How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Brake Caliper?

Expect to pay about $250–$600 per caliper for most cars in the U.S., including parts and labor, as of 2025; trucks, SUVs, and luxury or performance models commonly run $700–$1,200 per axle, and specialty multi-piston setups can exceed $2,000. Prices vary by vehicle, region, parts choice (remanufactured vs. new vs. OEM), and whether related brake work—pads, rotors, hoses, or a fluid flush—is needed at the same time.

Typical Price Ranges (U.S., 2025)

The following ranges reflect common out-the-door pricing for a single caliper replacement, then what you might see if both calipers on an axle are serviced together. These assume standard floating calipers unless noted.

• Economy/compact cars: $250–$450 per caliper; $500–$900 per axle
• Midsize/sedan/crossover: $300–$600 per caliper; $600–$1,100 per axle
• Half-ton trucks/SUVs: $350–$700 per caliper; $700–$1,300 per axle
• European luxury (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, etc.): $450–$900 per caliper; $900–$1,600 per axle
• Performance/multi-piston fixed calipers: $700–$1,500+ per caliper; $1,400–$3,000+ per axle
• Rear calipers with electronic parking brake (EPB): add roughly $50–$200 per caliper vs. a standard design

These figures are ballparks; your final bill depends on parts quality, labor rate, and any additional brake work needed for safety and warranty compliance.

Cost Breakdown: Parts and Labor

Caliper replacement involves both the component itself and the time to install, bleed the system, and test. Here’s how the numbers typically shake out.

• Caliper parts:
  – Remanufactured aftermarket: $80–$180 each (often the best value; core charge $30–$75 refundable)
  – New aftermarket: $120–$250 each
  – OEM (mainstream brands): $200–$450 each
  – OEM (European/luxury): $350–$800 each
  – Performance/multi-piston fixed calipers: $400–$1,200+ each
  – EPB-integrated rear calipers: $180–$500 each
• Related parts commonly added:
  – Hardware/clips/slide pins: $10–$25
  – Brake hose (if cracked/rusted): $30–$90 part
  – Brake fluid (bleed/flush): $90–$170
  – New pads and possibly rotors if contaminated or worn: pads $50–$200; rotors $50–$250 each
• Labor time:
  – Caliper swap and bleed: ~0.8–1.2 hours per side on a floating caliper
  – EPB service or scan-tool retraction: +0.2–0.5 hours per side
  – Add 0.8–1.5 hours per axle if replacing pads/rotors concurrently
• Labor rates (typical):
  – Independent shops: ~$110–$190/hour
  – Dealerships: ~$160–$250/hour
• Taxes, shop supplies, and environmental fees: commonly 5%–12% of the pre-tax total

On a mainstream vehicle with a remanufactured caliper and no surprises, total installed cost often lands in the $300–$500 range per side. Adding pads, rotors, and a fluid flush can push an axle service into the $600–$1,100 range.

What Drives the Price Up or Down

Several technical and market factors influence the final cost beyond the caliper itself.

• Caliper design: Single-piston floating calipers are cheapest; multi-piston or fixed designs cost more
• Electronic parking brake: Requires specialized procedures and pricier parts
• Corrosion and seized hardware: Increases labor time; may necessitate hoses or lines
• Parts selection: Remanufactured vs. new vs. OEM vs. performance
• Labor rate and region: Urban and coastal markets tend to be higher
• Shop type: Dealers often charge more than independent specialists
• Supply chain/Core charges: Core returns lower net cost on reman parts

When comparing quotes, ensure each includes the same parts type and scope of work so you’re evaluating like-for-like proposals.

Do You Have to Replace Calipers in Pairs?

It isn’t always required to replace both calipers on an axle, but it’s sometimes recommended to ensure balanced braking and even pad wear.

• Replace one caliper when the other side is recent, in good condition, and there’s no uneven wear
• Replace both when mileage is high, corrosion is evident on both sides, or one has seized badly
• High-performance fixed calipers are more sensitive to imbalance; pairs are more commonly advised

A reputable shop will measure pad thicknesses, inspect slides and boots, and advise whether pairing makes sense for safety and long-term cost.

