How much should it cost to replace brake pads on a Subaru?
The cost to replace brake pads on a Subaru can range from $150 to $300 or more, depending on various factors. This article will provide a detailed breakdown of the typical costs associated with this common vehicle maintenance task.
Factors Affecting Brake Pad Replacement Cost
The exact cost to replace brake pads on a Subaru can vary based on the following key factors:
- Vehicle Model: The cost can differ depending on the specific Subaru model, as parts and labor prices may vary.
- Parts Quality: Brake pads can range from basic, economy-level parts to higher-quality, performance-oriented options. The parts cost will reflect this difference.
- Labor Costs: The hourly rate charged by the mechanic or repair shop will impact the overall service cost.
- Location: Brake pad replacement costs can also vary by geographic region due to differences in parts availability and labor rates.
In general, you can expect to pay between $150 and $300 to have your Subaru's brake pads replaced by a professional mechanic. This price range accounts for both economy-level and premium brake pad options.
DIY Brake Pad Replacement
For those comfortable with basic automotive maintenance, it is possible to replace the brake pads on a Subaru as a do-it-yourself (DIY) project. This can potentially save you a significant amount of money compared to having a mechanic perform the work.
The main costs associated with a DIY brake pad replacement include:
- Brake Pads: Expect to pay $50 to $150 for a set of quality replacement brake pads.
- Tools: You may need to purchase or rent specialized tools, such as a brake caliper tool, which can add $50 or more to the project cost.
- Time and Effort: Replacing brake pads yourself requires some mechanical aptitude and can take several hours to complete properly.
While a DIY brake pad replacement can save you money, it's important to carefully follow all safety precautions and ensure the work is done correctly to maintain the integrity of your Subaru's braking system.
When to Replace Brake Pads
It's generally recommended to have your Subaru's brake pads inspected and replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, or whenever the pads reach the minimum thickness specified by the manufacturer. Signs that your brake pads may need replacement include:
- Squeaking or grinding noises when braking
- Decreased braking performance or longer stopping distances
- Visible wear on the brake pads (less than 1/4 inch of pad material remaining)
By staying on top of regular brake pad maintenance, you can help ensure your Subaru's braking system remains in top condition and promote safe driving.
How much should a brake pad job cost?
The average cost of parts is between $35 and $150. The average cost of labor is between $80 and $120 per axle. The average brake pad replacement total is between $115 and $300 per axle (parts + labor).
Is it OK to just replace brake pads?
Changing only the front or rear brake pads at a time can cause issues with braking performance. The new pads will grip the rotor more effectively than the worn pads, potentially causing unstable and unsafe braking. Additionally, the imbalance can overburden the brake pads, causing them to wear out even faster.
Is it more expensive to replace front or rear brakes?
Typically, front brakes will be more expensive to replace since they are bigger, whereas the rear brakes are simpler in design. However, if you are noticing a high price for your rear brake pad and rotor replacement, this is likely due to the labour cost, not the cost of the parts.
When should Subaru brake pads be replaced?
On average, pads need to be changed every 25,000 to 70,000 miles depending on the type of pads you have. Your car service manual gives the exact replacement time for your Subaru model. The replacement time can be affected by both driving conditions and your driving style.
Should you replace all 4 brake pads at once?
Yes, it's best to do all 4 wheels at once. So change them asap because the old brake pads may damage the new set.
How much do front and rear brake pads cost?
How Much Is It To Replace Brake Pads? On average, it costs $100-$300 per axle to replace the brake pads in a vehicle. In other words, replacing either the front or rear brake pads would be $100-$300, and replacing both the front and rear brake pads would be $200-$600.
Can I just replace brake pads and not rotors?
You don't always have to replace rotors when replacing brake pads. The frequency of rotor replacement depends on factors like rotor quality and driving conditions. However, if your mechanic finds warped or worn rotors beyond the minimum discard thickness, they recommend replacing them together with brake pads.
How much do Subaru brake pads cost?
Subaru brake pads replacement, which includes parts and labor, can cost anywhere between $150 and $300 per axle depending on the type of brake pads desired and the extent of the damage your previously worn down pads have caused to the other components of your vehicle such as the rotors.
How much does it cost to replace all 4 brake pads?
The average front brake pad replacement cost is between $115 and $300; this is about the same as the cost of rear brake pad replacement. The cost of replacing all four brake pads, including parts and labor, ranges between $230 and $600 for all four wheels.
How much do auto shops charge to replace brake pads?
Professional Repair Costs
For professional brake pad replacement, you can expect to pay between $115 and $270 per axle, depending on the parts and labor rates.
