If your car shakes or pulls to one side when you apply the brakes, it might mean your rear brakes are failing.
And when that happens, the smartest and safest thing to do is replace them.
But how much does a rear brake replacement cost?
Keep reading for a detailed cost breakdown of rear brake replacement. We’ll also highlight the importance of this service and help you spot signs of rear brake failure.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Rear Brake Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing the Rear Brakes?
- Signs You Need a Rear Brake Replacement
- How Long Do Rear Brakes Last?
- What’s Cheaper to Replace: Front or Rear Brakes?
How Much Does a Rear Brake Replacement Cost?
Here are the estimated costs for replacing the rear brakes:
A. Range
If your vehicle has disc brakes on the rear, the brake replacement service will involve changing the brake pads and rotors, which typically costs between $250 and $500 per axle.
This includes:
- Brake pad replacement cost:
- New brake pads: $100 to $300 per axle
- Labor costs: $80 to $120 per axle
- Brake rotor replacement cost:
- New rotors: $60 to $120 per axle
- Labor costs: $150 to $200 per axle
Note: Some older and smaller economy cars may feature drum brakes on the rear, consisting of brake shoes and drums. So, if your vehicle’s drum brakes require replacement, you can expect to spend between $275 and $400.
B. Factors Affecting Cost
Rear brake replacement costs vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model and the quality of the parts (original or aftermarket).
Other factors include:
- Labor charges: In some vehicles, rear brake components like pads and calipers are difficult to reach because they’re behind suspension parts. As rear brakes also act as parking brakes, repairing them may involve additional steps, like adjusting brake cables, which can increase labor costs. Additionally, modern vehicles often have electronic brake systems that need special tools for recalibration during replacements, further increasing the costs.
- Type of brake pad: Organic brake pads are cheaper but wear out quickly. Meanwhile, semi-metallic and ceramic brake pads, while expensive, are durable and require less frequent replacements. Galvanized pads, on the other hand, may cost $100 more than ceramic pads, but they last twice as long and are corrosion-resistant, making them a cost-effective option.
- Additional repairs: For instance, the mechanic may need to replace damaged brake calipers and top up your brake fluid.
A full rear brake job can then cost about $300 to $800, and a brake fluid flush may add an extra $120 to the repair.
Is It Worth Replacing the Rear Brakes?
Yes.
Rear brakes are key to keeping your vehicle in control and stable during heavy braking or on slippery roads. Worn-out brake pads can throw off the balance, risking a rear wheel lockup that could lead to a skid.
Additionally, since rear brakes also act as parking brakes, worn components can weaken the parking brake system. This can be risky if you park on a slope.
Signs You Need a Rear Brake Replacement
Some indicators that might suggest you need rear brake service are:
- High-pitched or grinding noises when braking
- Car shakes upon braking
- Reduced parking brake effectiveness
- Brake imbalance — car pulls to one side
- Soft brake pedal
- Illuminated ABS light or brake warning light
How Long Do Rear Brakes Last?
Rear brake pads and rotors are designed to last around 30,000 to 70,000 miles.
Since the front brakes handle about 70% of a car’s braking power, they tend to wear out more than the rear brakes.
However, most cars’ rear brake pads are designed smaller than the front ones, causing them to wear out at the same rate. Mechanics generally advise replacing all brake pads at once to maintain proper braking.
That said, the lifespan of rear brakes can vary depending on your:
- Driving environment
- Driving and braking habits
- Quality and type of parts used
What’s Cheaper to Replace: Front or Rear Brakes?
Front and rear brake pad replacement can cost the same, depending on the type of pad used.
However, a rear brake service might cost more because the rear brakes are integrated with the parking brake and are harder to access. The brake repair service cost can also increase if you need a brake caliper replacement.
Get Your Rear Brakes Replaced with AutoNation Mobile Service
Keeping your rear brakes in good shape prevents your car from skidding or losing control. So, fix any brake-related issues as soon as you spot one.
Looking for a reliable brake repair service?
Call AutoNation mobile service.
We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance solution available seven days a week. Our expert technicians can replace your brake parts right from your driveway.
Contact us for a hassle-free mobile brake repair service.