A faulty emergency brake could have your parked car taking a downhill joyride without you. And if you’re worried about the emergency brake repair cost, relax—we’ve got all the information you need.
Read on to find out the cost of repairing the emergency brake, why you shouldn’t attempt it yourself, and the red flags of a broken one.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does an Emergency Brake Repair Cost?
- Is it Safe to Drive with a Malfunctioning Emergency Brake?
- Signs You Need an Emergency Brake Repair
- How Long Does an Emergency Brake Last?
- How Is an Emergency Brake Different from a Service Brake?
- Can I Replace the Emergency Brake Myself?
How Much Does an Emergency Brake Repair Cost?
Here are the costs involved in an emergency brake repair:
A. Range
The average emergency or parking brake repair costs between $160 to $650 at an auto repair shop.
This includes:
- Brake components: $20 to $400
- Labor costs: $140 to $210
B. Factors Affecting Cost
The cost of emergency brake replacement can depend on your vehicle’s make and model and the local labor rate.
Other factors that can affect your costs include:
- Type of repair needed: A simple emergency brake adjustment can cost about $60 to $70. However, the cost can increase if you need to replace additional parts of the emergency brake system, like:
- Parking brake cable: $320 and $360
- Parking brake shoes: $300 to $340
- Brake caliper: $300 to $500 per brake caliper
- Brake pad and rotors: $400 to $900 per axle
- Complexity of access: The difficulty of accessing different emergency brake parts can impact labor costs. For example, a parking brake shoe replacement can cost more in vehicles equipped with a small drum brake assembly inside the rear brake rotor. In such cases, mechanics may need to remove the wheel, disassemble the brake drum or caliper, and then replace the worn brake pad or shoe.
Is it Safe to Drive with a Malfunctioning Emergency Brake?
No, it’s dangerous to drive with a broken emergency brake.
The emergency brake keeps your parked vehicle stationary, especially on slopes or uneven surfaces. Without it, your car could roll away if the primary brakes are compromised or the vehicle is improperly left in gear (in manual transmissions).
Additionally, in states like Virginia, a non-functioning emergency brake will fail vehicle safety inspections, and driving without it could violate road safety regulations.
Signs You Need an Emergency Brake Repair
Here are the red flags that indicate you should check your emergency brake system ASAP:
- Emergency brake doesn’t hold the vehicle in place when engaged, especially on a slope.
- The emergency brake handle feels loose or overtightened.
- The parking brake lever travels too far or requires more force than usual to engage.
- Parking brake creates more than 10 clicks, indicating worn-out rear brakes.
- The brake warning light comes on.
How Long Does an Emergency Brake Last?
Generally, the emergency brake is expected to last as long as your vehicle.
However, some emergency brake parts can wear out sooner. For example, your parking brake shoe may last around 50,000 miles under normal usage.
Wondering what hastens emergency brake wear?
Bad driving habits, such as driving with the emergency brake engaged or using the parking brake to stop the vehicle, can affect its longevity.
How Is an Emergency Brake Different from a Service Brake?
Service brakes are hydraulically operated, which helps in deceleration and stopping while driving.
Meanwhile, the emergency brake is usually a mechanical system operated by a parking brake lever and cable connected to the braking mechanism. It keeps the vehicle stationary when parked but can also serve as a backup braking system in case of service brake failure.
Can I Replace the Emergency Brake Myself?
Although possible, it’s risky to attempt an emergency brake replacement yourself.
Why?
A faulty installation could lead to emergency brake failure, leaving your vehicle unsecured during parking or emergencies. In some regions, it can also void your warranty or insurance coverage.
Fix Your Emergency Brake with AutoNation Mobile Service
Emergency brake replacement, like any brake service, requires precision and expertise to keep your car safe.
That’s why you should leave it to professionals like AutoNation Mobile Service.
We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance service offering upfront pricing and a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all repairs.
Contact us and we’ll fix your brake problems right from your driveway.