How Much Does A Brake Pad Replacement Cost?

The cost of your brake pad replacement depends on local labor charges and the price of your repair parts. That’s why, if you’re conducting a search, it’s best to search for brake pad replacement near you.

Typically, the replacement cost could be around $115 to $300 per axle. It includes labor ($80 – $120) and spare parts costs ($35 – $150). 

However, this doesn’t cover any additional auto repair costs that may be needed, like a rotor replacement or resurfacing, which often comes together with brake pad replacements.

How Critical Is A Brake Pad Replacement?

Because worn brake pads will directly affect your car’s braking power, getting a brake repair service from an expert auto service is pretty urgent. 

Driving with worn brake pads can lead to critical brake problems, like a brake fluid leak or loss of braking ability. Prolonged damage to the braking system may result in an expensive engine repair.

Tip: While no vehicle owner can avoid getting a brake pad replacement, proper driving habits and regular brake service should help delay brake pad wear.

What Are The Signs Of Bad Brake Pads?

The brake pad is a part of disc brakes, and is positioned between the caliper assembly and the brake rotor. 

Here’s how you can identify old or faulty brake pads:

• Noisy brake system: Worn brake pads generate excessive noise, like loud squealing, squeaking, or low metal grinding.  
• Noticeable physical wear and tear: Old brake pads are always visibly worn-down when it’s time to change them. They might be difficult to inspect without removing the tire, though.
• Unusual feeling when braking: Your steering wheel feels loose or shaky when braking, reflecting uneven brake pad wear. Your vehicle’s brake pedal may also feel soft or spongy, though that is more often due to brake fluid issues.
• Brake warning light turns on: If your vehicle is equipped with a brake pad sensor, the brake light pops on to indicate brake issues.

3 Brake Pad Replacement FAQs

Let’s go over some common brake pad queries and their answers:

1. What Is A Brake Pad?

Brake pads are the friction element in disc brakes (like brake shoes in drum brakes.) They apply the necessary pressure and friction on the brake rotor, slowing down the wheels and stopping the vehicle. 

2. How Often Should I Change My Car’s Brake Pads?

Generally, brake pads can last for anywhere from 15,000 to 70,000 miles. 

How long your brake pads last depends on several factors, including your vehicle’s make, type of brakes, tire brand, driving habits, tire condition, etc. 

Front brake pads tend to wear out faster than rear brake pads. So you might need to change out the front brake pads before a rear brake pad replacement. 

3. How To Change Brake Pads?

Brake pad replacement requires good mechanical knowledge. So it’s best to get a brake replacement near you from an expert auto service.

That being said, here’s a general walk-through for a brake pad replacement:

1. Start by parking the vehicle on a flat, dry surface and applying the parking brake. Place a jack under its frame. 
2. Remove the lug nuts and the wheel to locate the brake caliper assembly. 
3. Locate the two slider bolts that hold the brake caliper in place.
4. Once you remove the bottom bolt, the brake caliper should pivot upwards. The rubber hose (hydraulic line) will flex to allow this, so you don’t have to disconnect the hydraulic brake line.
5. Inspect the thickness of the brake pads. They are generally considered to be worn out if the friction material is one-eighth of an inch thick or less.
6. Locate the retaining clips that hold the old brake pad in place, and slide out the brake pads.
7. Replace the retaining clips and apply brake grease to keep them from squeaking. 
8. Slide in the new brake pads and push back the caliper piston. 
9. Monitor the brake fluid level. Drain out some fluid if brake fluid reservoirs overflow, as a new brake pad often has this issue. You can also perform a brake fluid flush to replace the dirty brake fluid.
10. Reposition the brake caliper and reinstall the slider bolts.
11. Repeat the same procedure on the other side and test the new brake works to ensure everything is working properly.