts and $100-$200 for mechanic labor. Prices can vary depending on factors like your mechanic and your vehicle.
Your bill might include not only the cost of replacing the brake rotor discs, but the brake pads as well. As for the labor costs, it takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour for a certified mechanic to inspect your vehicle’s braking system, determine whether a repair is necessary, and then perform the brake rotor disc replacement.
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.
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.
See fair price estimates for popular cars
What parts do you need for a brake rotor disc replacement?
The cost of parts for a brake rotor disc replacement could be influenced by the need to replace other crucial braking components in your vehicle, like:
- Brake rotor discs ($22-$2,280): In a disc brake system, the round, metal brake rotor presses against the brake pads when the brake pedal is applied. Because the rotors are attached to the wheels, they bring the car to a stop. They should be smooth and not warped, pitted, or cracked—if they are, you need new rotors!
- Brake pads($15-$540): In a disc brake system, the brake pads provide the friction that slows the wheels and stops the car. The cost of brake pads depends largely on their material—organic ones cost the least, semi-metallic ones cost more, and ceramic brake pads cost the most.
- Brake calipers($22-$980): In a disc brake system, the brake calipers are the metal arms that press the brake pads against the rotors when they fill with brake fluid. Bad calipers can lead to brake fluid leaks and bad braking performance.
- Brake fluid($5-$40): Brake fluid is the thin oil in your vehicle’s braking system. Ask your mechanic to top you up while they’re looking at your brake pads to keep everything working properly.
Keep in mind: Depending on the condition of your vehicle’s braking system, you might need to replace the brake pads, brake calipers, and brake fluid at the same time as the brake rotors.
We recommend purchasing parts at local auto parts stores such as AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and NAPA Auto Parts, as well as online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto. We also recommend reputable brands like ACDelco, Centric Parts, and Wagner.
Should I buy OEM or aftermarket brake rotor discs?
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts cost a lot more than aftermarket parts. The cost of brake rotors for luxury makes like Mercedes, Audi, and BMW are higher than those of, say, a Dodge. OEM parts usually justify their higher price tags with a better warranty.
Where can I buy parts for my brake rotor disc replacement?
You can buy new brake pads at automotive body and parts shops like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and NAPA Auto Parts, at dealerships, or online at Amazon and RockAuto. If you prefer OEM parts, you can also try your vehicle manufacturer’s official website. Toyota, Honda, and just about every other car maker sell OEM parts online. Check your owner’s manual for any crucial specifications so you don’t buy the wrong part.
Where can I get my brake rotor disc replaced?
Everyone has the same three questions on their mind when they’re looking for an auto repair shop: Can they repair my vehicle? Are they trustworthy? And how much is it going to cost?
Jerry's
GarageGuard™
has the answers. Enter your location and you’ll get a detailed rotor replacement cost breakdown, including fair price estimates* for diagnostics, parts, and labor. It's like Jerry's quote comparison service, but for auto repairs! Also like Jerry, GarageGuard™ only features trusted shops. Choose from a network of over 2,500 vetted car repair shops with real user reviews, and you can be confident your car (and your wallet) is in good hands.
Browse some of our vetted repair shops below and download the app to compare brake rotor disc replacement costs in your area.
107 Reviews
Goodyear Auto Service - San Juan
4593 San Juan Avenue, Jacksonville, FL
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$130178 Reviews
Pep Boys Auto Parts & Service - Stirling Rd #387
2721 Stirling Rd, Hollywood, FL
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$117152 Reviews
Olympos Auto Service
400 Jericho Turnpike, Mount Vernon, NY
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$135167 Reviews
Thompson Auto Repair
501 NE 27th St, Pompano Beach, FL
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$0How 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 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 do a brake rotor disc replacement?
A brake rotor service requires a moderate amount of know-how, basic equipment, and high attention to detail and safety. Here’s what a mechanic will do:
- Remove the wheels from the axle
- Remove the brake calipers from the rotor on one end of the axle
- Remove the old brake rotor discs and brake pads, if they’re worn out
- Lubricate the new brake rotor discs and install them and the new brake pads
- Reattach the brake calipers
- Repeat steps two to five on the wheel on the other end of the axle
- Reattach the wheels
- Check the brake fluid level
- Test the brakes to make sure they’re working properly
What happens if you don’t change bad rotors?
