What it costs to replace a brake disc (rotor) in 2025

Expect to pay about $150–$350 per disc on a typical passenger car in the U.S., though most shops replace brake discs in pairs per axle, bringing the common out‑the‑door total to $300–$700 for two rotors and often new pads. Prices vary by vehicle type, rotor design, labor rates, and whether pads and hardware are replaced at the same time; SUVs and performance models can run higher, while luxury and carbon‑ceramic setups can be far more expensive. Below is a detailed, current breakdown to help you budget and compare quotes.

Typical prices by vehicle and scope

Shops usually quote brake disc replacement per axle (both front or both rear) for safety and even braking. Here’s what most drivers pay today, with a single‑disc estimate for context.

• Per disc (standard vehicle, parts and labor): $150–$350 (U.S.)
• Per axle, standard cars: $300–$700 (often includes pads)
• SUVs and light trucks per axle: $400–$900
• Performance/luxury per axle: $700–$1,500 (can be higher for large or two‑piece rotors)
• Carbon‑ceramic systems: $4,000–$10,000+ per axle (rare outside high‑end sports cars)

If your quote seems far outside these ranges, the vehicle may require specialty parts, additional work (calipers, sensors, seized hardware), or you may benefit from seeking a second estimate.

Itemized cost breakdown

Understanding the line items helps you compare like‑for‑like quotes and avoid surprises.

• Rotor (disc), each: $40–$180 aftermarket for economy/mid‑size; $120–$300 OEM; $200–$600 performance; carbon‑ceramic far higher.
• Brake pads (commonly replaced with rotors), per axle: $50–$200 standard; $200–$600 performance/large SUVs.
• Hardware/shims/cleaning: $10–$40 per axle; electronic wear sensors (if equipped) $10–$40 each.
• Labor: 0.8–1.5 hours per axle is typical; complex vehicles can be 2.0+ hours. U.S. shop rates commonly $110–$225/hour.
• Optional services: Brake fluid flush/bleed $80–$150; rotor set‑screws/hub screws $5–$15 each; shop fees/tax vary by locale.

Most shops discourage replacing a single rotor or reusing old pads on a new rotor, as it can cause uneven braking and premature wear—hence the common per‑axle pricing.

Regional price ranges (2025)

Labor rates and parts pricing vary widely by market. These ballpark figures reflect current averages.

• United States: per disc $150–$350; per axle $300–$900
• United Kingdom: per disc £90–£250; per axle £250–£600
• Eurozone: per disc €100–€280; per axle €300–€800
• Canada: per disc C$150–C$350; per axle C$400–C$900
• Australia: per disc A$180–A$400; per axle A$450–A$1,000

Cities with higher labor rates and luxury‑heavy fleets trend toward the top of these ranges, while smaller markets with competitive independent shops skew lower.

Factors that drive the price

Several variables can push your estimate up or down. Knowing them helps explain differences between quotes.

• Vehicle size and weight: Larger SUVs/trucks use bigger, pricier rotors and often take longer to service.
• Front vs. rear: Front axles typically cost slightly more due to larger components and higher wear.
• Rotor type: Vented, drilled/slotted, coated, two‑piece or performance rotors cost more than plain rotors.
• OEM vs. aftermarket: OEM parts are generally pricier; reputable aftermarket can offer good value.
• Labor rate and book time: Urban dealer labor can exceed $200/hr; independents are often lower.
• Condition issues: Seized bolts, hub corrosion, or stuck caliper pins add labor time.
• Extras: Electronic pad wear sensors, parking‑brake‑in‑hat rear rotors, or ADAS calibration needs can add cost.
• EVs and hybrids: Regenerative braking reduces pad wear, but rotors can rust; parts cost is similar to comparable ICE models.

When comparing estimates, confirm whether pads, hardware, sensors, and machining or hub cleaning are included to ensure apples‑to‑apples pricing.

