Brake pads and rotors replacement cost
Most shops charge $180–$400 in labor, plus $120–$350 for the pads and two rotors.
Updated November 2026
Where good SwaxFix bids tend to land: the low end, because shops compete for the job.
See what shops near you will actually charge.
Free to post. Shops bid blind: they see your car, never you. Buy the part yourself, shops bid on labor only. Already have a quote? Check if it’s fair.What the job involves
Per axle: new pads plus two new rotors. The shop removes the caliper brackets to swap the rotors, cleans the hub surfaces so the new rotors sit flat, and test-drives to bed the pads in.
Signs you need it
- Steering wheel or pedal shakes when braking
- Deep grooves or a lip on the rotor edge
- Grinding that went on for a while
- Blue heat spots on the rotors
What changes the price
- Larger trucks and SUVs have bigger, pricier rotors
- Rusted-on rotors can add labor time
- Performance or coated rotors cost more but resist rust
Shop or do it yourself?
Same as pads plus caliper brackets. A torque wrench is a must.
Questions drivers ask
How much does brake pads and rotors replacement cost?
At a typical shop, labor runs $180 to $400 (about 1.5 hr to 2.5 hr of work), and the pads and two rotors costs about $120 to $350. That puts most jobs between $300 and $750 total. With SwaxFix you can buy the part yourself and have local shops bid on the labor only.
Can rotors be resurfaced instead?
Sometimes, if they are thick enough. Many shops now replace instead because new rotors are inexpensive and resurfacing leaves them thinner.
Should I do front and rear together?
Only if both are worn. Fronts usually wear about twice as fast.
Why does my car shake when I brake?
Usually uneven rotor thickness (often called warped rotors). New rotors and properly bedded pads fix it.
Find a shop
Want to compare shops first? Browse brake repair near me, or post your job and let them come to you.