Brake Caliper Cost: Parts, Labor & Average Price

A brake caliper is the clamp that squeezes the brake pads against the rotor when you press the pedal. Each wheel with disc brakes has one. When a caliper sticks, leaks, or seizes, the shop usually replaces the whole unit, because the part is not something most shops rebuild on the spot. The bill then depends on what kind of caliper your car uses, how much of the surrounding brake work the shop adds, and what the shop charges for labor.

The numbers below were checked on Oct 13, 2026. They come from a national estimate and from a vehicle-class guide, and the two do not agree. The sections that follow explain why, so you can tell which figure is closer to your situation.

Vehicle class is the clearest dividing line. A compact car with a simple floating caliper sits at the low end, while luxury models and rear calipers with an electronic parking brake sit at the top. The table shows the total per caliper, with parts and labor included.

A rear caliper with an electronic parking brake is its own category. The caliper holds a small motor, and the shop typically needs a scan tool to retract it before the work starts, which adds to the price of both the part and the visit.

The caliper itself is often the largest line on the invoice. Prices swing by vehicle and by whether the part is new, remanufactured, or a performance unit.

Remanufactured calipers cost less than new ones, and Empire Auto Protect says a name-brand remanufactured caliper carries the same warranty as a new one on most vehicles outside factory coverage. Ask the shop which type is on the quote and what the warranty covers. A "loaded" caliper arrives with the mounting hardware already fitted, which costs a little more at the counter but can save labor time.

RepairPal's national figure is higher than the per-caliper range from Empire Auto Protect. Several things may explain the gap:

• RepairPal's average blends many vehicles, so expensive calipers on luxury, truck, and electronic-brake models pull the average up, while the vehicle-class guide breaks those out separately.
• A national average can lean toward parts-heavy jobs, since new calipers for some models cost far more than a remanufactured unit.
• Guides count different things. One may price only the caliper and labor, while another builds in brake fluid and the extra work a shop commonly adds.
• Labor rates differ by region and by shop type, and neither estimate reflects your zip code.

The lower range from the vehicle-class guide fits a common car using a remanufactured or aftermarket part at an independent shop. The higher national figure is a better planning number if your car is newer, uses an electronic parking brake, or you expect dealer pricing.

Often it grows beyond the caliper. Sources note that a caliper job usually calls for a brake fluid service, and shops frequently recommend new pads on that axle. Rotors may need replacing too, depending on their condition. Calipers are also normally replaced in pairs across an axle, because uneven braking force from one new and one old unit can cause trouble.

Ask for an itemized quote that lists the caliper, pads, rotors, fluid, and labor on separate lines. That makes it possible to compare one shop against another and to see which items you can decline or defer.

A dealership generally uses original-equipment parts and charges its higher labor rate, so a dealer quote tends to sit near the top of the ranges. Independent shops can offer remanufactured or aftermarket calipers and often charge less per hour. For a vehicle under warranty or a recall, the dealer may handle the repair at no charge, so check coverage first.

Whichever you choose, get the quote in writing and ask what warranty comes with the part and the labor.

• Vehicle make and model. Luxury and performance brakes use larger, costlier calipers.
• Caliper type. Floating, fixed multi-piston, and electronic parking-brake designs are priced differently.
• Front or rear. Rear calipers on some cars are more involved.
• Part grade. New, remanufactured, and performance calipers span a wide price range.
• Seized hardware. Rusted bolts and bleeder screws can add labor time.
• Extra brake work. Pads, rotors, hoses, and fluid often get added to the same visit.

Brakes are a safety system, so treat caliper trouble as something to have inspected soon. Signs people report include the car pulling to one side when braking, a burning smell after a drive, one wheel running much hotter than the others, and uneven pad wear. A seized caliper can damage the rotor and wheel bearing, which makes the eventual repair larger. A licensed brake technician can diagnose it and tell you whether the caliper really needs replacement. This page does not cover how to do the repair, and brake work is best left to a qualified shop.

• Is the quote per caliper or for the pair?
• Does it include pads, rotors, and a brake fluid service?
• Is the caliper new, remanufactured, or aftermarket?
• What warranty applies to the part and to the labor?
• Is there a charge for returning the old caliper's core?