Symptoms a Caliper Needs Replacement

Calipers can fail mechanically (sticking piston/slide) or hydraulically (leaks). If you notice any of the following, have brakes inspected promptly.

• Vehicle pulls to one side under braking
• Uneven or rapid pad wear on one wheel
• Brake fluid leak at the caliper; wetness or dust caked with fluid
• Burning smell, heat discoloration at a wheel, or dragging sensation
• Soft pedal after pumping, or a spongy feel that doesn’t improve with bleeding
• ABS or parking brake warnings on EPB-equipped cars

Early intervention can limit collateral damage to pads and rotors and keep labor time down.

What a Professional Caliper Replacement Typically Includes

Quality shops follow a repeatable process to ensure braking performance and warranty coverage.

• Diagnosis and inspection: pad/rotor thickness, slide function, hose condition, leaks
• Replacement of the caliper (and bracket if required), transfer/installation of hardware
• Bleeding the brake system; EPB retraction/calibration when applicable
• Road test and leak check; torque verification
• Documentation of parts/labor and warranty terms

Ask for measurements and photos with your invoice; it helps verify the condition and work performed.

Can You DIY? Costs and Cautions

DIY can cut the bill substantially if you’re equipped and experienced, but brakes are safety-critical and modern systems may need scan tools.

• DIY parts cost: ~$80–$450 per caliper (vehicle-dependent), plus fluid and hardware
• Tools: jack stands, torque wrench, line wrenches, piston compressor or rewind tool, bleeder kit; EPB cars often require a scan tool
• Key cautions: support the vehicle safely; avoid twisting hoses; observe torque specs; use the correct brake fluid (DOT 3/4/5.1 as specified; never mix silicone DOT 5 with glycol-based fluids)
• Bleeding: follow manufacturer sequence; consider a full fluid flush if fluid is old or contaminated

If you’re new to brake hydraulics or your car has EPB, a professional job is often the safer and ultimately cheaper route.

Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Safety

Smart choices on parts and timing can trim costs while maintaining reliability and braking performance.

• Choose remanufactured calipers from reputable brands and return the core promptly
• Bundle pads/rotors if they’re due—combined labor can be cheaper than separate visits
• Get two to three quotes from well-rated independent shops
• Look for shop promotions on brake services and fluid flushes
• Ask for measurements and photos to avoid unnecessary upsells
• Confirm warranty terms on parts and labor; some reman units carry lifetime warranties

Clear, itemized estimates help you compare options and prevent surprises at checkout.

Bottom Line

For most vehicles, replacing a single brake caliper costs $250–$600 installed, with trucks, EPB systems, and luxury/performance models costing more. Parts choice and labor rates are the biggest levers, and additional work—pads, rotors, hoses, or a fluid flush—can significantly change the total. When in doubt, get multiple itemized quotes and prioritize safety-critical components first.

Summary

Brake caliper replacement typically runs $250–$600 per caliper for mainstream cars in the U.S., higher for trucks, EPB, and performance setups. Expect added costs if pads/rotors or fluid need service. Shop type, region, and parts selection drive variation; remanufactured parts and bundled brake work can keep totals in check. Replace in pairs when condition suggests imbalance; otherwise, a single caliper may suffice.

How much should a brake caliper job cost?

between $810 and $929
The average cost for a Brake Caliper Replacement is between $810 and $929 but can vary from car to car.

Is it worth replacing brake calipers?

Calipers should never need replacement unless they’ve been damaged by some event. However, the slide pins that support the caliper can seize against it – the caliper should “float” freely on the pins. Symptoms are one pad wearing down faster than the other.

Is it OK to replace just one caliper?

If one side is damaged, then replace the calipers on both sides. If only one caliper is replaced, you may experience brake imbalance between the front wheels and tires. The new brake caliper may apply the brake pads to the rotor more quickly than the older caliper.

Can I drive my car with a bad caliper?

No. It absolutely is not OK to drive with a bad brake caliper, no matter how good a condition the rest of the brake components are. Getting a vehicle to move isn’t the problem; stopping is.