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How Much Does Brake Caliper Replacement Cost?

Updated October 2026 By RepairCostLab Editorial Team

Expect to pay $140 to $440 at an independent shop for a typical car, and up to $545 at a dealership. A sticking caliper makes the car pull to one side and can overheat a brake. Remanufactured calipers keep this repair affordable.

Parts$50–$200
Labor$90–$240
Shop time0.8–1.5 hours
DIY difficultyIntermediate (3/5)

Estimate your cost

Vehicle type Where you'll get it fixed Your area

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Ranges cover aftermarket to OEM parts and typical book labor times. How we calculate this.

Brake Caliper Replacement cost by vehicle type

Vehicle	Parts	Labor	Total
Compact / economy car e.g. Civic, Corolla, Elantra	$50–$200	$90–$240	$140–$440
Midsize sedan / crossover e.g. Camry, Accord, RAV4, CR-V	$55–$230	$95–$265	$155–$495
Truck / full-size SUV e.g. F-150, Silverado, Tahoe	$65–$260	$100–$275	$165–$535
Luxury / European e.g. BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus	$90–$360	$115–$310	$205–$670

Independent shop, average US labor rates. Per caliper, remanufactured. Brake fluid bleeding is included in labor.

Independent shop vs. dealer vs. chain

Where	Hourly rate	Typical total
Independent shop	$110–$160	$155–$495
Chain (Midas, Firestone…)	$120–$175	$165–$520
Dealership	$160–$230	$200–$610

Shown for a midsize sedan or crossover.

What does it do?

The caliper holds the brake pads and uses hydraulic pressure to squeeze them against the rotor.

Signs you need this repair

Car pulls to one side when braking
Burning smell or very hot wheel after driving
Brake fluid leak at a wheel
Uneven pad wear
Spongy brake pedal

Can you do it yourself?

Difficulty: Intermediate (3/5). Two bolts and a brake line, then the system must be bled properly.

Doing it yourself saves the labor portion, roughly $90–$240, so you would pay only for parts ($50–$200).

Is it worth fixing?

Yes. A sticking caliper overheats the brakes and makes the car pull. Remanufactured calipers keep this repair affordable.

How to save money

Replace calipers in pairs on the same axle only if both are faulty.
Remanufactured calipers are reliable and much cheaper than new.
Check the brake hose: a collapsed hose can mimic a stuck caliper.

Questions to ask your mechanic

Is the caliper seized, or just the slide pins?
Will you bleed the brake system afterwards?
Do the pads and rotors on that axle need replacing because of the caliper?

Asking for a written, itemized estimate (parts, labor hours and hourly rate) is your right in most states and makes quotes easy to compare.

Frequently asked questions

How long do calipers last?

Often 75,000 to 100,000 miles or 10 years.

Should calipers be replaced in pairs?

Not required, but recommended on older cars for balanced braking.

Can a stuck caliper be dangerous?

Yes, it can overheat the brakes, cause pulling and lead to brake fade.

Related repair costs

Helpful guides

Sources and methodology

Estimates combine typical book labor times, current aftermarket and OEM parts prices, and 2026 US shop labor rates. See exactly how we calculate them.

Found a price that looks wrong for your area? Tell us: we review every correction.