How much does all 4 brake pads cost?
Four new brake pads for a typical passenger car generally cost between about $100 and $600 before labor, depending on material, brand, and vehicle. The total you pay at the shop will include labor, and possibly rotor replacement or additional hardware. This guide breaks down common price ranges and what factors influence the final bill.
Typical price ranges for four brake pads
Prices vary by pad material, brand, and vehicle compatibility. The ranges below reflect common offerings in many markets.
- Budget/entry-level pads: about $25–$40 per pad (four pads: $100–$160)
- Mid-range pads: about $50–$80 per pad (four pads: $200–$320)
- Premium ceramic pads: about $90–$150 per pad (four pads: $360–$600)
Note: These figures exclude tax, shipping, and labor. Actual prices can vary based on your car’s make/model and the retailer.
Costs beyond the pads: labor and optional rotor work
What you pay in labor and for any additional rotor work can significantly affect the total. The following ranges apply to many shops, but quotes vary by region and vehicle.
- Labor for pad replacement (pads only): roughly $100–$200 per axle
- Labor if rotors are replaced or resurfaced: an additional $100–$150 per axle
- Rotors (per rotor): basic rotors often $20–$60 each; higher-performance rotors can be $60–$120 each
- Hardware and sensors (shims, anti-rattle clips, wear sensors): about $5–$30 per pad or $20–$60 total
In practice, many drivers see a total outlay of roughly $300–$800 for both axles when replacing pads and rotors on common vehicles, though luxury or performance applications can be higher.
How to estimate the cost for your car
To get an accurate estimate for your specific vehicle, consider these steps:
- Identify your car’s year, make, and model to match the correct pad type and rotor specifications.
- Decide on pad material: budget/standard, mid-range, or premium ceramic.
- Check prices at multiple retailers (local part stores, online vendors) for the exact pad set recommended for your car.
- Request a written quote from a local shop that itemizes pads, labor, and any rotor work.
- Ask about warranties on pads and rotors and whether labor covers hardware or sensor replacement.
By gathering notes from several sources, you can compare costs and avoid surprises in the final bill.
Bottom line
Costs vary widely, but four brake pads typically fall within a broad range of $100–$600 for the parts alone, with total outlays often between $300 and $800 when labor and rotor work are included. Shopping around, choosing the right pad material for your driving, and getting written quotes will help you land a fair price.
Summary: The price you pay for four brake pads depends on pad quality, vehicle, and whether rotors/labor are included. Budget pads are about $100–$160 for the set, mid-range around $200–$320, and premium ceramic $360–$600, with total installed costs commonly $300–$800 for two axles.
What is a fair price for a brake job?
A fair price for a brake job is typically $300 to $600 for one axle (either front or rear pads and rotors) and $600 to $1,200 or more for all four brakes. The total cost depends on your vehicle's make and model, the quality of parts used, and whether only pads or pads and rotors are being replaced.
Factors that influence the cost
- Parts: The price of parts like brake pads, rotors, and calipers varies by brand and quality.
- Vehicle type: Luxury, trucks, or performance cars often cost more due to higher-end parts and more complex systems.
- Labor: Labor costs vary based on the shop's rates and the complexity of the job. More complex tasks, like replacing rotors, take more time and increase the labor cost.
- Additional services: Some repairs may require additional parts or services, such as brake fluid replacement or caliper repair, which will increase the final price.
How to get a fair price
- Get multiple quotes: Contact a few different shops for estimates to compare prices and services.
- Ask about parts: Be sure to ask what kind of parts are being used and if there are different quality options. Using OEM or premium aftermarket parts can impact the cost.
- Consider the scope of work: Make sure you know what's included in the quote. Some repairs may only need brake pads, while others may need rotors, or even calipers, which will affect the price.
- Check online reviews: Look up reviews of the shops you're considering to ensure you'll be getting quality service.
How much does it cost to replace all four brake pads?
between $230 and $600
The cost of replacing all four brake pads, including parts and labor, ranges between $230 and $600 for all four wheels. If your pads have worn to the point that they have damaged the rotor, then the rotor needs to be replaced too. Drivers are cautioned against replacing brake pads on an old rotor.
How much does it cost to repair all four brake pads?
Typically replacing both the front and rear brake pads cost anywhere between £250 to more than £500. According to whocanfixmycar, the average cost to replace the front pads is around £127, and another £121 for the rear pads. The price can be significantly more if your brake discs also need replacing.
How much are brake pads for all four tires?
Replacing the brake pads on all four wheels typically costs between $230 and $600 for standard vehicles, but this can increase to $600 to over $1,000 for luxury or performance vehicles. The total cost depends on the vehicle's type, the quality of parts, and local labor rates, and if the rotors also need to be replaced, the cost can jump to over $800 for all four wheels.
Cost factors
- Vehicle type: Economy cars are cheaper to service than trucks, SUVs, or luxury/performance vehicles that require larger or specialized parts.
- Parts quality: The cost of brake pads varies based on material (e.g., standard, ceramic, or performance), with higher-quality pads costing more.
- Labor rates: Shop labor rates vary by location, and there can be extra charges for more complex jobs.
- Rotor replacement: If your rotors are worn, they will need to be replaced, which will significantly increase the total cost. This is often recommended since worn pads can damage rotors.
Estimated costs by service
- Brake pads only (all four wheels): \$230–\$600 for standard vehicles
- Brake pads and rotors (all four wheels): \$800–\$1,000+ for standard vehicles, depending on part quality and labor rates
