How much does it cost to replace a brake caliper

For most passenger vehicles in the U.S., replacing a single brake caliper typically costs $250–$900 per wheel at a professional shop, including parts and labor. Parts generally run $80–$400 for common cars (more for OEM or premium parts), and labor is usually $100–$300 depending on local rates and time required. Performance, heavy-duty, or European luxury models can run $800–$2,500 per caliper due to multi-piston designs and pricier components. Prices vary by vehicle, part quality, and region.

What affects the price

Several variables drive the total you’ll pay for a caliper replacement. Understanding these factors helps explain why quotes can vary widely between shops and vehicles.

• Vehicle type and trim: Economy sedans vs. trucks, SUVs, performance or European luxury models
• Caliper design: Single-piston floating vs. multi-piston fixed (Brembo/AMG/M Sport, etc.)
• Part choice: Remanufactured, new aftermarket, or OEM dealer parts
• Labor rate and book time: Local hourly rates and whether additional work is required (rust, seized hardware)
• Additional services: Brake fluid bleed/flush, pads and rotors, brake hose or hardware replacement
• Core charges and availability: Refundable core fees on reman calipers; supply and lead times
• Geography: Urban vs. rural labor rates; regional parts pricing and taxes

Taken together, these determinants can swing an otherwise routine repair into a more involved—and more expensive—job.

Typical price breakdown (U.S.)

Here’s how the cost commonly breaks down for a single wheel on a mainstream vehicle, using current market pricing and shop practices.

• Parts:
  

  • Remanufactured caliper: $60–$150
  • New aftermarket caliper: $80–$250
  • OEM caliper: $150–$400 (can be higher on some models)
  • Performance/multi-piston: $500–$1,500+ per caliper

• Labor: 0.8–2.0 hours typical; $90–$200+ per hour → $100–$400
• Brake fluid and bleeding: $10–$30 in fluid; 0.3–0.5 hour additional if not included
• Optional/related parts:
  

  • Brake pads: $40–$180
  • Rotor: $50–$300 each
  • Brake hose/hardware: $20–$120

• Core charge (reman calipers): $30–$80 (refunded when the old caliper is returned)
• Shop fees/taxes: Typically 5–10% of parts/labor combined, varies by jurisdiction

When only the caliper is replaced and a bleed is performed, totals often land in the $250–$600 range for common vehicles; adding pads/rotors or dealing with rusted fasteners can push totals toward $700–$900.

Example estimates by vehicle type

The following examples illustrate typical totals per caliper at a professional shop; actual quotes may vary based on exact model and local rates.

• Economy compact (e.g., Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla): $250–$550
• Mid-size sedan/SUV (e.g., Toyota Camry, Honda CR‑V, Ford Escape): $300–$700
• Half-ton pickup/SUV (e.g., Ford F‑150, Chevy Silverado, Toyota 4Runner): $350–$800
• European luxury (e.g., BMW, Mercedes, Audi): $500–$1,200 (higher with OEM parts)
• Performance/multi-piston systems (e.g., Brembo-equipped models): $800–$2,500+

If your vehicle uses larger rotors, multi-piston calipers, or brand-specific components, expect quotes toward the upper end of these ranges.

Do you need to replace calipers in pairs?

Unlike brake pads and rotors, calipers do not always need to be replaced in pairs. If one caliper has failed mechanically (seized piston, leaking seal) and the other is functioning normally, replacing only the failed unit is acceptable. That said, on high-mileage vehicles or when corrosion/age is a concern, shops may recommend replacing both calipers on the same axle to maintain even braking performance.

Related services often done together

Caliper replacement is commonly paired with other maintenance to ensure balanced braking and protect new components.

• Brake pad replacement to match wear and bed-in properly with any resurfaced or new rotors
• Rotor replacement or machining if worn, warped, or at minimum thickness
• Brake fluid bleed or full system flush if fluid is old or contaminated
• Brake hose replacement if hoses are cracked, swollen, or internally collapsed
• Hardware (pins, clips, boots) replacement and lubrication for proper slider function

Bundling these items can reduce return trips and ensure consistent pedal feel and stopping power after the repair.

Time required

Professional replacement of a single caliper typically takes 1–2 hours, including bleeding the brake circuit. Additional time may be needed for severe corrosion, stuck fasteners, or when pads/rotors and hoses are also replaced.

When a caliper is failing

Recognizing symptoms early can prevent uneven pad wear and rotor damage, limiting the scope—and cost—of repairs.

• Vehicle pulls to one side under braking
• Soft pedal or sinking pedal due to fluid loss
• Visible fluid leaks near the caliper or on the inside of the wheel
• Burning smell, smoke, or excessive heat from a wheel after driving
• Uneven or accelerated pad wear on one wheel
• Brake warning light or ABS fault in conjunction with other symptoms

If you notice these signs, reduce driving and schedule an inspection promptly to avoid rotor damage or brake failure.

DIY vs. professional

Mechanically experienced owners can replace a caliper at home, but brakes are safety-critical and require proper bleeding and torque procedures.

• DIY parts cost: often $60–$250 per caliper (reman/new aftermarket), plus fluid and any tools
• Tools required: jack/stands, torque wrench, line wrench, brake bleeder or scan tool (for some ABS systems), brake cleaner
• Risks: improper bleeding, damaged fittings/threads, contaminated pads/rotors, ABS issues on newer vehicles
• When to choose a shop: ABS bleed procedures, severe corrosion, performance systems, or lack of proper tools

For many drivers, a reputable shop offers the safest route and provides a parts-and-labor warranty on the repair.

