Brake Caliper Replacement: labor quote guide
Typical labor time (approximate)
About 0.7 to 2 hours. Roughly 0.7 to 2 hours for one caliper including a bleed. Doing the pair, seized hardware or electronic parking brake calipers take longer.
Approximate only: a rough general range, not labor-guide data. Times vary widely by vehicle and condition. Check a labor guide for the exact vehicle. How we estimate
The quote buttons open the labor-quote calculator prefilled; "Start an estimate" adds a labor line to the estimate & invoice generator. Add your own rate, parts and tax.
What's involved
- Confirm the caliper is sticking, leaking or has a seized piston or slides
- Clamp the hose, then remove the caliper and banjo bolt or line
- Install the caliper with new crush washers and lubricated slides
- Bleed the brakes, top off the fluid and road test
General outline only. Follow the service information for the specific vehicle.
What changes the time
- Rear calipers with integrated parking brakes
- Rusted bleeder screws or brake lines
- Electronic parking brake retraction with a scan tool
- ABS units that need a scan-tool bleed
Related parts & common add-ons
- Brake pads (replace in axle pairs)
- Brake hose
- Brake fluid flush
- Rotor if damaged by dragging
Price parts with the parts markup calculator, and note findings on the inspection checklist.
FAQ
Should calipers be replaced in pairs?
Pads and rotors should be. Calipers are often done in pairs for balanced braking, but a single caliper is acceptable when the other is in good condition.
Loaded or bare caliper?
Loaded calipers come with pads and hardware and save time, but check the pad quality.
What about core charges?
Most reman calipers carry a core charge. List it and credit it on the invoice.
More brakes jobs
- Brake Pads and Rotors
- Rear Drum Brake Shoes
- Brake Fluid Flush
- Brake Master Cylinder Replacement
- Brake Line Repair / Replacement
- ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement
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