Car Brake inspection, repair & replacement
The brake system is a complex system of different parts in a car that converts the kinetic energy of a vehicle into heat energy. This helps the driver to have control over the vehicle and manage speed while on the move.
The most popular type of braking system uses brake pads and brake discs (mostly used on small cars) while the other one uses brake shoes and brake drums to create friction necessary to reduce the speed of the vehicle.
Other components that make up the braking system include the brake pedal, master cylinder, brake caliper, brake servo and brake fluid. During an annual service, these components are thoroughly inspected but due to the nature of their function, they are susceptible to wear and tear, corrosion and damage. As the brake is one of the most important and safety-critical components of a vehicle, it’s important to get any issues fixed as soon as possible.
Brake services we offer
Brake Hose replacement
Brake hoses are susceptible to damage due to heat and extreme pressure which can make them brittle and deteriorate. A brake hose replacement involves removing the worn or damaged hose and replacing it with a new one.
Brake Shoe replacement
Brake shoes are present when the car has brake drums on the rear. During brake shoe replacement, the worn brake shoes (and drums and wheel cylinders) are thoroughly inspected and replaced with new shoes.
ABS repair
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) repair involves the fixing or replacement of the parts of the braking feature that is designed to prevent the wheels from locking up thus maintaining steering control. The mechanic usually runs a diagnostic test to find the source of the fault.
Brake Fluid change
During a brake fluid change, the hydraulic fluid that is responsible for transferring pressure from the brake pedal to the brake components is drained and replaced with new fluid.
Brake Caliper repair
Brake calipers house the brake pads and are responsible for applying pressure to the brake discs. During a brake caliper repair, the caliper is thoroughly inspected for damage and leaks and is then replaced if required.
Brake Disc replacement
With time, brake discs can wear out due to the constant friction and heat generated during braking. During a brake disc replacement, the damaged brake discs are removed and replaced with new ones. Brake pads are also replaced at the same time to prevent premature wearing and to ensure optimum braking performance.
Brake Pads replacement
Over time, brake pads get worn and damaged due to the constant friction and heat they are exposed to. During brake pad replacement, the worn brake pads (and discs and calipers) are thoroughly inspected and replaced with new pads.
Brake Servo repair
During a brake servo repair, the braking component that helps engage the brakes to provide braking power is inspected and replaced with new parts.
Brake Drum replacement
During a brake drum replacement, the wheel is removed to access and inspect the damaged brake drum which is then replaced with new parts. Brake drums are replaced in pairs as well as the brake shoes.
Brake Master Cylinder repair
During a brake master cylinder repair, the old cylinder is inspected, along with seals and brake lines, and replaced with a new brake master cylinder.
Handbrake Cable replacement
The handbrake cable is responsible for transferring the effort from the parking brake lever to the rear braking system. In a handbrake cable replacement, the worn or corroded cable is replaced with a new one.
Handbrake Shoe replacement
During a handbrake shoes replacement the parking brake shoes that engage the brake drums (found on some rear disc brake vehicles) when the handbrake is pulled are inspected for wear and damage and replaced with new shoes.
Some of the Car Brake jobs we offer
- ABS pump replacement
- Backplate replacement - front (driver side)
- Backplate replacement - front (passenger side)
- Backplate replacement - rear (driver side)
- Backplate replacement - rear (passenger side)
- Bleed Hydraulic brake system
- Bleed Hydraulic brake system - ABS
- Brake caliper replacement - front (driver side)
- Brake caliper replacement - front (passenger side)
- Brake caliper replacement - rear (driver side)
- Brake caliper replacement - rear (passenger side)
- Brake discs and pads replacement - front (both)
- Brake discs and pads replacement - rear (both)
- Brake drums & shoes replacement - rear (both)
- Brake hose replacement - front (driver side)
- Brake hose replacement - front (passenger side)
- Brake hose replacement - rear (driver side)
- Brake hose replacement - rear (passenger side)
- Brake master cylinder replacement
- Brake pads replacement - front (all)
- Brake pads replacement - rear (all)
- Brake pipe replacement - front (passenger side)
- Brake pipe replacement - front (driver side)
- Brake pipe replacement - rear (driver side)
- Brake pipe replacement - rear (passenger side)
- Brake servo replacement
- Brake shoe wheel cylinder - rear (driver side)
- Brake shoe wheel cylinder - rear (passenger side)
- Brake shoes check & adjust - rear
- Brake shoes replacement - rear (all)
- Handbrake cable replacement (driver side)
- Handbrake cable replacement (passenger side)
- Handbrake cables replacement - (both) equal length
- Handbrake centre/main cable replacement
- Handbrake shoes replacement (all)
- Premium brake upgrade (front and rear discs and pads)
Frequently asked questions about car brake inspection, repair & replacements
Read our answers to questions about car brake inspection, repair & replacement costs, symptoms and more.
