Common Brake Service & Repair Costs
Basic Brake Inspection
Cost: $65 - $125
Time: 30-60 minutes
Includes visual inspection of brake system, measuring pad and rotor thickness, and brake fluid check.
Brake Pad Replacement
Cost: $250 - $375 per axle
Time: 2-3 hours
Includes removal of old pads, installation of new pads, and hardware replacement if needed.
Brake Rotor Replacement
Cost: $375 - $500 per axle
Time: 3-4 hours
Includes removal of old rotors, installation of new rotors, and brake pad replacement.
Brake Caliper Replacement
Cost: $375 - $625 per caliper
Time: 3-5 hours
Includes removal of old caliper, installation of new caliper, brake bleeding, and system testing.
Brake Line Replacement
Cost: $250 - $500
Time: 2-4 hours
Includes removal of damaged line, installation of new line, and complete system bleeding.
Master Cylinder Replacement
Cost: $375 - $625
Time: 3-5 hours
Includes removal of old cylinder, installation of new cylinder, and complete system bleeding.
ABS Module Repair/Replacement
Cost: $750 - $1,250
Time: 6-10 hours
Includes diagnostic testing, module replacement if necessary, and system programming.
Note: These are estimated costs based on our shop rate of $125/hour. Actual costs may vary depending on vehicle make/model and the extent of repairs needed. Parts costs are not included in these estimates and will be additional.
Additional Services:
- Brake Fluid Flush: $125 - $188 (1-1.5 hours)
- Brake Hardware Replacement: $125 - $250 (1-2 hours)
- Emergency Brake Adjustment: $125 - $250 (1-2 hours)
- Brake Hose Replacement: $188 - $313 (1.5-2.5 hours)
Common Brake Inspection and Repair Procedures
Brake Pad Replacement
Steps:
- Safely lift and secure vehicle on jack stands
- Remove wheels to access brake components
- Inspect brake pad thickness and rotor condition
- Remove caliper bolts and carefully suspend caliper
- Remove old brake pads and hardware
- Clean caliper bracket and mounting points
- Install new brake hardware and pads
- Reinstall caliper and torque to specifications
- Reinstall wheels and test brake operation
Rotor Replacement
Steps:
- Remove wheels and brake calipers
- Remove brake pads and caliper bracket
- Remove rotor retaining screw (if present)
- Remove old rotor (may require persuasion if rusted)
- Clean hub surface thoroughly
- Install new rotor and verify proper seating
- Reinstall caliper bracket, new pads, and caliper
- Torque all components to specification
- Test brake operation
Brake Fluid Flush
Steps:
- Check brake fluid condition and level
- Connect brake bleeding equipment
- Open bleeder screws in correct sequence
- Flush old fluid while maintaining master cylinder level
- Continue until clean fluid appears at all corners
- Close bleeder screws and verify proper fluid level
- Test brake pedal feel and operation
Caliper Replacement
Steps:
- Remove wheel and locate brake lines
- Place drain pan for brake fluid
- Disconnect brake line from caliper
- Remove caliper mounting bolts
- Remove old caliper
- Install new caliper with new hardware
- Connect brake line and torque properly
- Bleed brake system
- Test brake operation
Master Cylinder Replacement
Steps:
- Identify and disconnect brake lines
- Remove master cylinder mounting nuts
- Carefully remove old master cylinder
- Install new master cylinder
- Reconnect brake lines
- Bench bleed new master cylinder
- Bleed entire brake system
- Verify proper brake operation
- Test drive vehicle
Note:All brake repairs should be performed by qualified technicians using proper tools and equipment. These procedures are general guidelines and may vary by vehicle make and model.
After any brake repair, it's crucial to properly break in new components and test the brake system thoroughly before returning the vehicle to normal operation.
Common Brake Inspection and Repair Services
Brake Pad Replacement
What it is:Brake pads are the friction material that presses against your brake rotors to slow and stop your vehicle.
What it does:When brake pads wear down, they need to be replaced to maintain proper stopping power and prevent damage to other brake components. Fresh brake pads ensure reliable braking performance and safety.
Rotor Resurfacing/Replacement
What it is:Brake rotors are the metal discs that brake pads clamp onto to stop your vehicle.
What it does:Resurfacing smooths out uneven rotors to restore proper contact with brake pads. If rotors are too worn or damaged, replacement ensures optimal braking performance and prevents vibration when braking.
Brake Fluid Flush
What it is:A process of removing old brake fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid throughout the entire brake system.
What it does:Fresh brake fluid maintains proper hydraulic pressure and prevents brake system contamination. This service helps avoid brake fade and ensures consistent pedal feel.
Brake Line Inspection/Replacement
What it is:Checking brake lines for wear, corrosion, or damage and replacing them if necessary.
What it does:Ensures brake fluid can flow properly through the system without leaks. Proper brake lines are crucial for maintaining brake system pressure and safety.
Caliper Repair/Replacement
What it is:Brake calipers are the components that house the brake pads and squeeze them against the rotors.
What it does:Properly functioning calipers ensure even brake pad wear and consistent braking force. Repairs or replacement may be needed if calipers become stuck or damaged.
Master Cylinder Inspection/Replacement
What it is:The master cylinder is the main hydraulic component that converts brake pedal force into hydraulic pressure.
What it does:A properly functioning master cylinder ensures consistent brake pedal feel and proper distribution of brake fluid pressure throughout the system.
ABS System Diagnosis
What it is:Diagnostic testing of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) when warning lights appear or issues arise.
What it does:Identifies problems with ABS sensors, modules, or other components to maintain proper function of this important safety system that prevents wheel lockup during hard braking.
Brake Hardware Replacement
What it is:Replacing springs, clips, and other small components that hold brake system parts in proper alignment.
What it does:Ensures proper operation of brake components and prevents excessive noise or uneven wear. New hardware helps maintain optimal brake performance.
Common Brake System Warning Signs and Failure Symptoms
Common Brake Issues and Maintenance Guide
Brake Pads
Signs of Failure:
- Squealing or squeaking noise when braking
- Grinding metal sound (severe wear)
- Brake warning light illuminated
- Vibration in brake pedal
Service Schedule: Every 30,000-50,000 miles, or when pad thickness is less than 1/4 inch
Brake Rotors
Signs of Failure:
- Pulsating brake pedal
- Visible scoring or grooves on rotor surface
- Uneven braking
- Squealing or scraping sounds
Service Schedule: Usually every 50,000-70,000 miles, or when thickness is below manufacturer specifications
Brake Fluid
Signs of Failure:
- Soft or spongy brake pedal
- Dark or dirty fluid color
- Low fluid level
- Brake warning light
Service Schedule: Flush and replace every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles
Brake Lines
Signs of Failure:
- Visible fluid leaks
- Soft brake pedal that sinks to floor
- Brake warning light
- Reduced braking performance
Service Schedule: Inspect annually; replace if corrosion or damage is present
Brake Calipers
Signs of Failure:
- Vehicle pulling to one side when braking
- Brake fluid leaks
- Uneven brake pad wear
- Stuck brake (car doesn't roll freely)
Service Schedule: Typically last 75,000-100,000 miles, inspect during brake service
Master Cylinder
Signs of Failure:
- Brake pedal slowly sinks to floor
- Fluid leaks under brake pedal
- Uneven or poor braking performance
- Low brake fluid level despite no visible leaks
Service Schedule: No set schedule; replace when showing signs of failure
Note: These are general guidelines. Actual service intervals may vary based on vehicle make, model, and driving conditions. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific maintenance schedules.
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.
