How much should a brake job cost for an F150?
A typical brake job on an F-150 runs roughly $300–$1,200, depending on whether you replace pads only or rotors as well, and whether you service one axle or all four wheels. Expect higher prices at a dealership and lower quotes at independent shops. This guidance reflects common pricing in the United States as of 2025.
What a brake job typically includes for an F-150
Brake service on the F-150 generally covers replacing worn brake pads, and may also involve resurfacing or replacing rotors, inspecting calipers, topping off brake fluid, and replacing ancillary hardware. The exact scope depends on rotor wear, pad material, and whether any calipers are sticking or seized.
Pad-only replacement (per axle)
Costs for replacing only brake pads are typically quoted per axle. The ranges below reflect common prices from independent shops in the United States as of 2025.
- Pads-only per axle: typically $150–$300.
Concluding: A pad-only job on a single axle typically falls in the $150–$300 range, with variations based on pad brand and labor rate.
Pad-and-rotor replacement (per axle)
When rotors are also replaced (or resurfaced) the cost rises. The ranges below apply per axle and assume standard aftermarket rotors and pads.
- Pads-and-rotors per axle: typically $300–$600.
Concluding: A full per-axle brake job that includes pads and rotors commonly costs $300–$600, with higher-end parts or special rotor options pushing prices higher in some markets.
Costs for a full four-wheel brake job
Shop estimates for a complete four-wheel service will double the per-axle figures if you service both front and rear wheels. Regional labor rates and parts choices are the biggest drivers of the total.
- Four-wheel pads-only total: typically $300–$600.
- Four-wheel pads-and-rotors total: typically $600–$1,200.
Conclusion: For most F-150 owners, a full four-wheel brake job (pads and rotors) lands around $600–$1,200, though dealer shops or high-performance parts can push higher.
What affects the price and how to shop smart
- Parts quality: OEM vs aftermarket, rotor type (plain, slotted, drilled) and pad material (ceramic, semi-metallic, organic) affect price and performance.
- Labor rate: Urban areas and dealership service bays typically charge more per hour than independent shops.
- Rotor condition: If rotors are still within spec, many shops only replace pads; if worn beyond spec, rotors are replaced or resurfaced, adding cost.
- Vehicle specifics: Some trims may have larger calipers or different brake configurations requiring different parts and time.
- Upcharges: Caliper rebuilds, brake fluid flushes, and inspection or shop fees can add to the total.
Tips for getting a fair price
Obtain itemized estimates from multiple shops, ask for rotor resurfacing versus replacement, confirm whether calipers and brake fluid are included, and consider allowing the shop to install your own parts where permitted by policy to reduce cost.
Summary
Brake job costs for the Ford F-150 depend on whether you replace only the pads or both pads and rotors, and whether the service is for one axle or all four wheels. Typical ballpark figures in the U.S. as of 2025 are:
- Pads only: about $150–$300 per axle
- Pads and rotors: about $300–$600 per axle
- Four-wheel job: roughly $600–$1,200 for pads and rotors, or $300–$600 for pads only
What is the 30/30/30 rule for brakes?
The 30/30/30 rule for brakes is a method for properly "bedding-in" new brake pads and rotors, which involves making 30 gradual stops from 30 mph, with a 30-second cooling period between each stop. This process helps create an even transfer layer of brake pad material onto the rotor surface, ensuring optimal performance and preventing issues like brake fade and glazed pads.
How to perform the 30/30/30 rule
- Find a safe area: Locate an open, lightly trafficked road or a large, empty parking lot.
- Warm up the brakes: Drive for a few minutes to bring the brakes up to a normal operating temperature.
- Start the procedure: Accelerate smoothly to about 30 mph.
- Make the first stop: Apply moderate, firm pressure to slow the vehicle down to about 5-10 mph, but do not come to a complete stop. Avoid hard or emergency stops.
- Cool down: Release the brake and allow the brakes to cool for 30 seconds.
- Repeat: Repeat the process of stopping and cooling for a total of 30 times.
- Complete the break-in: After the 30 stops, drive for about 300 to 500 miles while avoiding hard or aggressive braking to allow the new components to fully settle in.
How much does Ford charge for a brake job?
How much does Ford charge for brake job? Ford brake pads can cost you between $185 per axle and $375 per axle depending on the type of brake pad desired.
How much does it cost to replace brakes on a Ford F-150?
Replacing the brakes on a Ford F-150 costs between $150 and $300 per axle for just pads and $300 to $750 for all four rotors. A complete front-and-rear brake job, which includes both pads and rotors, can cost $500 to over $1,000, with dealership repairs typically being more expensive than independent shops. Prices vary based on the specific parts, labor costs, location, and whether you go to a dealership or a private mechanic.
Cost breakdown
- Brake pads: Replacing just the pads on one axle can cost between $150 and $300.
- Rotors: Replacing all four rotors can range from $300 to $750.
- Front and rear: A full brake job for both the front and rear will be more expensive than replacing just one set. For example, a front-and-rear pad and rotor replacement at a traditional repair shop could be $1,030–$1,150, while a dealership might charge $1,325–$1,475.
Factors that influence cost
- Parts: The type of brake pads you choose (organic, semi-metallic, or ceramic) will affect the price. Dealerships use manufacturer-recommended parts, which are often more expensive than aftermarket parts used by independent mechanics.
- Labor: Dealerships generally have higher labor rates than independent mechanics.
- Extent of damage: If the worn pads have caused significant damage to other components, like the rotors or calipers, the total cost will be higher.
- Location: Labor costs vary by region, with urban areas often having higher rates.
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.
