Log In
PRIMARY LOGO PRIMARY LOGO Create Account

The national cost for a brake caliper replacement in 2023 is between $79 and $511 with an average of $258​

Save $20-$200 on your auto maintenance or repair when you book through us.

PRIMARY LOGO PRIMARY LOGO CALL TO BOOK

CarAdvise is a free membership discount club for car owners, like Expedia or Sam's Club. We have over 26,000 shops of the largest brands in our network, like Firestone and Pep Boys.

  • You'll never pay for services you don't need, because one of our service advisors reviews each repair before you pay.
  • Support by Phone and Chat to answer your questions
  • And we'll guarantee your repair for 12 months / 12,000 miles
Learn More
Shop-Crane-with-Engine

Lower than retail price.

Guaranteed.

Learn More

We've got your back.

12k/12mo Warranty.

Learn More

Auto Service Peace of mind.

14-Day Assurance.

Learn More

POPULAR VEHICLES

National average cost of a a Brake Caliper Replacement
for popular vehicles:

Honda Accord

Avg. cost
$210

Toyota Camry

Avg. cost
$225

Honda Civic

Avg. cost
$169

Car Model

Avg. cost

$50

What is a brake caliper and how does it work?

A brake caliper is a major component of a disc brake system in a vehicle. Attached to each wheel is a thick, heavy metal disc called a brake rotor (the “disc” in disc brakes) that spins along with the wheel when your vehicle is moving. Sandwiched around the rotor is a pair of brake pads that have the job of grabbing hold of the rotor when you want to slow down or stop. The brake caliper acts as a hydraulic clamping device that suspends the brake pads in place and squeezes them together when you press on the brake pedal.

Inside the caliper resides one or more metal pistons that move in response to hydraulic pressure. When you step on the brake pedal, the master cylinder (pump) exerts pressure on the hydraulic brake fluid inside a network of tubes that lead to the calipers. The fluid, in turn, exerts pressure on the caliper piston(s), which squeezes together the brake pads against the rotor.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

Signs that a brake caliper needs to be replaced

Unlike brake pads that are designed to be sacrificial and to wear out over time, or even brake rotors that eventually wear down and need replacement, brake calipers are made to last the lifetime of your vehicle. Unfortunately, sometimes they do not. Brake calipers fail for a number of reasons - lack of proper maintenance, corrosion, faulty seals, and more. Sometimes only one caliper goes bad; other times, the caliper on both sides of a vehicle go bad at the same time. The best time to detect a caliper that has problems is during a brake system inspection or brake pad replacement as part of routine maintenance. When a caliper does begin to fail, or fails completely, it will display one or more of the following symptoms:

Your vehicle pulls to one side due to a caliper that is either stuck open or stuck shut

You sense a reduction in braking power

Your vehicle seems to be dragging

You notice a fluid leak

This text is only for demo

There are 0 shops within 20 miles of your location.

##SHOPLOGOS1##
BOOK SERVICE NOW

HOW IS THIS SERVICE PERFORMED?

How is a a Brake Caliper Replacement done?

While brake caliper replacement can be a bit different depending on the make and model of your vehicle, or whether the caliper is mounted on the front or rear end, there are some general steps that a technician will take when performing the procedure. It should be noted that, on some vehicles, corrosion can play a significant role in the disassembly process and make it necessary to replace more components than only the caliper. With the vehicle safely lifted and supported in the air and the wheels and tires removed, a mechanic will do the following:

  • Remove the caliper slide pins/bolts to bisect the caliper and caliper bracket
  • Disconnect the hydraulic brake hose from the caliper
  • Dislodge the brake pads from the caliper bracket (assuming that the pads or bracket need to be replaced also)
  • Unbolt and remove the caliper bracket (if being replaced along with the caliper)
  • Install the new caliper bracket (if needed)
  • Install new brake clips into the bracket and insert new brake pads
  • Lubricate all contact points
  • Connect the brake hose to the new caliper with new hardware
  • Lubricate the new caliper slide pins
  • Position the caliper around the brake pads and insert the slide pins/bolts
  • Add fresh brake fluid to the master cylinder reservoir and bleed the air out of the system
  • Once installation is complete, test drive the vehicle to bed in the brake pads and verify the repair

