How much does it cost to replace a brake caliper?
According to our research, a brake caliper replacement cost in the UK ranges between £150 to £390 per brake caliper.
The cost of a brake caliper replacement depends on your car and what parts your car’s manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. The cost of the replacement will also depend on where in the UK you’re based and who the work is carried out by.
Can I carry out a brake caliper replacement myself?
DIY repairs and replacements related to your car’s braking system are a delicate matter. It goes without saying that your brakes are the most important safety feature in your vehicle, therefore we advise that you do not attempt to change the brake caliper unless you either know what you’re doing, or have expert supervision. You shouldn’t take risks with any element of a car’s braking system.
If you do decide to carry out a brake caliper replacement at home, it’s important to note that you’ll need to be able to raise your car off the ground using a jack. You’ll also need to know how to bleed a brake system, how to top up your brake fluid and how to inspect each part of the brake system, including the brake pads, brake discs and brake rotors.
What additional factors could affect a brake caliper replacement?
Usually, the cost of replacing a brake caliper is down to the make and model, who you choose to do the work and where in the country you’re based, yet there are a few extra circumstances that could bump up the price.
For example, whilst carrying out the brake caliper replacement, the mechanic may realise that another part of the braking system also needs to be replaced.
Discovering faulty, damaged or defective components during a repair will incur additional costs, however it will most likely be necessary to resolve the problem and get you back on the road!
What are the costs of brake caliper replacement parts?
Prices for a new brake caliper vary for each make and model. The price of a brake caliper from Eurocarparts varies between £140 up to £347 for a mid-range car.
Remember that the price for parts only constitutes part of the overall repair cost. The cost of the parts must be combined with the costs of labour, which each mechanic or garage will set themselves.
What are the labour rates for a brake caliper replacement?
A brake caliper repair cost can vary across the country according to the garage or dealership’s size, location, types of service they offer, and the local demand. We conducted research to work out the average hourly rate for a brake caliper replacement, to keep things as simple as possible for our customers.
We found that for garages within the London area the average rate came out at £78 per hour. For the garages throughout the rest of the country, the price was a little lower, as you’d expect, at £72 per hour.
How long does a brake caliper repair take?
We found the average brake caliper replacement job can take anywhere between 1 to 3 hours per brake caliper.
Braking systems vary greatly between different car makes and models, therefore the time this replacement takes can vary a lot from car to car. If additional repairs are required then the labour time will also be higher.
Can I drive with a broken or faulty brake caliper?
No, you should not drive with a bad brake caliper. Driving with stuck, damaged or faulty brake calipers is very dangerous as it will impact the effectiveness of your braking, meaning your presence on the road is a danger to all other road users.
It’s also important to keep in mind that bad brake calipers can cause excessive wear to the brake discs and pads, so having them repaired or replaced as soon as possible will be better for your wallet in the long-run.
What else could be the problem if my brake caliper isn’t broken?
If it turns out that your brake caliper isn’t broken, there are a number of other components that could be causing your car problems.
A typical brake system consists of a brake pedal, brake calipers and pistons, disc brake pads, disc brake rotors or brake drums, brake master cylinder, brake lines and hoses and brake fluid. If any of these other parts are faulty they could cause braking problems.
What are the signs of a faulty or broken brake caliper?
Some of the symptoms of a damaged or faulty brake caliper are:
- If your brake pedal feels softer (less resistance when applying the brakes).
- If your car pulls to one side when braking.
- If the level in your brake fluid reservoir drops or if you notice a leak. Brake hydraulic fluid is a very pale golden colour, transparent and almost watery.
- If you notice brake fluid on the rims of your wheels.
- If you receive an advisory note regarding brake imbalance.
What happens during a brake caliper replacement?
- The mechanic will inspect the brakes (front and rear on both sides) and establish if there is a problem with one or several of the brake calipers.
- If necessary, the mechanic will replace the brake caliper.
- The mechanic will advise whether or not other parts of the braking system need replacing too.
- After the repair the mechanic will bleed the brake system.
- They will then top up the brake fluid.
- The mechanic will test drive the car and inspect the brake system again. They’ll then make any final necessary adjustments.
How can I carry out a brake caliper repair?
As with any brake repairs or replacements, we advise you to leave it to the professionals. Brake repairs should only be attempted at home if you are experienced with car maintenance and have all the necessary tools for the job.
To replace a brake caliper you’ll need the replacement brake caliper parts, a brake bleeding kit, the correct brake fluid for your car and equipment to raise your car safely off the ground.
About Fixter
Fixter is revolutionising the car maintenance industry, one repair at a time. Fixter was founded to make car maintenance as easy as booking a taxi. Digital, transparent and stress-free, with world-class customer service. Since launching in Manchester in 2017, Fixter has expanded to more than 100 towns and cities across the UK and provided thousands of car owners with honest, convenient and affordable car repair services.