How much is a 1 caliper replacement?
A single brake caliper replacement typically costs between $260 and $760 in the United States, including parts and labor. The exact total depends on your vehicle, the type of caliper, and the repair shop you choose.
Cost snapshot
Costs break down into components: parts, labor, and any added services or parts. The following ranges reflect common scenarios for a single caliper replacement on a typical passenger car in the U.S.
- Parts: A remanufactured caliper is usually $60–$150; a new OEM or rebuilt caliper can run $180–$350. Hardware, seals, and brake fluid add about $20–$40.
- Labor: Most shops charge per hour and take about 1–2.5 hours to replace a single caliper, at rates of roughly $80–$150/hour. Total labor often runs $100–$350.
- Total: When you add parts and labor, expect a typical bill of about $260–$760 for a single caliper replacement, front or rear, depending on the vehicle and shop.
Prices vary widely based on the car’s design and labor market. Always obtain a written estimate that itemizes parts and labor before authorizing the work.
What varies by car and shop
Several factors determine the final price for a single caliper replacement:
- Vehicle make and model: Some cars require special calipers or additional hardware, which can raise price.
- Front vs rear caliper: Front calipers are typically more expensive than rear ones due to size and braking force.
- Remanufactured vs new: Reman calipers are cheaper; new OEM units cost more but may come with longer warranties.
- Adjacent parts and services: If rotors, pads, or lines are replaced at the same time, costs increase.
- Labor rates and location: Urban areas and dealer shops charge more than independent shops or rural areas.
- Warranty and shop policy: Some shops offer warranties that cover certain failures; this can affect price in the long run.
Discuss the scope of the replacement (just one caliper versus replacing both sides, or a full brake service) to ensure you’re comparing like-for-like quotes.
What to expect during service
Understanding the steps can help you assess the value and avoid surprises. The typical process includes:
- Diagnosis and confirmation of a faulty caliper (sticking, leaking, or uneven braking).
- Wheel removal and caliper access; brake line disconnect and fluid management.
- Caliper replacement or remanufacture; replacement hardware and new seals if needed.
- Brake system bleed to remove air and restore proper pedal feel.
- Reassembly, torque checks, rotor assessment, and test drive for proper operation.
Ask for a detailed estimate and a post-service brake test to verify the repair function and safety.
Summary
Replacing a single brake caliper is a moderately priced repair with wide variation. For most U.S. drivers, expect a total between roughly $260 and $760, with higher costs for front calipers, new OEM parts, or added components. Always get a written estimate and consider whether a full brake service, including pads and rotors, makes sense for your vehicle.
Can you drive with one bad caliper?
You shouldn't drive with a faulty brake caliper. It compromises braking efficiency, increases stopping distances, and could lead to complete brake failure.
Can I replace just one caliper?
While you can technically replace just one brake caliper, it is strongly recommended to replace them in pairs (either both front or both rear) for balanced braking performance. Replacing only one caliper can lead to uneven braking, where the vehicle pulls to one side because one caliper is applying more force than the other. Replacing them as a pair is a "pay now, maybe save money later" approach, as the other caliper is likely to fail soon due to similar wear and tear.
This video explains why replacing both calipers is recommended, and shows examples of uneven brake wear: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jun 8, 2022
Reasons to replace in pairs
- Balanced braking: Brakes are designed to work symmetrically. Replacing both calipers on an axle ensures even hydraulic force and friction, preventing the vehicle from pulling to one side when you brake.
- Preventing future failure: If one caliper has failed, the other is often not far behind, having been exposed to the same conditions and mileage. Replacing only one means you'll likely need to replace the other one again soon.
- Avoiding premature wear: An uneven brake system can cause the new pads and rotors on the good side to wear down faster than the old ones on the other side, leading to premature replacement of those components as well.
- Ensuring consistent performance: Replacing them as a pair helps ensure that both sides of the vehicle brake with equal force and response, which is critical for safety and control.
How much does it cost to replace a single caliper?
According to various estimates, the cost to replace a single brake caliper is around $800. But the cost can vary anywhere from $300 to $1,500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. As you can see, the price of parts was pretty steady between brands — but the cost of labor was all over the place.
How much is a single caliper?
It's not surprising that calipers will eventually need to be replaced, and the average price you can expect to pay for one caliper is between $40 to $100.
