How Much Should All Four Brake Pads and Rotors Cost?

For most passenger cars in 2024, replacing all four brake pads and rotors typically ranges from about $400–$800 at independent shops and $700–$1,400 or more at dealerships, depending on vehicle type, parts quality, and local labor rates. Performance, luxury, and heavy vehicles can run well above these ranges.

Why Brake Service Costs Vary So Widely

Asking what four brake pads and rotors “should” cost is similar to asking what a new laptop should cost: the answer depends on what you drive, where you live, the quality of components you choose, and who does the work. Understanding how those pieces fit together helps you avoid overpaying—and avoid dangerously cheap work.

Typical Price Ranges in 2024

While exact numbers vary by region and vehicle, there are broad ranges drivers can use as a benchmark for a complete four-wheel brake job (pads and rotors) in the U.S. and Canada in late 2024.

• Compact / economy cars (e.g., Corolla, Civic, Elantra): About $400–$850 total at independent shops; $700–$1,300 at dealerships.
• Mid-size sedans & crossovers (e.g., Camry, Accord, RAV4, CR-V): About $500–$900 at independents; $800–$1,400 at dealerships.
• Large SUVs / trucks (e.g., Tahoe, F-150, Ram 1500): About $600–$1,000 at independents; $900–$1,600+ at dealerships, depending on towing/HD brake packages.
• Luxury / performance (e.g., BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Tesla, AMG/M, performance trims): About $900–$2,000+ is common; high-performance or carbon-ceramic systems can exceed $3,000.

These ranges assume you’re replacing all four rotors and all four sets of pads with reputable aftermarket or OEM-equivalent parts, not the cheapest or the most extreme performance options.

Breaking Down the Cost: Parts vs. Labor

The total bill is a combination of parts and labor, with taxes and shop fees on top. Knowing what’s typical for each piece can help you read an estimate intelligently.

Parts: Pads and Rotors

Parts pricing is influenced by material, brand, and whether you choose OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or aftermarket. Here’s what you can generally expect per axle (front or rear) in 2024.

• Brake pads (per axle, front or rear):
  

  • Standard ceramic/semi-metallic (economy/average cars): $40–$120.
  • Premium / low-dust / performance street pads: $90–$200.
  • Luxury / performance / big-brake systems: $150–$350+.

• Brake rotors (per axle, two rotors):
  

  • Standard rotors (most sedans, crossovers): $80–$220.
  • Premium coated or high-carbon rotors: $150–$350.
  • Performance drilled/slotted or oversized rotors: $250–$600+.

• Additional common parts:
  

  • Hardware kits (clips, shims, pins): $15–$50 per axle.
  • Brake cleaner, lubricant, shop supplies: often baked into “shop fee” or listed as $10–$40.
  • Brake fluid (if doing a flush/bleed): $60–$150 for a full-system service.

Across all four wheels, a typical non-luxury car will often see $250–$500 in parts for pads, rotors, and hardware, while larger or luxury vehicles commonly reach $500–$900 or more.

Labor: What You’re Paying the Shop For

Labor costs reflect the complexity of the job, regional wages, and the kind of shop you use. In 2024, many U.S. shops charge $110–$200 per billed hour, with big-city dealerships often at the higher end.

• Standard 4-wheel brake job labor time:
  

  • Typical book time: 2.0–4.0 hours for pads and rotors on all four corners.
  • Simple economy car: often near the low end (2.0–2.5 hours).
  • Large SUVs, trucks, or rusty vehicles: 3.0–4.0+ hours.

• Estimated labor cost (total, four wheels):
  

  • At $120/hr: about $240–$480.
  • At $160/hr: about $320–$640.
  • At $200/hr (dealer, high-cost city): about $400–$800.

• Extra labor that can increase the bill:
  

  • Severely seized or rusted caliper bolts or slide pins.
  • Parking brake mechanisms stuck inside rear rotors (especially “drum-in-hat” designs).
  • Calipers that must be replaced or rebuilt.

When you combine realistic parts and labor figures, a four-wheel brake job for a typical modern car lands near $500–$1,000 at independents and more at dealerships, before tax and fees.

Dealer vs. Independent vs. Chain: What’s “Normal”?

Where you go is one of the strongest predictors of what you’ll pay—and what kind of parts and service you’ll get.

Dealerships

Dealerships are almost always the most expensive, but they use OEM parts and have direct access to factory procedures and technical bulletins.

