How Much Does It Cost to Replace All 4 Brakes and Rotors?

Replacing all four brakes and rotors typically costs between $600 and $1,600 for most passenger vehicles in the U.S., with economy jobs sometimes dipping to around $450 and high-end or performance setups exceeding $2,000. The final price depends on your vehicle type, parts quality, and where you have the work done.

What’s Included in “All 4 Brakes and Rotors”?

When people say “replace all 4 brakes and rotors,” they usually mean replacing the brake pads and rotors on all four wheels—front and rear. This is a full brake service that restores much of the vehicle’s stopping hardware to like-new condition.

Typical Components in a Full 4-Wheel Brake Job

The following list outlines the main components and services usually included when replacing all four brakes and rotors, so you can better understand what you’re paying for.

• Front brake pads (set for left and right wheels)
• Rear brake pads (set for left and right wheels)
• Front rotors (two discs)
• Rear rotors (two discs)
• Hardware kits (clips, shims, and anti-rattle components, if needed)
• Brake lubricant for sliding surfaces and contact points
• Inspection of calipers, brake hoses, and fluid
• Labor to remove old parts, install new ones, and test drive

Together, these components and labor operations form the core of a 4-wheel brake and rotor replacement, though additional repairs or upgrades can add to the final cost.

Average Cost Range in 2024–2025

Brake prices vary by market and vehicle, but recent estimates from major repair chains and independent shops point to a realistic national range for a four-wheel brake and rotor job.

Typical Price Breakdown for 4 Wheels

This list shows common price ranges you might encounter in the U.S. for a full replacement of all four brakes and rotors, excluding unusual luxury or performance vehicles.

• Economy / budget job: $450–$750 total
• Mid-range (most common): $600–$1,200 total
• High-end / premium / performance: $1,000–$2,000+ total
• Luxury, EVs, performance cars (large rotors, special parts): $1,200–$3,000+ total

Most mainstream sedans, small SUVs, and light trucks fall in the mid-range, while larger, heavier, or high-performance vehicles typically push costs toward the upper end.

Front vs. Rear: Why the Price Isn’t Always Equal

Front and rear brakes don’t always cost the same. Front brakes usually handle more braking force, so they may be larger or wear out faster, but on some modern SUVs and trucks, rear components can be just as large and expensive.

Typical Cost Per Axle

The next list breaks down what you might pay per axle (two wheels) so you can estimate front and rear costs separately, then combine them for a full 4-wheel price.

• Front axle (pads and rotors): $250–$600
• Rear axle (pads and rotors): $225–$550
• Both axles (all 4 wheels): $600–$1,600 for most vehicles

Adding the two axles together gives you a reliable ballpark for four-wheel service, with the lower numbers reflecting basic parts and independent shops, and higher numbers representing premium parts or dealership work.

Parts vs. Labor: Where the Money Goes

Your total bill includes both the physical parts and the time a technician spends installing them. Understanding this split helps you compare estimates more clearly.

Parts Costs

The items below summarize typical parts prices if you’re buying components separately or trying to understand what’s built into a quote.

• Brake pads (per axle): $40–$150, depending on brand and material
• Rotors (per rotor): $30–$150 for standard vehicles; $150–$400+ for luxury/performance
• Hardware kits and lubricant: $10–$40 per axle

These component ranges show how basic parts can keep a job under $600, while premium or specialty rotors and pads quickly move the total above $1,000.

Labor Costs

Labor depends on local hourly rates and how complex your vehicle’s braking system is. The following figures highlight the time and cost shops commonly charge.

• Labor time (all 4 wheels): 2–4 hours in most cases
• Hourly labor rate: $90–$200+ per hour, depending on region and shop type
• Typical labor cost (4 wheels): $200–$600

In high-cost urban areas or at dealerships, labor can be half—or more—of the total bill, especially if parts are purchased through the shop at a markup.

Factors That Change the Price

Beyond basic parts and labor, several vehicle-specific and market factors can raise or lower the final cost of replacing all four brakes and rotors.

Vehicle Type and Size

The characteristics below illustrate how the kind of vehicle you drive influences braking costs.

• Compact cars / small sedans: Generally on the low end of the range
• Mid-size sedans / crossovers: Mid-range pricing is typical
• Full-size SUVs / trucks: Larger, heavier vehicles often need bigger, pricier rotors and pads
• Luxury brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus, etc.): Parts and labor tend to be more expensive
• Performance models (e.g., Brembo or multi-piston calipers): Significantly higher rotor and pad costs
• Electric vehicles (EVs) and some hybrids: Brakes may last longer due to regenerative braking but can be more expensive when replacement is needed

In general, the heavier, faster, or more specialized the vehicle, the more you can expect to pay for a complete brake and rotor service.

