Contents
How Much Does A Brake Caliper Replacement Cost in the UK?
How much does it cost to replace a brake caliper?
Signs your brake calipers need to be replaced
Frequently asked questions about brake calipers replacement cost
How Much Does A Brake Caliper Replacement Cost in the UK?
Brake calipers are one of the most important parts of a vehicle's braking system. They are responsible for applying pressure to the brake pads, which in turn slows the rotation of the wheels. The calipers are mounted on the brake disc, and when the brakes are applied, the calipers squeeze the pads against the disc. This action creates friction, which slows the rotation of the wheels and brings the vehicle to a stop.
How much does it cost to replace a brake caliper?
The average cost of replacing a brake caliper is £180, with prices ranging from £150 and £220. In rare cases, other parts such as the brake pads may also need to be replaced depending on the severity of the issue which will be an additional cost to consider. The exact price of the brake caliper replacement depends largely on your car and the parts recommended by the manufacturer.
Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of a brake caliper replacement. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of a brake caliper replacement.
Average cost of a brake caliper replacement by location
| Location | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Birmingham | £233 |
| Bristol | £276 |
| Glasgow | £263 |
| Leeds | £230 |
| Liverpool | £249 |
| London | £260 |
| Manchester | £254 |
| Newcastle | £291 |
| Sheffield | £240 |
To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for brake caliper replacement, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for brake caliper repairs and replacements and part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for brake caliper replacement for your car.
Average cost of a brake caliper replacement by manufacturer
| Car Make | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Audi | £279 |
| BMW | £294 |
| Citroen | £263 |
| Ford | £251 |
| Honda | £291 |
| Hyundai | £282 |
| Kia | £328 |
| Land Rover | £323 |
| Mercedes-Benz | £261 |
| Nissan | £283 |
| Peugeot | £245 |
| Renault | £263 |
| Toyota | £239 |
| Vauxhall | £260 |
| Volkswagen | £252 |
Signs your brake calipers need to be replaced
- Reduced braking performance
- Vehicle pulls to one side when driving
- High-pitched or squealing noises when applying brakes
- Vehicle holds back and does not roll freely
- Leaking brake fluid on wheel rims
- Burning smell after heavy braking
- Vibrations when braking
- Uneven brake pad wear
- Brake warning light on dashboard
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving
A damaged brake caliper is not evenly applying pressure to the brake pads, causing the vehicle to pull to one side.
Vehicle holds back and does not roll freely
A stuck brake caliper can make your vehicle feel like it is down on power. The vehicle may slow down by itself and feel sluggish when setting off or manoeuvring. A stuck brake caliper can also cause the brakes to get hot, produce smoke and in extreme cases catch fire.
Brake fluid leaking on wheel rims
If the brake caliper is stuck, it can result in brake fluid leaks which is a serious issue. This leak will originate from the piston seal and is usually seen near the inside of the tyres or on the rims of your wheels.
Additionally, if a mechanic advises you of damage to the protective boot during a brake pad change then you will also need to get the brake caliper replaced.
Frequently asked questions about brake calipers replacement cost
Can I replace just one brake caliper?
You can replace just one brake caliper, but it is not recommended. When one brake caliper wears out, the other is usually not far behind, so it is recommended to replace both brake calipers at the same time. If you replace the brake caliper only on one side then it may result in brake imbalance which will bring its own set of issues for the vehicle.
Can I drive with a seized or stuck brake caliper?
You should not drive your vehicle with a seized or stuck brake caliper as it is extremely dangerous. A seized brake caliper may cause your brakes to get hot or cause your vehicle to pull to one side when braking, and a stuck brake caliper will cause your vehicle to not brake evenly, decreasing braking performance and increasing the risks of an accident.
How long does a brake caliper replacement take?
On average a brake caliper replacement (on one side) will usually take 1 hour, but can take anywhere from under 1 hour to 2 hours.
The time that the job takes will depend on a range of factors such as how many brake calipers are being replaced and your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.
Can I carry out a brake caliper replacement myself?
Brake calipers are an important component of a vehicle’s braking system and replacing them requires expert automotive repair knowledge. Special tools and procedures are followed by mechanics such as proper torquing of bolts, bleeding air from the brake lines, and ensuring proper brake fluid levels among other processes.
Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a brake caliper replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price upfront.
What else could be the problem if my brake caliper isn’t broken?
If your experiencing issues with your brakes and you’ve ruled out the brake calipers then it is likely one or more of the following:
* Brake pads/ discs - worn out brake pads or discs can reduce braking performance as well as cause vibrations. It’s best to get them inspection and replaced by a professional mechanic as they’re a safety risk!
* Low brake fluid - if there is not enough brake fluid or issues with the brake lines, it could lead to a compromised braking system
* Worn out wheel bearings - if you experience vibrations when braking, it can sometimes mean the wheel bearings have worn out
* Tyre pressure - if you feel the vehicle is pulling to one side, then check that the tyre pressure is at manufacturer-recommended levels as it could be causing this issue
What happens during a brake caliper replacement?
- Mechanic will inspect the brakes and establish if there is a problem with one or several of the brake calipers.
- If necessary, the mechanic will replace the brake caliper.
- Mechanic will advise if other parts of the braking system need replacing too.
- Mechanic will bleed the brake system.
- Mechanic will top up the brake fluid.
- Mechanic will test drive the car and inspect the brake system again.
- Mechanic will make adjustments if necessary.
Related articles
A seized brake caliper is a common fault that can reduce a car’s braking power over time. It can be caused by exposure to the elements, heating and cooling, inactivity, corrosion, skewed brake pads, slide pin seizure, and lack of lubrication. If you think you have a seized brake caliper, make sure to get it … Read more
A burning rubber smell coming from the vehicle can be particularly concerning especially when you do not know the source of it. Besides the obvious burning smell of rubber tyres, there are a lot of other components in a vehicle such as leaking oil or coolant, electrical shorts, etc that can result in a burning … Read more
Your car’s brakes are one of the most important aspects of safe driving. At the moment, most braking issues are due to vehicles being stood for a number of months which is due to corrosion to the brake discs. Another common issue is seized parking brakes, especially vehicles with rear drum brakes or drum parking … Read more
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