• Typical 4-wheel brake job costs: $700–$1,400+ for mainstream brands; $1,000–$2,500+ for luxury and performance models.
• Pros: OEM parts, technicians familiar with your exact model, good record-keeping for warranty and resale.
• Cons: Higher hourly rate, little flexibility on parts brands, more likely to recommend premium (and pricey) options by default.

For newer cars under warranty or complex EV/hybrid systems, dealer pricing may be worth the extra cost; for older out-of-warranty vehicles, it’s often overkill.

Independent Repair Shops

Independent shops range from small neighborhood garages to high-end specialists, but generally offer the best cost-to-quality ratio for most drivers.

• Typical 4-wheel brake job costs: $400–$900 for most non-luxury vehicles.
• Pros: More flexible on parts choice, often lower labor rates, can match OEM quality with reputable aftermarket brands.
• Cons: Quality varies; you need to vet reviews, certifications, and warranty policies.

For most daily-driver vehicles, an independent shop using high-quality aftermarket or OEM-equivalent parts is a solid middle ground in both price and reliability.

National Chains and Quick-Service Stores

Big chains (like Midas, Firestone, Meineke, Pep Boys, and similar) sit somewhere between dealerships and independents, with heavy use of coupons and packages.

• Typical offers:
  

  • Advertised “per axle” specials that may not include rotors.
  • Coupon-based deals that apply only to basic pads and standard rotors.

• Pros: Easy to find, standardized processes, national warranties, frequent discounts.
• Cons: Estimates sometimes start low but grow as add-ons are recommended; parts quality can vary from mid-range to economy.

Chain shops can be cost-effective if you read the fine print and insist on seeing specific parts brands and warranty details before approving work.

How to Read—and Question—an Estimate

A clear, itemized estimate helps you see whether the price you’re quoted is fair compared with typical 2024 ranges.

• Look for line items, not a lump sum: Parts per axle (pads, rotors, hardware), labor hours, shop fees, taxes.
• Check parts brands and specs: Ask whether parts are OEM, OEM-equivalent, or economy-grade; ask for the exact brand and part number.
• Confirm what’s included: Are all four rotors being replaced? Are pad wear sensors, hardware, and brake fluid included if needed?
• Ask about the warranty: A solid shop typically offers 12 months/12,000 miles or better on parts and labor; premium packages can go to 24–36 months.
• Compare at least two quotes: Use similar parts quality (e.g., “mid-grade ceramic pads, coated rotors”) to compare apples to apples.

If a quote is far below the ranges above, confirm the parts quality and scope of work; if it’s far above, ask the shop to justify the price in terms of part specifications, special tools, or extra work needed.

Warning Signs of an Unusually High or Low Price

While brake systems are too important to bargain-hunt recklessly, certain pricing patterns are cause for a closer look.

When the Price Seems Too High

There are legitimate reasons for a higher bill, but some quotes are padded.

• Luxury pricing on a basic car: A compact sedan estimate over $1,200 for standard pads and rotors at an independent shop deserves scrutiny.
• Multiple layers of markups: Parts prices far above typical retail (e.g., $300+ per standard rotor for a non-luxury car) are a red flag.
• Unexplained extras: Brake flushes, caliper replacements, or parking brake overhauls added without evidence or explanation.
• No choice of parts: Only the most expensive pad/rotor option is offered, without alternatives or a clear reason.

If you’re quoted a price well beyond the ranges in this article, ask for a clear breakdown and justification, or get a second opinion before proceeding.

When the Price Seems Too Low

At the other extreme, ultra-cheap offers may compromise on safety or durability.

• “Pad slap” only: Replacing pads without rotors on a modern vehicle with worn or grooved rotors can cause noise, vibration, and faster pad wear.
• Economy parts with no disclosure: Very low estimates may rely on the cheapest pads and rotors, which can glaze, warp, or rust quickly.
• Missing hardware or machining: Skipping hardware and lubrication, or not properly cleaning hub surfaces, can lead to uneven braking or noise.
• Short or vague warranty: Minimal or unclear warranty suggests the shop doesn’t stand behind its work.

A low advertised price can be fine if you understand exactly what’s included, but it’s rarely a good idea to choose the cheapest possible brake job purely on price.

Factors That Can Make Your Job More Expensive

Beyond parts quality and labor rates, there are specific vehicle and condition factors that can push your brake bill higher than the “typical” ranges.

• Vehicle type and brake design:
  

  • Larger, heavier SUVs and trucks use bigger, more expensive rotors and pads.
  • Performance or towing packages often specify upgraded brakes by default.
  • Some EVs (like certain Teslas) have larger rotors and specialized pads; others need special procedures for electronic parking brakes.

