How Long Does A Brake Job Take? Replacing Brakes And Rotors Easily.
Time you need some new brakes? How long does a brake job take on average? While this is a great question, it’s kind of a loaded one, your brakes are an important safety system on your vehicle and servicing them is luckily pretty easy. Lets look at how long does a brake job take on average and a brief rundown on when to replace them before you’re left stranded.
In general, a brake job typically takes between one to three hours. This depends on the skill of the mechanic or individual, availability of parts, what services are being completed, and how busy the mechanic is unless you’re doing it yourself. You can assume it will take between one to three hours though to service your brakes on your vehicle.
Key Points
- A brake job typically takes between one to three hours
- The process can take longer depending services needed
- You should always replace damage rotors and new brake pads in pairs
- It’s significantly more cost effective and less expensive to service your brakes yourself
- Brake maintenance is something everyone can do
- A professional mechanic is a good course of action for unknown brake issues
Understanding the Brake System
The brake system is responsible for slowing down or stopping your vehicle. It consists of several components, including brake pads and rotors. Brake pads are the friction material that presses against the rotors, creating the necessary friction to stop the car. On the other hand, rotors are the round metal discs that the brake pads come in contact with.
What Are Brakes and Rotors?
Brakes and rotors are essential components of the brake system. The brake pads are designed to grip the rotors tightly when you press the brake pedal, creating the necessary friction to slow down or stop your vehicle.
Rotors, on the other hand, provide a flat and smooth surface for the brake pads to make contact with. They help dissipate the heat generated during the braking process and ensure proper braking performance.
Basically, they make your car stop, which is important.
Importance of Properly Functioning Brakes
Having properly functioning brakes is crucial for your safety while driving. Brake pads and rotors wear down over time due to regular use, which can cause decreased braking performance.
Compromised brakes can result in longer stopping distances and increased risks of accidents. Regular brake inspection and maintenance are necessary to identify any issues early on and prevent potential damage or complete brake failure.
Replacement Brake Parts
If you notice any signs of brake wear or decreased performance, it is important to contact an auto repair shop for a brake repair service. Additionally if you’re repairing your brakes yourself, make sure you keep an eye on the wear pattern of your brake pads.
Uneven pad wear may mean you have other other brake issues like a warped rotor or a seized brake caliper.
How Long Does A Brake Job Take? Do I Need New Brakes?
When it comes to brake jobs, one of the most common questions is how long does it take? The answer to this question can vary depending on several factors.
How Long Do Brakes Last?
Before discussing the duration of a brake job, it’s important to understand how long brakes typically last.
Related: Why Are My Brakes Grinding?
Brake pads and rotors wear down over time due to regular use, so it’s inevitable that they will need to be replaced at some point. However, the lifespan of brakes can vary depending on various factors, such as driving habits, road conditions, and the quality of the brake components.
A good rule of thumb to follow though is your brake pads should be replaced every 20,000 miles or so and your rotors should be replaced every 50,000 miles or so. Braking habits and brake pad material will have an impact.
Common Signs of Brake Wear
Knowing the signs of brake wear is crucial to determine if you need new brakes. Some common signs to look out for include squealing or grinding noises when braking, a pulsating brake pedal, longer stopping distances, and a low brake pedal feel. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to have your brakes inspected by a professional to determine if they need to be replaced.
Factors That Affect Brake Job Duration
Service Times
How long does a brake job take? Here’s the general brake down of each individual service on average:
- Brake inspections: 30 minutes
- Fluid inspection and replacement: 15 to 30 minutes (1 hour if bleeding brakes)
- Brake pads and rotor service: 1 hour
- Brake caliper service: 1 hour per pair
- Brake caliper replacement: 1 to 2 hours per caliper
- Brake master cylinder service: 1 to 6 hours
This covers most of the brake system and its services.
Style Of Brakes – Brake Pads Or Shoes
The style of brakes in your vehicle can affect the duration of a brake job. Vehicles equipped with disc brakes typically have brake pads, while vehicles equipped with drum brakes have brake shoes.
The process of replacing brake pads is generally quicker than replacing brake shoes, so the style of brakes in your vehicle can impact the overall time it takes for a brake job.
Services Completed (Rotors, Calipers, Master Cylinder)
In addition to replacing brake pads or shoes, there are other services that may need to be completed during a brake job. This can include replacing brake rotors, calipers, or the master cylinder. Each additional service will require more time, so the complexity of the job can affect the overall duration.
Popular Read: Can Brake Pads Fall Off?
The brake master cylinder is the worst thing to go wrong (besides brake lines) in your braking system. The master cylinder can be very labor intensive and expensive to repair or replace. This will also mean all new brake fluid will have to be put in and your brake will need to be bled.
Availability of Parts
Replacement Auto Parts
The availability of parts can also impact the time it takes to complete a brake job. If specific parts need to be ordered, it can delay the process. However, if all the necessary parts are readily available, it can contribute to a faster turnaround time.
Most of the time you can get your parts the same day at a local auto parts store. I myself have always used Advance Auto parts.
Professional Brake Service
When it comes to professional brake service, the time it takes to replace brakes and rotors can vary depending on several factors. The style of brakes in your vehicle, whether it’s disc brakes or drum brakes, can impact the overall duration of the job. Generally, replacing brake pads in vehicles with disc brakes is quicker than replacing brake shoes in vehicles with drum brakes.
In addition to replacing brake pads or shoes, other services may need to be completed during a brake job. This can include replacing brake rotors, calipers, or the master cylinder. Each additional service will require more time, so the complexity of the job can affect the overall duration.
The availability of parts can also impact the time it takes to complete a brake job. If specific parts need to be ordered, it can delay the process. However, if all the necessary parts are readily available, it can contribute to a faster turnaround time.
DIY Brake Job
If you’re considering a DIY brake job, it’s important to evaluate whether you have the necessary skills, tools, and knowledge to safely and effectively replace brakes and rotors. A DIY brake job can save you a ton of money and is one of the easiest projects you can do on a car.
Most of the time you can usually do a brake job on each side by removing only 4 bolts. 2 on the caliper guide pins, and 2 to house the caliper to the caliper bracket. Even if you have no automotive experience, I recommend looking into this and trying it yourself. It’s a very simple process once you get it.
The time it takes for a DIY brake job can vary depending on your familiarity with the process and the complexity of the job. On average, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour per wheel for a basic brake pad replacement. However, if you’re also replacing brake rotors or other components, it can extend the time required.
It’s important to follow proper safety precautions and consult reliable resources or guides when attempting a DIY brake job. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with the process, it’s recommended to seek professional help.
Conclusion
Replacing brakes and rotors can vary in duration depending on whether you opt for professional service or a DIY approach. Professional brake service may involve additional services and can be completed more efficiently with the help of experienced mechanics.
On the other hand, a DIY brake job can take longer, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. Assess your skills, knowledge, and resources before deciding which approach best suits your needs. Remember, safety should always be a priority, so don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re unsure or uncomfortable with the DIY process.