How Much Does Brake Disc Replacement Cost in the UK?

Brake discs, also known as brake rotors, are an essential part of a vehicle's braking system. Brake discs are the metal discs that sit inside your wheels and are attached to the wheel hub. The brake discs on a vehicle are responsible for providing the friction necessary to stop the vehicle when the brakes are applied.

The discs are mounted on the hubs and rotate along with them and the wheel. When you press the brake pedal, the brake pads will be pushed by the brake caliper onto the brake disc and this will create friction. The friction will slow down the wheels and slow or stop the car. Brake discs and pads will wear down eventually and need to be replaced to ensure the safety of your vehicle.

How much does brake disc replacement cost?

The average cost of replacing both front brake discs is £185, with prices ranging from £130 to £375. Replacing both rear brake discs can cost between £125 to £350 and average around £175. This cost also includes the price of new brake pads as brake pads must also be replaced when a new set of brake discs are installed. Hence, the exact price of brake discs and pads replacement depends largely on your car, type of repairs needed and the parts your car's manufacturer recommends. Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of brake disc 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 disc replacement.

Average cost of a brake disc replacement by location

Brake discs can wear out over time due to normal wear and tear, and they may also become damaged if the vehicle is involved in an accident. If the discs are damaged, they may not be able to slow the wheels down properly, which could be hazardous. Most mechanics suggest replacing the brake discs and brake pads at the same time to keep it cost-efficient along with ensuring there is even wear. In some cases, the brake pads will start wearing out earlier and may need to be replaced without replacing the brake discs.

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for brake discs and pads replacement, we use real-time data from thousands of car makes and models, local labour prices for brake discs and pads repairs and replacements and brake discs and pads part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for brake discs and pads replacement for your car.

Average cost of a brake disc replacement by manufacturer

Signs your brake discs need to be replaced

• If you experience vibration whilst braking.
• If the car starts to pull to one side under braking.
• If you notice (or are advised on an MOT) that the disc surfaces have developed scores, pitting, corrosion or cracks. If you see a surface of fine rust on a steel brake disc after rain, this is quite normal and will rub off once the brakes are used a couple of times.

Brake discs wear down over time and will need to be replaced eventually. The wear is accelerated by factors such as heavy braking, driving in mountainous or hilly areas, or towing a trailer. As the discs wear, they become thinner and their ability to dissipate heat decreases. This can lead to brake fade, meaning the brakes become less effective at slowing the vehicle.

The first sign that your brake discs may be worn is usually a pulsing sensation in the brake pedal when you apply the brakes. The pedal may also feel spongy or soft. Other symptoms include screeching or grinding noise when the brakes are applied and a decrease in overall braking performance. If you feel vibrations when braking or the car feels like it’s “pulling” to one side, that can indicate worn brake discs or a sticking brake caliper.

If you experience either of these symptoms, it is important to have your brake discs checked by a qualified mechanic.

Frequently asked questions about brake discs replacement cost

Should I replace brake pads when I get my brake discs replaced?

Yes, if you’re replacing your brake discs, you should also get the brake pads replaced. As a result, your new discs will wear along with your new pads, rather than risk uneven wear and brake disc damage from your older pads. Uneven wear can be unsafe and can even cause a failure on the annual MOT test. When booking through ClickMechanic, the upfront price provided with a brake disc replacement includes the price of the brake pads which means the work is carried out together so it’s much more cost-effective.

How long does it take to replace brake discs?

When brake discs are replaced along with the brake pads, it can take about 1-2 hours to do the front end and about the same amount of time to do the replacements for the rear end of the vehicle. You can expect around 3-4 hours total repair time if all brake pads and discs are replaced.

Can I carry out a brake disc replacement myself?

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a brake disc 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 discs are not the problem?

If you’re experiencing braking issues and it is not the brake pads or discs at fault then the following parts can also affect overall braking performance:
* Wheel bearing - warped brake discs generally cause vibrations when the brake is applied and this can sometimes be attributed to issues with a worn out or damaged wheel bearing
* Brake caliper - sticking brake calipers can affect the wear on the discs while leading to reduced braking performance
* Brake Fluid - it could be the case that the brake fluid is low or is contaminated with moisture which can lead to spongy brakes. A brake fluid change will usually fix this.

What happens during a brake disc replacement?

During a brake disc replacement job, you can typically expect the following to happen

• Mechanic will inspect the brake discs.
• If necessary, the brake discs will be replaced along with new brake pads.
• Mechanic will check the brake system and, if deemed safe, will do a test drive.