• Rust and corrosion:
  

  • In “rust belt” regions with road salt, rotors, hardware, and calipers may seize and require extra labor.
  • Stuck slide pins or rusted backing plates sometimes mean replacing additional components.

• Caliper or parking brake issues:
  

  • Frozen or leaking calipers: $150–$400+ per corner for parts and labor.
  • Integrated electronic parking brakes can require scans and special tools.

• Driving style and use:
  

  • Towing, mountain driving, or heavy stop-and-go can require higher-grade pads and rotors.
  • Tracking or performance use almost always needs premium or performance components.

Understanding these variables helps you see why your friend’s compact sedan brake job might be much cheaper than the work needed on your full-size SUV or performance car.

What If You Buy the Parts Yourself?

Some drivers try to save money by purchasing pads and rotors online and paying a shop only for labor. This can work, but comes with trade-offs.

• Potential savings: You can often buy mid- to high-quality parts for $250–$500 for all four corners on a standard car.
• Labor-only charges: Many shops will still bill normal or slightly higher labor rates (e.g., $300–$600 total) if you bring your own parts.
• Warranty complications: The shop usually won’t warranty parts you supply, and some won’t warranty the labor if those parts fail.
• Shop policies: Not all shops accept customer-supplied parts at all, citing quality control and liability concerns.

If you go this route, confirm policies in advance, choose reputable brands, and understand that any savings come with reduced warranty protection and more personal responsibility for part selection.

DIY: How Much If You Do It Yourself?

For experienced home mechanics, doing your own brakes can reduce costs significantly, though it requires tools, time, and a strong focus on safety.

• Typical DIY parts cost (all four wheels):
  

  • Economy-to-midrange setups: $200–$350.
  • Premium street setups: $300–$600.

• Tool needs:
  

  • Floor jack, jack stands, torque wrench, basic socket set, C-clamp or caliper tool, brake cleaner, and sometimes specialty tools for electronic parking brakes.

• Time investment:
  

  • An experienced DIYer: 2–4 hours.
  • A careful first-timer following tutorials: much longer—and only advisable if you’re extremely confident and meticulous.

DIY can cut your total bill nearly in half versus a professional shop, but braking is a critical safety system; if you’re uncertain at any step, professional service is the safer choice.

How to Judge Whether Your Quote Is Fair

To decide if the cost you’re being quoted makes sense, compare it against the typical 2024 ranges and the specifics of your own vehicle and location.

• Identify your vehicle details: Year, make, model, trim, engine, and any tow or performance packages.
• Ask for clear parts descriptions: OEM vs. aftermarket, ceramic vs. semi-metallic, standard vs. performance rotors.
• Compare against ranges: See if your quote falls within:
  

  • $400–$800 (independent, typical non-luxury car), or
  • $700–$1,400+ (dealer or luxury/performance).

• Check for add-ons: Fluid flushes, calipers, parking brake work, or hardware—ask which items are truly necessary now.
• Get a second estimate: If one quote seems high or confusing, another shop’s written estimate can provide leverage and clarity.

If your estimate is close to these benchmarks, uses quality parts, and comes from a reputable shop with a clear warranty, it’s likely a fair price in the current market.

Summary

Replacing all four brake pads and rotors on a typical car in 2024 usually costs around $400–$800 at independent shops and $700–$1,400 or more at dealerships, with large trucks, SUVs, and luxury or performance vehicles often higher. The total is driven by parts quality, labor rates, vehicle type, and any extra repairs needed, such as calipers or parking brake components. By asking for an itemized estimate, confirming the brands and types of parts, and comparing at least two quotes, you can judge whether you’re getting a fair deal—and ensure your vehicle’s most important safety system is serviced properly.

How much is a full set of brakes and rotors?

Most professional shops charge $300 to $600 per axle for new pads and rotors. That covers everything—high-quality parts, certified techs, and usually a warranty. If your vehicle requires specialty parts, like more expensive brake pads, drilled rotors or high-performance pads, expect to pay more.

Does a full brake job include rotors?

The core of any full brake job is replacing the brake pads and rotors. Over time, brake pads wear down from repeated use, reducing their effectiveness. During a full brake service, our certified technicians will remove the old, worn brake pads and replace them with new, high-quality pads.

How long does it take to change 4 brakes and 4 rotors?

How Long Does It Take to Replace Rotors and Brake Pads? When both rotors and brake pads need to be replaced, the job can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. This service includes replacing the brake pads and resurfacing or replacing the rotors. If the rotors are heavily worn, it might take additional time to replace them.

How much does it cost to replace all 4 brakes and rotors?

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