How often should you get your brakes inspected?
You should get your brakes inspected every 6 to 12 months, for example during regular maintenance, during the yearly MOT the brakes are checked as standard. That said, when a brake warning light or brake pad wear sensor lights up on your dashboard make sure you get the get brakes inspected as they can point to an issue. Most modern cars have a brake pad wear sensor that will light up on your warning dashboard when it's time to get the brake pads (and brake discs) replaced.
However, the brake pad sensor cannot detect and alert you of problems that can occur with other parts of the braking system. So even though you've passed the MOT check and have done an annual service, brake problems can occur in the interim. If you're a regular driver, it is recommended to get your brakes inspected more often, for example every six months or every time you do an oil change.
How long should a brake job last?
A brake job like a brake pad replacement can last more than 50,000 miles. It will depend on various factors such as the quality of the brake pads you have fitted, your driving style, and the type of vehicle you own. In certain circumstances brake pads for example may only last around 20,000 miles. Usually, brake discs will also need to be replaced when brake pads are replaced which is an average of around 50,000 miles or so.
What does it mean when my brakes are scraping?
There are a few possible causes for brakes scraping or making a "grinding" noise. The most common causes are:
- Brake pads are worn down
- Brake discs is warped or rusted
In both cases the issue needs to be addressed immediately as ignoring this can be a safety hazard. The pads and shoes that make contact with the brake rotors and drums wear down over time, and eventually need to be replaced.
What does a brake inspection include?
A brake inspection can include:
- Brake pads and discs check
- Brake hydraulics check
- Brake pedal check
- Brake lines check
- Brake fluid level check
With ClickMechanic, a mechanic will carry out an inspection to locate the source of the problem and establish what next steps are needed to rectify the problem. If necessary the mechanic will test drive the car to arrive at a verdict.
How to make my brake pads last longer?
Brake wear depends on a few factors but some ways that help with making your brake pads last longer, including:
- Anticipate when you will need to brake, and avoid hard braking whenever possible
- Drive slower and more smoothly
- Check your brakes regularly for wear and tear
- Remove excessive weight from the vehicle
- Get brakes serviced as per the manufacturer's recommendations
Can I drive if my brake pads are worn out?
No, it is not recommended to drive if your brake pads are worn out. Worn out brake pads must be replaced immediately as it can be extremely dangerous and can lead to serious accidents. It can furthermore lead to a fine, penalty points on your licence and further prosecution.
How much does a brake job cost?
On average, replacing front brake pads is £99, with prices ranging between £75 and £175. Replacement of rear brake pads averages at £95 and usually ranges from £70 to £150.
Replacing the vehicle's front brake discs and pads can cost from £130 to over £375 while the cost to replace rear brake discs ranges from £125 to over £350.
Depending on the make, model and year of the vehicle as well as the type of brake repair needed, the cost of repair and replacement will differ in pricing. The cost will also vary on the location as labour charges differ across the UK.
Check out the ClickMechanic price for a car brake inspection, repair & replacement. See the averages for different makes below. We consolidate industry standard data with millions of data points to give you the most accurate price.
| Name | Average Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Audi | £230 | Get exact price |
| BMW | £244 | Get exact price |
| Citroen | £188 | Get exact price |
| Ford | £174 | Get exact price |
| Land Rover | £237 | Get exact price |
| Mercedes-Benz | £226 | Get exact price |
| Nissan | £184 | Get exact price |
| Peugeot | £183 | Get exact price |
| Renault | £203 | Get exact price |
| Toyota | £170 | Get exact price |
| Vauxhall | £183 | Get exact price |
| Volkswagen | £181 | Get exact price |
Estimates on average repair costs, such as the above results for a car brake inspection, repair & replacement, are based on ClickMechanic's quote data which combines multiple third-party sources. Actual costs may vary. We provide estimates on average repair costs for information only and accept no liability for any inaccuracies or errors. If you think an estimate is incorrect, please contact us to let us know.
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