If you don’t change bad rotors, your vehicle’s brakes and your safety could be severely compromised. Here’s what could happen if you ignore your vehicle maintenance guidelines:
- The brake rotors will continue to thin, warp, crack, or scratch under the pressure of the clamping action of the brake calipers. Without a smooth surface to rub against, the brake pads (which are on the end of the calipers) can’t adequately stop the car.
- The damaged brake rotors will destroy other parts in the brake assembly. Deformed rotors could cause damage to other brake components, like brake pads, brake calipers, and wheels.
- The damaged brake rotors will explode. With enough pressure, a weak pair of rotors could break apart, leaving you with no way to stop the vehicle. Or, if the brakes are still working on one side, you might find yourself swerving uncontrollably in either direction.
You might also be tempted to save on costs by machining your brake rotors, but we don’t recommend it. Machining a disc produces a thin rotor that’s prone to cracking, warping, and failing.
What is a brake rotor disc replacement?
A brake rotor disc replacement focuses on the part of your vehicle’s brake assembly that’s attached to the wheel.
Whenever the wheels spin, so do the smooth, round, flat metal brake rotors. The brake master cylinder fills with brake fluid when you press the brake pedal, sending it down the brake hoses to the brake calipers. The calipers and brake pads clamp onto the rotor to stop it from spinning. And voilà—you’ve come to a complete stop!
Generally, a brake rotor disc replacement involves replacing two rotors (one for each of the wheels on an axle) simultaneously.
How do I know if my brake disc rotors are bad?
Here are some of the warning signs:
- A brake warning indicator light. The indicator might be a circle surrounded by six dashes, a check engine light, or simply the word “BRAKES.”
- Squealing or squeaking brakes. Check your car brakes as soon as possible if you hear any unusual noises.
- Shuddering or shaking while braking. Most of the time, bad brake rotors are to blame for rough braking.
- A vibrating or pulsing brake pedal. Either your brake pads or brake rotors could be to blame for pedal shake.
- Swerving or wobbling while braking. One of the most alarming consequences of bad brakes, this is one sign you don’t want to ignore!
- Rusted or damaged brake rotors. It’s difficult to get a good look at your rotors without the right equipment, but if you spot a problem, see a professional mechanic.
How often should I get a brake rotor disc replacement on my vehicle?
Look into replacing the brake rotor discs on your vehicle every 50,000 and 70,000 miles. That being said, there are several factors that can stretch (or shrink) a rotor’s lifespan: where you drive, how you drive, and when you drive.
If you live in a temperate area and only cruise the highways on sunny days, you’ll preserve your rotors’ durability. On the other hand, if you make lots of sudden stops in traffic and regularly drive over icy, salted roads, your brakes will need far more maintenance.
Can I do a brake rotor disc replacement myself?
Yes, you can do a brake rotor disc replacement yourself, but it’s not easy. A brake rotor disc replacement demands a moderate amount of skill and confidence in performing car repairs. Even if you have the necessary equipment—like safety goggles, gloves, wrenches, rags, brushes, etc.—the risk of performing an incorrect DIY brake job is high.
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FAQs
Should I replace all four brake rotors?
Mechanics recommend replace both the brake rotors on a single axle at once, but not all four rotors. Unless your car’s wheels are severely misaligned, rotors usually wear out evenly. To determine which rotors need to be replaced, a mechanic will measure their width and inspect their surfaces.
Do front rotors wear faster than rear?
Because they handle most of a vehicle's weight during braking, front brake rotors wear faster than rear ones. You know how you lean forward in your seat when you brake suddenly? This is called the law of inertia, and it explains why the front brakes take more pressure than the rear brakes.
Why are brake rotors so expensive?
Different materials, sizes, and manufacturers all contribute to brake rotor costs. A fierce Ferrari's large, thick, high-performance brake rotors will cost more than a diminutive Chevrolet's modestly-sized plates. Quality and luxury brand name recognition are included in the price. Put a corrosion-resistant zinc plating on either product and your costs will rise.
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.