Brake Service Cost Guide
Front Brake Pad Replacement
Labor Time:1-1.5 hours
Labor Cost:$125-$187.50
Parts Cost:$50-$150 (depending on pad quality)
Total Estimated Cost:$175-$337.50
Rear Brake Pad Replacement
Labor Time:1-1.5 hours
Labor Cost:$125-$187.50
Parts Cost:$50-$150 (depending on pad quality)
Total Estimated Cost:$175-$337.50
Front Rotor Replacement (Including Pads)
Labor Time:1.5-2 hours
Labor Cost:$187.50-$250
Parts Cost:$150-$400 (rotors and pads)
Total Estimated Cost:$337.50-$650
Rear Rotor Replacement (Including Pads)
Labor Time:1.5-2 hours
Labor Cost:$187.50-$250
Parts Cost:$150-$400 (rotors and pads)
Total Estimated Cost:$337.50-$650
Note: Prices may vary based on vehicle make and model. Some luxury or performance vehicles may require specialty parts that could increase costs. All estimates include basic hardware but exclude taxes and additional repairs that might be needed upon inspection.
Additional Services Often Recommended:
- Brake fluid flush: $125-$150
- Caliper replacement (if needed): $200-$400 per caliper
- Brake line replacement: $150-$300 per line
Brake Pad Replacement Procedure
Step 1: Vehicle Preparation
• Park vehicle on level surface
• Engage parking brake
• Loosen lug nuts before lifting vehicle
• Raise vehicle with jack and secure with jack stands
Step 2: Wheel Removal
• Remove lug nuts completely
• Remove wheel from vehicle
Step 3: Caliper Removal
• Remove caliper bolts
• Suspend caliper with wire or bungee cord to prevent stress on brake line
• Remove old brake pads from caliper bracket
Step 4: Installation
• Clean caliper bracket
• Apply brake lubricant to contact points
• Install new brake pads
• Compress caliper piston using proper tool
• Reinstall caliper over new pads
Step 5: Completion
• Reinstall wheel
• Torque lug nuts to manufacturer specifications
• Pump brake pedal to establish proper pad contact
• Test brakes at low speed before normal driving
Brake Rotor Replacement Procedure
Step 1: Vehicle Preparation
• Follow same preparation steps as pad replacement
• Remove wheel
Step 2: Caliper and Bracket Removal
• Remove caliper and suspend safely
• Remove caliper bracket bolts
• Remove bracket from rotor
Step 3: Rotor Removal
• Remove any retaining screws securing rotor to hub
• Remove old rotor (may require penetrating oil and hammer if rusted)
Step 4: New Rotor Installation
• Clean hub surface thoroughly
• Clean new rotor with brake cleaner
• Install new rotor onto hub
• Reinstall any retaining screws
Step 5: Reassembly
• Reinstall caliper bracket
• Install new brake pads
• Reinstall caliper
• Reinstall wheel
• Torque all bolts to specification
Step 6: Final Steps
• Lower vehicle
• Pump brake pedal to establish proper contact
• Perform brake bedding procedure according to manufacturer specifications
• Test brakes thoroughly before normal driving
Note: These procedures may vary depending on vehicle make and model. Always consult your vehicle's service manual for specific instructions and torque specifications.
Understanding Brake Pads and Rotors
Brake Pads
What are Brake Pads
Brake pads are flat pieces of material with high friction properties that are mounted on brake calipers. They're a crucial wear item in your vehicle's braking system and are designed to wear down gradually with use.
What do Brake Pads do
When you press your brake pedal, the brake pads are forced against the brake rotors, creating friction that converts your vehicle's kinetic energy (motion) into thermal energy (heat). This process is what slows down and stops your vehicle. Brake pads are essential for:
- Providing stopping power
- Ensuring consistent braking performance
- Protecting other brake components
- Delivering quiet braking operation
Brake Rotors
What are Brake Rotors
Brake rotors, also known as brake discs, are large metal discs that attach to your vehicle's wheel hubs. They're typically made of cast iron or carbon-ceramic composite materials and feature specially designed cooling vanes or channels.
What do Brake Rotors do
Brake rotors work in conjunction with brake pads to stop your vehicle. They serve several critical functions:
- Provide a smooth, flat surface for brake pads to press against
- Dissipate heat generated during braking
- Help maintain consistent braking performance
- Transfer braking force to slow the wheel's rotation
Working Together
Both components are essential parts of your vehicle's braking system and work in tandem to ensure safe, reliable stopping power. Regular inspection and maintenance of both brake pads and rotors is crucial for your safety and optimal vehicle performance.
Note: The lifespan of brake pads and rotors varies depending on driving conditions, vehicle type, and driving style. Regular inspections are recommended to ensure proper function and safety.
Common Signs of Brake Pad and Rotor Failure
Brake Pad Maintenance & Warning Signs
Typical Service Schedule:
- Replace brake pads every 30,000 to 50,000 miles
- Actual lifespan varies based on driving habits and conditions
- Should be inspected during every oil change
Signs of Brake Pad Failure:
- Squealing or squeaking noise when braking
- Grinding metal sound (indicates complete pad wear)
- Brake warning light illuminated
- Vibration in brake pedal
- Taking longer to stop than usual
- Thin brake pad (less than 1/4 inch when viewed through wheel)
Brake Rotor Maintenance & Warning Signs
Typical Service Schedule:
- Rotors typically last 50,000 to 70,000 miles
- May need resurfacing around 2nd or 3rd brake pad replacement
- Should be measured for thickness during brake pad replacement
Signs of Rotor Problems:
- Pulsating brake pedal
- Visible scoring or grooves on rotor surface
- Abnormal noise when braking (scraping or squealing)
- Steering wheel vibration during braking
- Uneven rotor wear or visible rust
- Blue coloring on rotor (indicates overheating)
Note: If you experience any of these symptoms, we recommend having your brakes inspected by a professional technician as soon as possible to ensure your safety and prevent further damage.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
