Rear brake pad and rotor replacement
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Rear brake pad and rotor replacement
How much does a rear brake pad and rotor replacement cost?
With the increases in vehicle technology, more and more vehicles are being fitted with rear disc brakes in favour of the older style drum brakes.
Not only are disc brakes more efficient, they also are easier to maintain and perform better than their drum brake counterparts.
The only downside is that they tend to wear out faster as a result.
While the rear brakes only do around 30% of the braking work when slowing down, they also double as the hand brake or parking brake on some vehicles – so it is imperative they are in good operating condition at all times to ensure correct operation.
The average cost of having your rear brake pads and disc rotors replaced starts at around $300 up to $700+, depending on the type of vehicle and the braking components used.
What are rear brake pads and disc rotors?
The rear brake pads and disc rotors make up the wear and tear items of the braking system.
The brake pads are made up of a metallic composition, also known as friction material, which is bonded to a metal backing plate.
These are located inside the brake caliper, which forces them onto the disc rotor to slow the vehicle down to a stop.
The disc rotors are usually a steel construction, which is a harder material than the brake pads.
They don’t wear out as fast as the brake pads, but do need to be inspected and replaced once they reach their minimum thickness to ensure the best possible braking performance.
Symptoms your rear brake pads and rotors require replacing
- Squealing, scraping or grinding noise when applying the brakes
- Longer stopping distances
- Increased pedal effort required to stop the vehicle
- Brake warning light on dash
How are the rear brake pads and rotors replaced?
- The vehicle will be raised and the rear wheels removed
- The rear brake pads and disc rotors will be inspected for wear and damage
- If the brake pads and disc rotors are worn excessively, they will be removed from the vehicle
- The new disc rotors will be installed, the handbrake reset (if required) and the calipers inspected
- The new brake pads will be fitted and the rear wheels reinstalled on the vehicle
- The brake pads and disc rotors will be ‘bedded in’ and the vehicle road tested to ensure correct braking operation
Tips to remember
- The brake fluid may also need to be inspected for contamination and replaced to ensure correct operation
- If your vehicle's handbrake operates through the rear brake pads, this may also need adjusting once the new brake pads and rotors are fitted
How important is replacing your rear brake pads and disc rotors?
Having your rear brake pads and disc rotors replaced when they are worn down excessively will ensure that your brakes will be there when you need them, and bring you safely to a stop every time to press on the brake pedal.
If you've read this far, you obviously care about your car. A lot. So next time you need a service, repair or inspection, visit AutoGuru. We let you search and book from over 1,600 qualified mechanics, who eat car troubles for breakfast.
