Factors that impact the overall cost include the number of pads being replaced and model and make of car.
Like wheels, brake pads also wear out. Always look out for squealing or grinding noise whenever you are braking and If you hear such noises, most likely, the brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced.
Other signs that tell you your brake pads need replacing are the brake warning light, handbrake struggling to hold, soft brake pedal and decreased braking performance.You will pay an average cost of $130 to $400 to replace your brake pads in Australia.
Other factors that impact the overall cost include the number of pads being replaced, model, and make of the car. Take, for instance, a BMW. Its brake pad costs $225 per axle, while Mini Cooper, Volkswagen, and Subaru cost between $130 to $175 without labour. High-performance vehicles using large disc pads can cost up to $1000 each.
Below are some details should know about brake pad replacement cost:
Replacing brake pads together with rotors will cost twice compared to replacing brake pads alone.
The brake pad and disc will cost about $300 more to replace for a standard passenger vehicle.
Calliper and brake pad replacement starts at $240 per axle.
The front brake pad replacement cost is relatively cheaper compared to the rear pads.
It's not a must that you replace all 4 brake pads at once. Brake pads on the same axle wear out simultaneously. So if you are replacing, then you should replace both. This same case applies to the rear axle. You will rarely find all four worn out at the same time. In fact, front ones wear out more quickly than rear brake pads because they do almost 70 percent of all the braking. Another explanation is that you transfer a car's weight to the front when you press the brake pedal. This sends a greater downward force to the front tires, which increases friction between the road and front wheels. As a result, you find yourself frequently replacing front brake pads more times than back ones. One side can wear out faster than the other, yet they are on the same axle. This mostly it happens if the brake caliper is defective. When brakes are depressed, the pressure from the pedal pushes the brake pads against the brake rotors and the vehicle slows down. If you have uneven pads, your car will probably swerve because the tires will not stop at the same time.
Brake pad replacement cost per axle is around $150 with typical replacements ranging from $100 to $300 per axle. Apart from replacing the pads, other hardware pieces need servicing in the brake system. They are disc rotors and brake calipers. This increases the overall cost to start from $300 to $1000. This brings the total cost of replacing all four brake pads to an average of $1300, although the price will vary from $800 to $2600.
The ability to stop a vehicle is not the only factor to consider when buying brake pads. For instance, how they absorb and disperse heat, wear-out rate and the amount of noise and dust they generate. The type of brake pads depends on their friction material. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Among the brake pads available in the market include organic, metallic, and ceramic. All of them are good, but it's good to consult your mechanic before buying new brake pads. They will help you pick a brake pad that matches your driving pattern and habits. Also, mechanics will advise whether to continue with the same brand that came with the vehicle or switch to a new type that fits your car best.