Other questions customers ask

Can I replace just one caliper?
Sometimes more than one brake caliper will fail at around the same time. That is usually due to either poor maintenance, corrosion, or dirty and dusty driving conditions. Other times, a single brake caliper will go bad. Although a single caliper can be replaced, it is recommended that calipers be replaced in pairs for two reasons. One, because it is likely that the second caliper will fail in like manner and due to the same reasons. And two, because when brake calipers age, their characteristics change slightly. For instance, drag from the piston seals increases over time. Mixing an old caliper and a new one may result in uneven brake pad wear and your vehicle pulling to one side.
Can you drive with a broken brake caliper?
No. The brake system is probably the most important safety feature on your vehicle. If a caliper is not working as it should, braking power, steering, and stopping distances may all be affected. If you notice signs that a brake caliper is going bad - your vehicle is pulling to one side, feels like it is dragging, the brake pedal is soft, or you notice a leak on the ground underneath the brakes - have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible and have the problem repaired.
Are calipers part of a brake job?
Brake calipers are important components of a disc brake system and are certainly involved in a brake job. Whenever brake pads and brake rotors are replaced, the calipers need to be retracted so that the new components will fit together properly for reassembly. The calipers should also be inspected, cleaned, and lubricated, and they should receive new hardware. That said, calipers are not considered to be “wear items”, like brake pads or even brake rotors. A caliper should last the lifetime of a vehicle. Unfortunately, brake calipers do go bad occasionally and need replacement, but that is not a standard part of a brake job.

This is demo Question

This is demo Answer

RELATED PARTS

What parts are related to a Brake Caliper Replacement?

Brake Caliper

Related Parts

RELATED SERVICES

What are some other common services related to a Brake Caliper Replacement?

Related Services

Trusted by even more leading companies.

We've earned a reputation as the go-to choice for quality car care, with some of the biggest names in business reaping its benefits and improving their customer's car care experience.

doordash
ebay
Allstate
carvana
buckle

Join the world's largest consumer fleet.

Over 1.5 Million already have.

Questions? We've got answers.

Our digital platform is designed to make maintaining and repairing your vehicle a breeze – from conveniently scheduling services, finding shops in the area, approving work remotely or getting free expert advice so you can be confident about any decision.

There’s nothing to pay up-front; you simply only pay for repairs or services that you approve. 

Nope, no funny business here—just get the job done and pay for what you approve. It really is that simple.

With our handy nationwide network of over 26,000 shops to choose from and free sign-up – you can rest assured your car is in good hands. 

With CarAdvise, you don’t need a fleet of 100,000 cars to get an amazing deal on car services. Our discounted prices are guaranteed to beat any other retail options – so why spend more? On average customers save 15-40% when they choose us – that could mean hundreds saved in just one service job.

Learn More

At CarAdvise, we believe life is unpredictable and if you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment – no worries! We promise there’s never any penalty for missed appointments.

We’ve partnered with the best in the industry such as Firestone, Pep Boys, JiffyLube, Canadian Tire, NTB, Meineke, Tire Kingdom, AAMCO, Monro, FCA dealerships and many independent shops across the country.

Ready to join the party? Just a few clicks and you’ll be all set – create your account now. You can easily create your account here.

Just email us at support@caradvise.com or give our friendly team a ring at (844) 923-8473 and we’ll be sure to lend you the helping hand you need.

FOLLOW US

ABOUT

RESOURCES

CONTACT

  • support@caradvise.com
  • (844) 923-8473

APP DOWNLOADS

Privacy Policy
Terms of Service

© 2023 CarAdvise LLC. All rights reserved.

Guarantee
Reviews
Services
  • (844) 923-8473
  • support@caradvise.com
PRIMARY LOGO PRIMARY LOGO CREATE ACCOUNT
LOG IN
CALL TO BOOK

Please have your license plate or VIN ready.