How Much a Full Brake Job Costs on a Truck

For most light-duty pickup trucks, a full brake job typically ranges from about $900 to $2,200 for all four wheels at an independent shop, and $1,100 to $2,600 at a dealership; heavy-duty pickups can run $1,200 to $3,000. For medium and heavy-duty commercial trucks, expect $700 to $1,800 per axle—often $3,500 to $7,500 to service a tractor and trailer together. Prices depend on parts quality, whether calipers or drums are replaced, and regional labor rates. Below is a detailed breakdown of what “full brake job” means, realistic 2025 price ranges, and how to budget smartly.

What Counts as a “Full Brake Job”

Shops use the term differently, so it helps to align on scope. A thorough, safety-focused brake service replaces wear items and addresses hydraulic/air components and fluids as needed.

• Pads and rotors (disc brakes) or shoes and drums (drum brakes)
• Hardware: clips, springs, slide pins/boots, drum spring kits, and parking-brake hardware
• Calipers or wheel cylinders if seized, leaking, or out of spec
• Brake fluid flush (hydraulic systems) or air system inspection for leaks and component wear (air brakes)
• Parking brake adjustment/service
• Machining/turning drums if still within spec, though rotors are usually replaced on trucks

Clarifying these items up front helps you compare quotes accurately and avoid surprises once the wheels are off.

Typical Price Ranges in 2025

Light-Duty Pickups (Half-Ton: F-150, Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, Tundra)

Per axle, pads-and-rotors jobs commonly run $350 to $750 with quality aftermarket parts; add $90 to $160 for a fluid flush (once per service if needed). If calipers are required, add roughly $150 to $350 per caliper. A comprehensive four-wheel service (pads, rotors, hardware, fluid flush) usually totals $900 to $1,600 at independent shops, $1,100 to $1,900 at dealers. If multiple calipers are replaced, the total can reach $1,300 to $2,400.

Heavy-Duty Pickups (Three-Quarter to One-Ton: F-250/F-350, 2500/3500 Series)

Heavier components cost more. Expect $450 to $900 per axle for pads and rotors; $800 to $1,300 per axle if calipers are included. Full four-wheel services are commonly $1,200 to $2,200, and $1,700 to $3,000 if several calipers or parking-brake components need replacement.

Medium/Heavy-Duty Commercial Trucks (Class 6–8, Air Brakes)

For air drum systems, reline shoes and service/replace drums typically cost $700 to $1,200 per axle; with new drums, $900 to $1,600 per axle. Air disc brakes run higher, about $900 to $1,800 per axle. Replacing chambers or slack adjusters adds roughly $150 to $400 each. A three-axle tractor often totals $2,000 to $4,500; servicing a tractor and trailer (five axles) is commonly $3,500 to $7,500 depending on configuration and parts.

Cost Breakdown: Parts and Labor

Understanding typical line items helps you read estimates and choose parts that match your needs (OEM vs. high-performance or heavy-duty aftermarket).

• Pads: $60–$200 per axle (ceramic/semi-metallic; HD friction costs more)
• Rotors: $120–$250 each on light-duty trucks; $150–$300+ each on heavy-duty pickups
• Shoes and drums (rear drums): $80–$180 for shoes; $120–$250 per drum; hardware kits $20–$40
• Calipers: $150–$350 each (light-duty); $200–$450 each (HD pickups)
• Wheel cylinders (drum): $30–$80 each
• Brake fluid flush (hydraulic): $90–$160
• Labor: 1.0–1.8 hours per axle for pads/rotors on light-duty trucks; 1.5–2.5 hours per axle on HD pickups; 2–4 hours per axle on medium/heavy-duty drums or air disc, depending on condition

Expect higher labor times and prices if components are rusted, seized, or require extraction, and in regions with higher shop rates.

Factors That Change the Price

Several variables can push your brake job toward the low or high end of the range.

• Vehicle weight and towing package (larger rotors and calipers increase parts cost)
• Disc vs. drum rear brakes (drums add hardware and potential wheel cylinder work)
• Seized calipers, worn slide pins, or pitted drums (extra parts and labor)
• Rust/corrosion and broken fasteners (especially in snowbelt regions)
• Parts choice (OEM, premium heavy-duty, or value lines)
• Shop type (dealers generally higher; independents and mobile mechanics may be lower)
• Regional labor rates (major metros can be 10–30% higher)
• Air disc brakes on commercial trucks (costlier than air drums)

When comparing quotes, ensure you’re matching scope and parts quality—it’s the main reason estimates can differ by hundreds of dollars.

Example Estimates

These illustrative scenarios reflect typical 2025 pricing for well-maintained trucks without unusual rust or damage.

• Half-ton pickup, four-wheel discs: Pads, rotors, hardware, fluid flush — $1,050 to $1,650 (independent). Add two front calipers: $1,500 to $2,200.
• Three-quarter-ton pickup used for towing: Front pads/rotors and calipers; rear pads/rotors; fluid flush — $1,700 to $2,600.
• Class 8 tractor with air drums: Re-line shoes, new drums on two drive axles, service steer axle, adjusters checked — $2,400 to $4,000; adding trailer axles can bring the total to $4,000 to $6,500.

Your final cost will hinge on component condition once disassembled; ask the shop to call before replacing high-dollar parts.

When You Need a Full Brake Job vs. Minimal Service

Sometimes only pads are worn; other times heat or corrosion means rotors, drums, or hydraulics should be replaced for safety and warranty compliance.

• Pulsation or steering wheel shake when braking (warped or uneven rotors)
• Grinding or metal-on-metal noise (rotors/drums likely damaged)
• Pulling, dragging, or uneven pad wear (sticking caliper/slide pins)
• Soft or spongy pedal, fluid loss, or warning lights (hydraulic issues)
• Brake fade on downhill tows (overheated components; consider HD parts)

Light squeal with thick pads may only require cleaning and hardware service, but metal noise or pulsation usually points to a full axle service.

How to Save and What to Ask

Smart questions can reduce cost while keeping braking performance and safety high.

• Request a line-item estimate (pads, rotors/drums, calipers, hardware, fluid flush, labor hours)
• Specify parts tier (OEM vs. premium aftermarket rated for towing/HD use)
• Ask about rotor/drum minimum thickness and whether resurfacing is appropriate
• Confirm hardware replacement and slide pin service are included
• Clarify warranty terms on parts and labor; know “lifetime pad” fine print (labor and rotors aren’t covered)
• Bundle services (tires, alignment, brake job) for potential discounts; check for coupons/fleet pricing
• For commercial trucks, ask for per-axle pricing and options for drums vs. air disc where applicable

Choosing the right parts the first time—especially for towing—often saves money over repeat repairs or premature wear.

Warranty and Maintenance Notes

On pickups, many drivers see 30,000 to 70,000 miles from pads, less with towing, hills, or heavy loads. Brake fluid should generally be flushed every 2–3 years on hydraulic systems. For air-braked trucks, perform regular inspections and address shoe/lining wear promptly. After installation, follow bedding-in procedures to ensure optimal braking and longevity.

Summary

Budget roughly $900 to $2,200 for a comprehensive, four-wheel brake job on a light-duty pickup, $1,200 to $3,000 for heavy-duty pickups, and $700 to $1,800 per axle for commercial trucks (often $3,500 to $7,500 for a tractor–trailer). Your exact total depends on vehicle class, parts quality, and whether calipers/drums need replacement. Get a detailed, apples-to-apples estimate, and don’t skimp on hardware or fluid service—both matter for safety and longevity.