Your car might need a brake rotors/discs replacement if the rotor wears down or gets damaged, which can drastically reduce your car’s ability to slow down or stop. If you notice your car shaking, a squeaking noise, or visible rust, you should get your car checked by a mechanic.
This can be an expensive repair, and most cars will need this maintenance occasionally over time (usually every 50,000 to 100,000 miles).
This guide, presented by the car insurance shopping and broker app Jerry, will explain the process involved in a brake rotor/disc replacement, and the warning signs to keep an eye out for as well.
Keep in mind that your location is another factor that determines the final cost of repairs. Areas with higher cost of living will usually have more expensive car repair services, especially if there’s less local competition. Check out the table below for an estimate of what Mazda Miata drivers pay in different cities.
| City | Car | Total Cost Estimate | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Average Dealer Price | Estimated Service Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1990 | $218.03 | $0 | $218.03 | $218.03 | 1.7h | |
1990 | $223.13 | $0 | $223.13 | $223.13 | 1.7h | |
1990 | $191.88 | $0 | $191.88 | $191.88 | 1.7h | |
1990 | $165.75 | $0 | $165.75 | $165.75 | 1.7h | |
1990 | $196.66 | $0 | $196.66 | $196.66 | 1.7h | |
1990 | $135.98 | $0 | $135.98 | $135.98 | 1.7h | |
1990 | $195.5 | $0 | $195.5 | $195.5 | 1.7h | |
1990 | $191.25 | $0 | $191.25 | $191.25 | 1.7h | |
1990 | $165.75 | $0 | $165.75 | $165.75 | 1.7h | |
1990 | $195.3 | $0 | $195.3 | $195.3 | 1.7h |
The exact cost also varies between different Mazda models years. For example, newer vehicle models are usually made with more expensive materials, so recent or high-end models will cost more, especially if your service requires a part replacement. Use the table below to estimate the cost for your own vehicle.
| Car | Total Cost Estimate | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Average Dealer Price | Estimated Service Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1991 | $200.6 | $0 | $200.6 | $200.6 | 1.7h |
1992 | $200.6 | $0 | $200.6 | $200.6 | 1.7h |
1993 | $200.6 | $0 | $200.6 | $200.6 | 1.7h |
1994 | $200.6 | $0 | $200.6 | $200.6 | 1.7h |
1995 | $200.6 | $0 | $200.6 | $200.6 | 1.7h |
1996 | $200.6 | $0 | $200.6 | $200.6 | 1.7h |
What is a brake pad replacement?
The brake rotor (also known as the disc) is a round metal plate in your car’s brake assembly that spins with the wheel. When you press your brake pedal, brake pads assert pressure onto the rotor/ disc, and that friction slows and stops the tire.
Brake pads usually wear out more quickly than the brake rotor/disc, but rotors will eventually go bad as well. They might get warped, rutted, pitted, rusty, or otherwise worn out. And if that damage becomes too severe, it puts you at very serious risk of an accident.
Brake rotors/discs replacement isn’t a procedure you should expect to pay for frequently, but when it does become necessary, you’ll usually pay around $250 to $600 per axle (meaning both front tires or both rear tires), depending on the make and model of the car and the availability of parts.
You’ll want to replace the rotors and pads on both wheels on a single axle to maintain balanced braking performance. Make sure you call several repair shops and get multiple quotes so you get the best price!
How to perform a brake pad replacement
Here’s what your mechanic will do during a brake rotors/discs replacement:
- Remove the wheels on both sides of the axle
- Remove the brake calipers from the rotors
- Remove the brake rotor and brake pads
- Lubricate the rotors and install them
- Install the new brake pads
- Reattach the brake calipers
- Check the brake fluid level
- Repeat all of these steps on the other wheel
- Test drive the car to make sure the brakes are working properly
Note: This isn’t meant to be a comprehensive guide. Please don’t try to replace brake rotors on your own unless you have some experience working on cars.
Do I need a brake rotors/disc replacement?
How can you tell when a brake rotors/disc replacement is necessary? Here are some of the warning signs:
- An indicator light comes on. In most modern cars, this is depicted as a circle with six dashes around it. But in some cars, it might simply appear as the word “brakes” or even just a check engine light.
- Squealing brakes. If the brakes are squealing or screeching, get them checked out immediately.
- The car shutters or shakes when you brake. This could be any number of problems, but brake rotors are a key suspect most of the time.
- Brake pedal vibrating or pulsating. This might just be a problem with the brake pads, but it could be a rotor issue.
- Your car swerves or wobbles when you brake. This might indicate several problems, but it’s a good idea to get this checked out pronto!
- The brake rotors/discs look severely rusted or damaged. It’s difficult to get a good measure of this without equipment, but if the rotors look poorly, get it looked at by a professional mechanic.
How important is a brake rotors/discs replacement?
Your brakes are the most important safety feature your car has, period. It’s possible none of your other safety features—airbags, seatbelts, radar, etc.— will be necessary if your brakes work adequately. But if they fail, it might take all of those other systems to save a life!
If you suspect there’s any problem with your brakes, even a minor one, take your car to a professional repair shop as quickly as possible, and if the car is unsafe to drive, have it towed. If you’ve invested in Jerry’s roadside assistance program, now is the perfect time to put it to use.
Stay safe and save big on car insurance with Jerry!
A brake rotors/disc replacement can be costly, but shopping around can save you hundreds of dollars. Sort of like when you use Jerry to shop around for car insurance, saving hundreds (maybe thousands) of dollars per year on your new policy.
Jerry will show you as many as 50 quotes from the most trusted car insurance brands available in your area, helping you analyze and compare their policies to find the perfect option for you. And as a registered broker, Jerry will take care of all your phone calls and paperwork on your behalf, and even cancel your old policy automatically too!
On average, Jerry users are saving $879 per year on car insurance. Some users manage to save even more. So download the app, sign up (it takes less than a minute), and find out how much money you can be saving by shopping for car insurance with Jerry!
Jerry doesn’t just offer fair price repair estimates for Mazda drivers! Our team of writers has collected everything you need to know for every car. Here’s how much the repair costs for some popular cars:
| Car | Total Cost Estimate | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Average Dealer Price | Estimated Service Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1997 | $200.6 | $0 | $200.6 | $200.6 | 1.7h |
2012 | $200.6 | $0 | $200.6 | $200.6 | 1.7h |
1965 | $200.6 | $0 | $200.6 | $200.6 | 1.7h |
1981 | $200.6 | $0 | $200.6 | $200.6 | 1.7h |
1994 | $200.6 | $0 | $200.6 | $200.6 | 1.7h |
2000 | $200.6 | $0 | $200.6 | $200.6 | 1.7h |
The cost of repairs might vary depending on which Mazda you drive, but there’s an easy way to save money for the services you need! Just download the Jerry app for help lowering your insurance premiums. In less than 45 seconds, Jerry collects all of your information from your existing insurer. Choose from competitive quotes from top insurance companies and Jerry takes care of the rest—securing your new policy and helping you cancel your old one upon request.
With an average annual savings of $887, Jerry can help you free up funds for the repairs your Mazda’s needs.
The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.
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