Brakes are essential components of any vehicle, and it's of the utmost importance to regularly check them and do preventive maintenance. The two components in a vehicle's braking system that need to be replaced most often include brake discs and brake pads. How often they need to be replaced depends greatly on the style of driving, as well as the quality of the components.

The price of replacing truck or Jeep brakes depends on the model of your vehicle, the brand of components, and whether or not you'll replace the components yourself.

In this article, we'll talk about the cost of replacing brakes in your truck or Jeep. We'll cover things like when you need to replace your brakes, the components' cost, and whether it is better to do this yourself, or hire an experienced mechanic to do it for you!

When to Replace Your Brakes

Brake components don't need to be replaced after a certain amount of time, because they don't lose their functionality if they're not used. On average, brake pads need to be replaced after 30,000 miles, but it still depends on the way the vehicle was driven, and how often the brakes were engaged. Some drivers can get 50,000 miles or more from a set of brake pads. And typically, you'll change the rotors every other time you change the pads.

Look out for a few signs if you suspect your brakes are due for replacement. These include:

• Grinding sound when braking
• Clear vibrations when braking
• Noticeably less braking power
• Illuminated brake pad indicator light
• Thin brake pads or discs

High-quality brake discs and pads don't emit sounds when being used. Squealing sounds can be heard when low-quality components are used, but grinding is a clear indicator that either the discs or pads are due for replacement.

Vibrations while braking is also a possible sign of worn brake components, but it can also point to worn-out suspension components. Either way, vibrations while braking should be taken seriously because it can mean that your brake pads are almost fully worn out.

The biggest sign that you should replace your brake pads or discs is when you notice that you need to push the brake pedal harder to get your truck or Jeep to a full stop. The cause for this can be worn-out pads, discs, or a lack of brake fluid. If you experience less-than-ideal braking performance, it's recommended to check the brake system as soon as possible.

Many modern vehicles are fitted with brake pad wear sensors that show a clear indicator on the dash when the brake pads are almost worn out. In most cases, the illuminated brake indicator light will let you know that you need to replace brakes on your truck or Jeep – the brake fluid level drops as pad wear requires more fluid in the lines. But before you do, make sure to visually inspect the brake system for leaks in case the fluid is going elsewhere.

Lastly, after visually inspecting the brakes and realizing that either brake pads or discs appear thin, it's time to replace them. Average brake pads can be more than a 1/2-inch thick, and if they're less than 4/32nds remaining, it's time to change them.

Cost of Labor Brake Replacement Options: DIY vs Hiring

When the time comes to replace brake components, it's important to replace them on both sides of the same axle. Some even suggest replacing all four corners at once. Finding the price of parts is relatively simple, but what significantly affects the total price of replacing brakes on your truck or Jeep is the price of labor.

On average, experienced mechanics charge between $80 and $120 to replace brake pads on a single axle. If you're replacing all four brakes, the price is doubled.

Instead of paying for the cost of labor, you can replace the brakes on your truck or Jeep if you have the time and the required tools for the job. Thankfully, replacing brakes on most vehicles isn't a complicated process, and can be done in one afternoon. Aside from the tools and basic mechanical knowledge, you'll need to acquire the right replacement parts that need to be replaced.

The process of replacing brakes includes jacking up your vehicle and making it secure, removing the wheels, and replacing the parts that need to be replaced, and finally, bleeding your brakes. This part will require you to find someone to help you, but it doesn't take long to finish the job completely.

Cost of Brakes & Other Equipment

If you decide to trust a professional to replace the brakes on your truck or Jeep, they'll likely recommend and acquire the required parts for the job. But if you decide to replace truck or Jeep brakes on your own, you'll quickly realize that the cost of these components varies greatly, and depends on a number of factors. For the braking performance you want, buy the parts you like and bring them to the mechanic.

The first, and largest effect on the cost of replacement brakes is the brand. For regular day-to-day driving, it's recommended to go with genuine OEM parts. In most cases, these are the most expensive compared to aftermarket parts with the same features and characteristics. Unfortunately, genuine OEM parts aren't always available for older trucks and Jeep models, but the automotive aftermarket has some amazing replacements that will meet or even exceed manufacturer specifications. Some of the brands to look for include Yukon Gear & Axle, PowerStop, RT Off-Road, and Alloy USA.

When it comes to brake pads, the average price is around $50 per axle, while the average price for brake discs is around $180 for one axle. You can find high-quality aftermarket replacement parts for your truck or Jeep at 4 Wheel Parts.

Average Brake Replacement Costs for Jeeps & Trucks

When you take everything into consideration, replacing brakes on your truck or Jeep isn't a hard job or expensive, but it's still a good thing the brakes don't need to be replaced very often.

If you hire a mechanic to replace the brake pads and rotors on your truck or Jeep, both front and rear, the average price to expect is around $800. If you decide to go with the DIY route, you can cut this cost down to around $450 to $500 even by using the highest-quality components. And luckily, 4 Wheel Parts has everything you need to get the job done right.