How much does it cost to replace brake discs and pads?

The average cost to replace your front brake discs and pads is £224.00. Costs can range from £140 to £400.

The average cost to replace your back brake discs and pads is £249.00. Again, those costs can range from £140 to £400.

It is fair to say that your brakes are your car’s most important safety feature.

Modern drum and disc-based systems are more and more complex, hence more and more efficient and reliable.

Disc-based system comprise a brake disc, calliper and pads or shoes – these have a lining to enhance friction. On braking, brake fluid enters the caliper, squeezing the pads against the disc to stop the car. This is basically how many braking systems works.

How much brake repairs cost at dealerships compared to using Fixter garages?

The cost of brake discs and pads replacement depends on your car brand, model and engine.

Also, depending on your location, the price of a brake discs and pads replacement on your vehicle can vary.

Vehicle Service Dealer price Fixter Saving
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 2ltr Diesel Front brake discs and pads replacement £298 £252 18%
Citroen C1 Airscape 1.2ltr Petrol Front brake discs and pads replacement £267 £228 17%
Mini Hatchback 1.6ltr Petrol Front brake discs and pads replacement £174 £151 15%
Nissan Juke 1.5ltr Petrol Front brake discs and pads replacement £440 £379 16%
Peugeot 208 1.6ltr Diesel Front brake discs and pads replacement £196 £169 16%
Audi A3 2ltr Diesel Rear brake discs and pads replacement £265 £232 14%
BMW 3 Series 1.6ltr Petrol Rear brake discs and pads replacement £439 £382 15%
Citroen C4 1.6ltr Diesel Rear brake discs and pads replacement £349 £293 19%
Honda Jazz 1.4ltr Petrol Rear brake discs and pads replacement £182 £154 18%
Hyundai I10 1.2 Petrol Rear brake discs and pads replacement £192 £160 20%

What factors can affect your brake disc and pad replacement?

There isn’t much that is likely to affect your brake replacement apart from choosing different branded parts, or if there has been subsequent damage caused to associated components due to failed or faulty performance.

What are the costs of the replacement brake disc and pads parts?

The average price for front pads comes in at £53, with the discs contributing far more at £111.

The average price for rear pads is the same at £53, but with a slightly higher cost of £116 for the rear discs.

We’ve traced the average prices for 2015 models from Eurocarparts below.

Car Make Car Model Disc Price Front/Rear Pad Prices Front/Rear
Ford Fiesta £39/£17 £39/£20
Fiat 500 £39/£15 £30/£30
Volkswagen Golf £80/46 £39/£33
Mercedes C Class £229/£103 £53/£30
Audi A4 £66/£53 £53/£47
BMW 5 Series £102/£87 £70/£56
Land Rover Range Rover £114/£104 £142/£82
Volkswagen Tiguan £80/£46 £55/£49
Audi Q5 £66/£53 £60/£47

What are the labour times and rates for brake replacement?

Replacing a pair of brake discs and pads takes between 1 and 3 hours for the front, and the same for the rear.

The hourly rate for garages operating in London is £78, and, as you’d expect, the rate outside the London area is a little lower at £72.

How long does brake disc and pad replacement take?

We’ve mentioned the average time it takes to swap out a pair of brake discs and pads, but for a closer look at specific makes and models, giving an idea on different sizes and classes of cars, the following table should give you an idea of the sorts of times involved.

Car Make          Car Model Front Brake Replacement Time Rear Brake Replacement Time
Ford Fiesta 1.6 hours 2 hours
Fiat 500 1.25 hours 1.45 hours
Volkswagen Golf 2.1 hours 2.8 hours
Mercedes C Class 2.4 hours 2.1 hours
Audi A4