Going rate for front brake job?

[steve333]

I've been going to the same place for a while now and they have been honest and not over recommending items.

I want to change my front brakes and they quoted me a price of $516 which is more than I was expecting. I do get a 10% AAA discount off of that price. I know things are more expensive now with the tariff's and all, does this seem to be a fair price?

2013 Mazda3 iSport Sedan. The Brakes are original 50,000 miles.

 

[Lazy2.5]

Assuming that is USD, yes, I think that is high.

I would ask for a breakdown of what pads and rotors they are using, how much labour they anticipate to get it done, how much they charge per hour, etc.

I feel rather skeptical that your brakes are completely done and in need of immediate replacement at only 50k miles.

 

[steve333]

Assuming that is USD, yes, I think that is high.

I would ask for a breakdown of what pads and rotors they are using, how much labour they anticipate to get it done, how much they charge per hour, etc.

I feel rather skeptical that your brakes are completely done and in need of immediate replacement at only 50k miles.

I had a brake inspection and the front's were lower than the rear (I seem to remember 3mm).

I do a lot of short trips with a lot of stop and go braking and to be honest they feel like they need to be replaced.

I sent a message to another AAA Station and will see what they quote me.

 

[steve333]

They wouldn't give me a quote without checking the car first for $45.
I am just going to contact my place and see what it includes

 

[Lazy2.5]

They wouldn't give me a quote without checking the car first for $45.
I am just going to contact my place and see what it includes

3mm isn't urgent, but needs to be replaced soon, yes.

If the brakes "feel" like they need to be replaced (But still have some pad left) Then your brake calipers likely need to be serviced, especially if you live in an area that salts the roads. The would ensure the caliper sliding pins are lubricated and moving properly.

That should be included in the price of the front brake job, but I would still make sure with the mechanic.

I bought a cheap set of ceramic brake pads for my Mazda 6 in early 2024 for like $270 CAD. I was then quoted 5 hours of labor ($80CAD per hour) To do the brakes. This included a needed caliper service, but no brake fluid flush.

Mechanics in my area are charging around $130 per hour, last time I checked.

So, for front brakes, I would say about an hour of labor per corner, plus the price of whatever pads and rotors you pick could be used for reference.

 

[GFrosty]

Had a 2021 Mazda3 awhile back. As I recall, at the time it was about ~$375-400 per end, out the door. And prices have only gone up.

So, ~$500-ish per end, for brakes? IMO, that's somewhere in the ballpark, depending on pricing in your area.

In my area, I've checked several independent shops along with the dealership. It's anywhere from $400-500 per end, these days, for the 2016 CX-5.

 

[Lazy2.5]

Yea, if they are using good brakes, depending on their Labour rate, that's likely a decent price.

But, I paid exactly that to get my brakes done all around just two years ago, though I had it done by some dude working out of his garage and brought him the cheap ceramic brakes a mentioned.

He did a good job though.

 

[steve333]

I just looked at the receipt from my last brake inspection in September 2025 and it said the brakes are at 4mm, I don't know why I thought it was lower.
I have a full AAA inspection which also includes a brake check so I will just go by the report which I assume will be OK since I don't put much mileage on my car.
I was going by feel, for some reason it felt like they were due, it will be nice not to have to spend over $500!
Thanks for all the replies.

 

[ColoradoDriver]

$516 for one end seems within the ballpark of what I've seen. 10% off of that is $464.40. Honestly probably not too bad.

When I last did brakes myself in 2023, I did all 4 and parts alone cost me $300 for all of it. So figure parts + labor to have a shop do it on one end and I think $400-$500 or so is probably about right for rates these days.

Probably worth shopping around to just ask shops hey I have a xyz car and want to do front brakes, how much?

 

[steve333]

$516 for one end seems within the ballpark of what I've seen. 10% off of that is $464.40. Honestly probably not too bad.

When I last did brakes myself in 2023, I did all 4 and parts alone cost me $300 for all of it. So figure parts + labor to have a shop do it on one end and I think $400-$500 or so is probably about right for rates these days.

Probably worth shopping around to just ask shops hey I have a xyz car and want to do front brakes, how much?

They refused to give a quote without checking the brakes first.
I am going for an oil change in 2 weeks and it will include a brake inspection.
It was at 4mm 6 moths ago, I don't know why I thought it was less than that but hopefully I will end up not needing it.

 

[Lazy2.5]

Yes. I would focus on having them check the state of the calipers as well. Maybe the sliding pins are dry and corroded.

Make sure your brake fluid isn't low.

4mm is still fine for some time.