Replacing a brake caliper at a shop typically runs $320 to $750 per caliper, depending on whether you go remanufactured or new, and whether pads and rotors get done at the same time. DIY can cut the bill roughly in half.
Most drivers pay $400 to $650 per caliper at an independent shop. Rebuilt calipers are cheaper; loaded calipers (with pads) cost more.
Remanufactured calipers run $60-$180; new OEM units run $140-$380. Most shops install reman unless asked.
A "loaded caliper" comes with pads and bracket installed - convenient but $50-$120 more.
A frozen bleeder screw or rusted brake line can add an hour of labor and a $40-$60 hose.
Performance and luxury calipers (multi-piston Brembo, M-Sport) cost 2-4x more than standard single-piston units.
Shops usually recommend doing pads and a rotor inspection at the same time - adds $150-$350.
A proper job ends with bleeding that corner. A full flush adds $80-$140 if recommended.
| Vehicle | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Civic | $320 - $480 | Mid-grade parts at indie shop |
| Toyota Camry | $340 - $520 | Mid-grade parts at indie shop |
| Ford F-150 | $400 - $640 | Mid-grade parts at indie shop |
| Chevy Silverado | $420 - $680 | Mid-grade parts at indie shop |
| Jeep Wrangler | $380 - $620 | Mid-grade parts at indie shop |
| BMW 3-Series | $520 - $900 | Mid-grade parts at indie shop |
For most owners with basic tools and a safe place to work, this is within reach if the difficulty label says "Easy" or "Moderate." Hard and Expert jobs mean special tools, safety risk, or scan-tool requirements - usually worth paying a shop for. If you have never bled brakes, used a press, or worked under a vehicle on jack stands, start with a smaller job first.
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Pulling to one side under braking, a wheel that feels hot or smells after driving, uneven pad wear, or a stuck piston that will not compress when pushing back.
No - if only one is bad, replace that one. Pads, however, should always be replaced in axle pairs.
Yes, rebuild kits run $20-$40, but most shops will not do this because labor outweighs the cost of a reman unit.
No - a dragging caliper can overheat brake fluid, warp the rotor, and in extreme cases catch fire. Park it and tow if it is smoking.
New OEM caliper plus dealer labor rate ($160-$220/hr) vs reman unit and $100-$130/hr indy labor.
A frozen caliper often glazes the pads and warps the rotor on that corner, so plan for at least pads on that axle.