Quality and Type of Parts

Not all brakes are built alike; material and design choices affect both performance and price. The following list outlines common options and their implications.

• Economy / value pads and rotors: Cheapest; adequate for light use, may wear or fade faster
• OEM-equivalent (mid-grade): Similar to factory parts; balance of cost, longevity, and performance
• Ceramic pads: Quieter, less dust, often longer life; usually cost more than semi-metallic
• Drilled or slotted rotors: Better heat management and performance; higher price
• Coated rotors: Resist rust and corrosion; modestly higher cost but popular in snowy/salty regions

Choosing higher-grade parts increases upfront cost but may reduce noise, dust, and the frequency of future brake jobs.

Where You Get the Work Done

Location and type of shop are among the biggest variables in brake pricing. The points below show how different options compare.

• Independent mechanic: Often the best balance of quality and price; flexible on parts choices
• Dealership: Typically the most expensive; uses OEM parts and factory-trained techs
• Chain stores (Midas, Pep Boys, Firestone, etc.): Competitive flat-rate packages; quality varies by store
• Mobile mechanics: Can be convenient and sometimes cheaper; limited by what they can do on-site

Shopping around and comparing detailed, written estimates from different types of shops can significantly influence your final bill.

Regional Labor Rates and Market Conditions

Where you live plays a significant role in what you pay. The following differences are commonly observed across the U.S.

• High-cost urban areas: Higher hourly rates and overhead, usually top of the range
• Suburban / mid-market regions: Mid-range pricing; broad choice of shops
• Rural or low-cost areas: Lower labor rates, though fewer options and longer waits
• Parts availability and supply chain issues: Shortages or special-order parts can add cost and delay

Even with the same vehicle and parts, quotes from different regions can vary by several hundred dollars due to local economic conditions.

Extra Work That Can Increase the Bill

Sometimes a four-wheel brake and rotor job reveals other problems that must be addressed at the same time, adding to the total cost.

Common Add-Ons and Their Costs

The items below are not always required but frequently appear on estimates once the wheels are off and the braking system is fully inspected.

• Brake caliper replacement: $150–$400 per caliper (parts and labor)
• Brake fluid flush: $80–$180, often recommended every 2–3 years
• Brake hose or line replacement: $100–$300+ per line, depending on complexity
• Parking brake service or adjustment: $50–$200 additional, if cables or shoes are worn
• Hardware and slide pin replacement: $20–$100 extra, if corrosion is severe

While these line items raise the cost, they can be crucial for safety and may prevent uneven wear or premature failure of your new pads and rotors.

DIY vs. Professional Service

Some car owners consider doing their own brake work to save money. This can lower costs significantly, but it requires proper tools, knowledge, and attention to safety.

DIY Cost Considerations

The next list outlines what a typical do-it-yourself brake and rotor job for four wheels might involve in terms of spending.

• Parts (pads + rotors all 4 wheels): $200–$600, depending on quality and vehicle
• Basic tools (if you don’t already own them): $50–$200 for jacks, stands, and hand tools
• Special tools (if needed): $20–$100 for caliper compressors, torque wrench, etc.
• Your time: 3–6+ hours for a first-timer, less for someone experienced

DIY work can cut the total cash outlay by 30–60 percent, but mistakes can compromise safety, so it’s only advisable if you’re confident and well-prepared.

How to Get an Accurate Estimate for Your Car

Because every vehicle and situation is different, the best way to know your exact cost is to request a tailored quote based on your car’s details.

Steps to Nail Down the Real Price

The following steps help you gather realistic, comparable estimates so you’re not surprised when it’s time to pay.

1. Know your vehicle details: Year, make, model, engine size, and trim level
2. Check your owner’s manual: Look for any special brake specifications
3. Call or visit 2–3 shops: Ask for a written estimate for front and rear pads and rotors
4. Ask what parts they’re using: OEM, aftermarket, ceramic, coated rotors, etc.
5. Confirm the warranty: On both parts and labor (often 12 months/12,000 miles or more)
6. Request an inspection: Some shops offer free or low-cost brake inspections before quoting

By following these steps, you’ll get clearer, more consistent estimates and can better judge whether a quoted price is reasonable for your specific car and region.

Summary

For most drivers in the U.S., replacing all four brakes and rotors costs about $600 to $1,600, with small, non-luxury vehicles on the lower end and large, luxury, or performance models on the higher end. The total depends on your vehicle type, the quality of pads and rotors you choose, local labor rates, and whether additional work—like caliper replacement or a brake fluid flush—is required. Getting multiple detailed quotes and understanding exactly what parts and services are included is the most reliable way to know what you’ll pay for a complete four-wheel brake and rotor job.