When to replace and what’s usually done

Rotors are replaced when they’re worn, damaged, or below minimum thickness. Shops typically replace both rotors on the axle and install new pads, then clean/lubricate hardware and bed the brakes.

• Steering wheel or pedal pulsation when braking (warped or uneven rotor deposits)
• Measured thickness at or below the minimum stamped on the rotor hat
• Deep grooves, cracks, blue heat spots, or severe rust pitting
• Noise or vibration not resolved by pad replacement alone
• Brake shake after high‑speed stopping, indicating rotor runout or hotspots

Ask the shop to document rotor thickness and runout measurements; reputable techs will show why replacement is recommended.

Resurface vs. replace

While rotor resurfacing is possible, modern rotors have limited thickness reserve. Machining (typically $20–$60 each) is less common and often not advised if it brings the rotor near or below the minimum. New rotors are usually the safer, longer‑lasting choice.

How to get a fair estimate

A little preparation can save money and ensure proper work.

• Request a written, line‑item quote: rotors, pads, hardware, sensors, labor hours, shop fees, tax.
• Specify quality level (OEM vs. branded aftermarket) and rotor type (coated/plain, drilled/slotted if needed).
• Get two to three quotes from reputable independents and a dealer for comparison.
• Verify warranty: parts (12–36 months typical) and labor (90 days–12 months varies).
• Confirm services included: hub cleaning, slider pin service, proper torque, and brake bedding.
• Time the job: Routine axle service is often 1–2 hours; much longer suggests complications.

A clear, itemized estimate helps you judge value and avoids add‑ons at checkout.

Summary

Replacing a single brake disc typically runs $150–$350 in the U.S., but most shops service both rotors on an axle and often add new pads, bringing common totals to $300–$700 for standard cars and higher for SUVs or performance vehicles. Prices hinge on parts quality, rotor type, and labor rates. Ask for line‑item quotes, confirm what’s included, and replace rotors in pairs for safe, even braking.

Can you drive with a bad brake disc?

Don’t Drive With Worn Brakes – Turn to the Pros at Firestone Complete Auto Care. Your brakes are critical to your safety, and ignoring their warning signs can lead to more expensive repairs and unsafe driving conditions down the road.

Can I replace just one brake disc?

Kwik Fit also recommends that car brake discs or drums are replaced in axle sets. Replacing one brake disc or drum could cause an imbalanced braking performance that could lead to further premature wear.

How much should brake discs cost to replace?

Replacing brake discs costs roughly $525 to $700 per axle on average, but this can vary significantly depending on your vehicle type, location, and whether other brake components (like pads) are also replaced. The total price includes parts for the rotors, which range from $330 to $420, and labor, estimated at $190 to $280.
 
Cost Breakdown

• Parts (Rotors): Typically $30-$75 per rotor for standard vehicles, but luxury or performance cars will be more expensive. 
• Labor: The cost of labor adds significantly to the total, especially since replacing rotors often goes hand-in-hand with brake pad replacement. 
• Taxes and Fees: These are not included in the average cost and will increase the final price. 

Factors Influencing the Cost

• Vehicle Type: Opens in new tabHeavy-duty trucks or performance vehicles require more expensive parts and can have higher labor costs. 
• Location: Opens in new tabThe cost of parts and labor varies based on your geographic location. 
• Brake Type: Opens in new tabFront brake replacement is generally more expensive than rear brake replacement. 
• Associated Repairs: Opens in new tabIf your brake pads are also worn or damaged, you will likely need to pay for them to be replaced as well, which increases the total cost. 

When to Replace Brake Discs

• Vibration: You feel a wobble or vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal when you brake. 
• Grinding Noises: A grinding sound during braking may indicate extremely worn brake pads are rubbing against the rotors. 
• Increased Stopping Distance: Your vehicle takes longer to stop than it used to. 
• Visible Wear: There is visible wear and tear on the brake discs. 

How much does it cost to get disc brakes replaced?

A complete brake repair that includes pads, rotors, and calipers typically averages between $200 and $800 depending on the vehicle and parts used.