Repair Lane

Brake Caliper Replacement

A seized or leaking brake caliper is replaced, and that brake circuit is bled, so the wheel stops dragging and braking is even again.

Difficulty: moderate~12 hrs1–2 hours
Estimated total
$205–730
Parts$90–380
Labor$115–350
Labor time12 hrs
Get matched with a shop
What's involved

What this repair actually is.

The caliper is the clamp that squeezes the brake pads against the rotor. When a caliper seizes it drags constantly — overheating that corner, wearing pads unevenly, and pulling the car when you brake. We replace the caliper, connect it with fresh fluid, bleed the circuit, and road-test the car.

Symptoms

How you can tell.

  • Car pulls to one side when braking
  • One wheel is much hotter than the others after driving
  • Burning smell from one wheel
  • Pads worn down on only one side of the car
  • Brake fluid leaking at a wheel
If you delay

A dragging caliper cooks the pads and rotor on that corner, kills your fuel economy, and can seize completely mid-drive.

Educational estimate. Real pricing depends on your vehicle, the inspection, parts availability, taxes, and shop rates. Use this as a guide while you shop quotes.
Related

Often done together.