How much does it cost to replace brakes on a Ford Ranger?
Typically, brake work on a Ford Ranger costs about $300 to $600 per axle for standard pad-and-rotor replacements, with a full front-and-rear job generally between $600 and $1,200, depending on parts and labor rates in your area.
Brake costs vary by year and trim, whether rotors are replaced or resurfaced, the type of pads (organic, semi-metallic, or ceramic), and the labor rate at the shop. The following breakdown outlines typical prices and what influences them.
Cost breakdown by service type
Prices below reflect common ranges for brake service on a Ford Ranger in the United States, including parts and labor. They assume standard disc brakes on the front, and the rear brakes that your model has (disc or drum). Quotes can differ by year, trim, and region.
- Front brakes — pads only: Parts typically $60–$120; labor $100–$150; total per axle around $160–$270.
- Front brakes — pads and rotors: Parts roughly $140–$260; labor $120–$180; total per axle around $260–$440.
- Rear brakes — disc brakes (pads + rotors): Parts commonly $80–$150; labor $100–$170; total per axle around $180–$320.
- Rear brakes — drum brakes (shoes and hardware): Parts about $40–$120; labor $80–$150; total per axle around $120–$270.
- Full brake service (all four wheels): Parts typically $400–$900; labor $200–$360; total for the job around $600–$1,260.
Prices can vary based on the Ranger's year and trim and whether your rear brakes are drums or discs. Always request a line-item quote that shows parts and labor per axle to compare estimates accurately.
What can raise or lower the price
Several factors influence how much you’ll pay for brake work on a Ford Ranger. Regional labor rates, the choice of parts, and whether you replace rotors or resurface them are the main drivers, along with any extra services the shop recommends.
- Labor rates: Shops in urban areas or near dealerships often charge more, commonly $90–$150 per hour or higher.
- Part quality: OEM vs aftermarket parts; ceramic vs semi-metallic pads; rotor type and whether rotors are new or resurfaced.
- Additional services: Brake-fluid flush, ABS/Sensor checks, anti-squeal treatments, hardware replacement, or wheel alignments after braking work.
- Vehicle specifics: Some Ranger trims still use rear drum brakes, which can reduce or change labor and parts costs compared to disc brakes.
Understanding these factors helps you compare estimates more effectively. Request a written, line-by-line quote and confirm whether taxes and shop fees are included.
Summary
Brake replacement costs for a Ford Ranger depend on which components you replace and where you have the work done. Typical per-axle costs range from about $160–$270 for pads-only to roughly $260–$440 for pads-and-rotors on the front, with rear brakes varying similarly. A full four-wheel brake job commonly falls in the $600–$1,260 range. Always get a detailed estimate before authorizing work.
What is the most common problem with Ford Rangers?
The most common problem with Ford Rangers is transmission issues, including rough shifts, hesitation, and loss of power. Other frequent problems include engine misfires, stalling, oil leaks, and issues with the A/C blend door, especially in certain model years.
Powertrain problems
This video explains several problems with Ford Ranger engines, including overheating and oil leaks: 59sFuel ForceYouTube · Oct 13, 2025
- Transmission: Many owners report rough or delayed shifting, hesitation, and power loss. Newer models with the 10-speed transmission have been particularly noted for these issues.
- Engine: Misfires, hesitation, and stalling are frequently reported, sometimes caused by issues like exhaust valve recession or failing sensors.
- Oil leaks: Oil leaks from the valve cover and oil pan gaskets can lead to low oil levels and premature engine wear.
Other common issues
- A/C blend door: The blend door actuator is a common failure point that can cause the A/C to blow cold on one side and hot on the other. The fix is often expensive as it requires removing the dashboard.
- Steering: Some models have reported clicking or clunking noises while steering.
- Brakes: "Spongy" brakes are a recurring complaint on some models.
Potential solutions
- Transmission: A custom tune or software update may help improve shifting performance on some models.
- Engine: Replacing sensors or addressing the underlying cause of misfires and stalls is necessary. Regularly changing engine oil is critical to prevent damage from leaks.
- A/C: For blend door issues, replacing the actuator and door assembly is the most permanent fix. While costly, there are updated parts available to prevent future failure.
How much is a brake job on a Ford Ranger?
The average cost for a Ford Ranger Brake Pad Replacement is between $192 and $246. Labor costs are estimated between $113 and $167 while parts are typically priced around $79. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.
How long do brakes last on a Ford Ranger?
between 30,000 and 70,000 miles
Ford Ranger brake pads ordinarily last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles depending on your driving habits.
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.
