Brakes
Brake caliper replacement (one wheel): what it costs
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $90 | $260 |
| Labor: 1.3 to 2 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $143 | $300 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $10 | $30 |
| Total, rounded | $240 | $590 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
A sticking or leaking brake caliper is replaced. It can cause pulling to one side, a burning smell, uneven pad wear or fluid on the wheel.
Get quotes from local shops
Tell us the job and your ZIP. Free, takes a minute.
Fair Price is not a contractor or a repair shop. Who sees your request
What is usually included
- New or remanufactured caliper
- New pads if needed
- Bleed the brake line
- Replace crush washers and hardware
- Test drive
What moves the price
- New caliper versus a rebuilt one with a core exchange
- Front or rear, with parking brake function
- Pads and rotors replaced at the same time
- Seized bleeder or bolts
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Is the caliper new or rebuilt?
- Should I replace the pad and rotor on that side?
- Is the other side checked?
- Is a brake fluid bleed included?
Can you do it yourself?
Intermediate DIY; you must bleed the brakes properly, so skip it if you have never done it.
Shopping for the part? Search car parts on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure). Make sure the part fits your car before buying.
Common questions
Should calipers be replaced in pairs?
Often it is smart to do both on an axle, but it is not required. Ask your shop if the other side shows signs of sticking.
What are signs of a stuck caliper?
The car pulls to one side, a wheel runs hot or smells burnt, or one pad wears much faster. Sometimes a hose fault causes it.
Why are there extra costs?
Brake fluid has to be bled, and many jobs also need new pads. Those parts raise the bill beyond the caliper alone.
How much does brake caliper replacement (one wheel) cost?
A typical range across the US is $240 to $590. That is an estimate from parts prices, labor hours and the local labor rate, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $260 to $640 |
| New York City area | $250 to $620 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $250 to $630 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $240 to $600 |
| Houston area, Texas | $230 to $580 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $230 to $580 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $240 to $590 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $240 to $600 |
| Miami area, Florida | $230 to $590 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $260 to $630 |