4 parts covered
Your vehicle's braking system is the single most important safety system. From brake pads to rotors to calipers to fluid, every component must work together to bring your multi-ton vehicle to a safe stop.
Brake pads are the friction material that clamps against the brake rotors when you press the brake pedal. They're the most commonly replaced brake component and critical to safe stopping.
Total Cost
$150 – $400 per axle
Lifespan
30,000 – 70,000 miles
DIY Difficulty
If It Fails
Brake rotors are the metal discs that the brake pads clamp against to stop your vehicle. They must be perfectly flat and within specification thickness to provide safe, vibration-free braking.
Total Cost
$200 – $500 per axle
Lifespan
50,000 – 80,000 miles
DIY Difficulty
If It Fails
Brake calipers are the hydraulic clamps that squeeze the brake pads against the rotors. They convert hydraulic pressure from the brake master cylinder into mechanical clamping force. Calipers rarely fail but can seize or leak.
Total Cost
$200 – $600 per caliper
Lifespan
100,000 – 200,000 miles
DIY Difficulty
If It Fails
Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that transfers force from the brake pedal to the brake calipers. It operates under extreme heat and pressure and must be replaced periodically because it absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point.
Total Cost
$80 – $200
Lifespan
2 – 3 years regardless of mileage
DIY Difficulty
If It Fails