Outside the U.S.

Costs vary internationally with labor rates, tax, and parts availability. Here are typical ranges for common vehicles.

• UK: £150–£450 per caliper (parts and labor) for mainstream cars; £600–£1,500+ for premium/performance
• Eurozone: €200–€700 typical; €800–€2,000+ for multi-piston or performance setups
• Labor rates: commonly £70–£140/hour in the UK; €80–€160/hour in many EU cities

Regional differences can be significant, so obtaining local quotes with part numbers specified (OEM vs. aftermarket) is recommended.

How to save

There are practical ways to reduce your bill without compromising safety.

• Ask for remanufactured calipers with warranty when appropriate
• Compare OEM vs. quality aftermarket pricing and availability
• Replace sliders/hardware and bleed properly to avoid repeat visits
• Bundle pads/rotors if they’re due soon to save on labor overlap
• Return the old caliper promptly to reclaim the core charge
• Get two to three quotes from well-reviewed independent shops

Smart part choices and bundling related work can meaningfully lower the total cost while ensuring reliable braking.

Summary

Expect $250–$900 per wheel in the U.S. to replace a brake caliper on a typical vehicle, with higher costs for premium or performance models. Final pricing depends on part type (reman/new/OEM), labor time and rate, and whether pads, rotors, hoses, or a fluid flush are added. If you’re unsure, request an itemized estimate and confirm whether the quote includes bleeding, shop fees, and any core charges.

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.

How do I know my brake caliper is bad?

You know your brake caliper is bad if you notice your car pulling to one side, hear abnormal grinding or squealing noises, feel a spongy brake pedal, or smell a burning odor from the wheels. Other signs include brake fluid leaks under the car, or a wheel that is extremely hot to the touch. A simple check is to support the vehicle on jack stands and try to spin the wheel by hand; if it has significant resistance or doesn’t spin freely, it indicates a problem with the caliper.
 
Common Symptoms of a Bad Brake Caliper

• Vehicle Pulling to One Side: This happens when a sticky or faulty caliper applies uneven pressure to the brake rotor, causing your car to veer left or right. 
• Abnormal Noises: Listen for grinding, squealing, or metallic scraping sounds, which can signal a malfunctioning caliper or worn-out brake pads. 
• Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal: A soft brake pedal suggests a problem with the caliper’s hydraulic system or air in the lines, leading to reduced braking power. 
• Burning Smell: An overheating brake, possibly caused by a seized caliper that keeps the pads engaged, can produce a distinct burning odor from one of the wheels. 
• Brake Fluid Leaks: You may see oil spots on the ground near your tires or notice low brake fluid levels, indicating a leak from the caliper’s seals. 
• Uneven Brake Pad Wear: Check your brake pads; if one side is significantly more worn than the other, it could be a sign of a stuck caliper piston or sliding pin. 
• Excessive Heat from Wheels: After driving, feel the wheel on the affected side of the car; if it’s much hotter than the others, it indicates the brakes are dragging. 

How to Do a Quick Check

1. Safely support your vehicle on jack stands. 
2. Try to spin the wheel by hand. 
3. If the wheel has difficulty spinning or stops quickly, a caliper is likely sticking and applying pressure to the rotor. 

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.

Can you just replace one brake caliper?

Yes, you can replace just one brake caliper, but it is not recommended. Replacing both calipers on an axle at the same time is better because it ensures balanced hydraulic force and even brake pad wear, preventing issues like the vehicle pulling to one side. If you choose to replace only one caliper, you should still inspect and potentially replace the pads on the other side of the axle to maintain even braking performance, according to Auto Pro Auto Parts and Firestone Complete Auto Care. 
Why replacing in pairs is recommended:

• Balanced hydraulic force: Opens in new tabWhen you apply the brakes, the hydraulic force should be equal on both sides of the axle. If one caliper is new and the other is old and worn, the braking force will be uneven, causing the car to pull to one side. 
• Even wear on brake components: Opens in new tabReplacing calipers in pairs helps maintain an even wear on the brake pads and rotors on both sides of the axle. 
• Reduced risk of premature failure: Opens in new tabBoth calipers have been exposed to the same conditions (heat, salt, mileage). If one fails due to these conditions, the other is also likely to fail soon. 

When replacing one might be acceptable:

• Newer vehicle: Opens in new tabIf a vehicle is nearly new and a caliper fails due to a manufacturing defect, replacing only the one defective unit makes sense, as the other is in nearly new condition. 
• Specific component failure: Opens in new tabIf the failure is a very specific issue, like a brake fluid leak at the banjo bolt of one caliper, replacing just that caliper might be an option, especially if the other caliper is confirmed to be in good condition. 

Important Considerations: 

• Replace pads and rotors: Opens in new tabIf you’re replacing one caliper, it’s crucial to replace the brake pads and, in many cases, the rotor on that same side. You may also need to replace them on the other side of the axle to ensure even performance, notes Firestone Complete Auto Care.
• Brake bleeding: Opens in new tabAfter replacing a caliper, you must properly bleed the brake system to remove air.