Acura TSX Brake Caliper Replacement Cost

Between $1,590 and $1,620

The average cost for an Acura TSX Brake Caliper Replacement is between $1,590 and $1,620. Labor costs are estimated between $112 and $141 while parts are typically priced around $1,479. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed. For a more accurate estimate based on your location, use our Fair Price Estimator below. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

Decoding the Acura TSX Brake Caliper Replacement Cost

Ensuring your Acura TSX's braking system is in top condition is paramount for safety and performance. A critical component of this system is the brake caliper, responsible for applying pressure to the brake pads against the rotor. When a brake caliper malfunctions, it can lead to significant braking issues and potentially compromise your safety. Understanding the Acura TSX brake caliper replacement cost is crucial for budget planning and making informed decisions about your vehicle's maintenance.

Detailed Cost Breakdown

The overall Acura TSX brake caliper replacement cost is influenced by several factors, including the type of parts used and where you have the service performed.

Pricing Comparison Table

Component	Estimated Cost Range	Notes
Brake Caliper	$300 – $700 per caliper	Price varies based on whether it's a front or rear caliper, and whether it's a complete unit or remanufactured.
Brake Pads	$50 – $150 per set	Essential to replace when replacing calipers.
Brake Rotors	$75 – $250 per rotor	Often recommended for replacement alongside calipers and pads due to wear and tear.
Brake Fluid	$15 – $30 per quart	Required for bleeding the system after caliper replacement.
Labor	$100 – $200 per caliper	Varies significantly by shop and complexity of the job.
Total Estimate	$1,590 – $1,620	Based on replacing at least two calipers, associated parts, and labor.

Regional Cost Variations

The Acura TSX brake caliper replacement cost can fluctuate based on your geographic location. Major metropolitan areas with higher costs of living typically see higher labor rates, which directly impacts the overall repair bill. Conversely, areas with a lower cost of living may offer more competitive pricing.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts Costs

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts: These are parts manufactured by Acura or a supplier specifically for Acura vehicles. They are generally of the highest quality and designed for a perfect fit, but they also come with a premium price tag.
Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. They can offer significant cost savings, but quality can vary. It's important to research reputable aftermarket brands to ensure you're not compromising on durability or performance. For brake calipers, the cost difference can be substantial, with aftermarket options often being 30-50% cheaper.

Shop Type Differences

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts: These are parts manufactured by Acura or a supplier specifically for Acura vehicles. They are generally of the highest quality and designed for a perfect fit, but they also come with a premium price tag.
Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. They can offer significant cost savings, but quality can vary. It's important to research reputable aftermarket brands to ensure you're not compromising on durability or performance. For brake calipers, the cost difference can be substantial, with aftermarket options often being 30-50% cheaper.

Factors Affecting Cost

Several elements can influence the final bill for your Acura TSX brake caliper replacement.

Vehicle Mileage Impact

As your Acura TSX accumulates mileage, components naturally wear down. Higher mileage vehicles may experience more widespread brake system wear, potentially necessitating the replacement of additional components like rotors or brake lines, which will increase the overall Acura TSX brake caliper replacement cost.

Geographic Location Effects

As mentioned earlier, the cost of living and the general cost of doing business in your area will directly impact labor rates and parts pricing. A caliper replacement in a high-cost urban center will likely be more expensive than in a rural area.

Additional Repairs Commonly Needed

Brake caliper replacement is often not a standalone repair. It’s common practice to replace:

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts: These are parts manufactured by Acura or a supplier specifically for Acura vehicles. They are generally of the highest quality and designed for a perfect fit, but they also come with a premium price tag.
Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. They can offer significant cost savings, but quality can vary. It's important to research reputable aftermarket brands to ensure you're not compromising on durability or performance. For brake calipers, the cost difference can be substantial, with aftermarket options often being 30-50% cheaper.

These associated repairs can add a significant amount to your Acura TSX brake caliper replacement cost.

Seasonal Pricing Variations

While less common for major repairs like brake caliper replacement, you might find slight variations in pricing. For instance, some shops might offer promotions during slower periods, or conversely, have higher demand and potentially higher prices during peak driving seasons.

Diagnostic & Repair Process

Understanding the process involved can help you appreciate the labor involved and the associated Acura TSX brake caliper replacement cost.

How are brake caliper issues diagnosed?

A mechanic will look for brake pads that are severely worn on one brake caliper, a caliper not providing sufficient clamping force to stop the vehicle, or fluid leaks from the wheel well. The caliper in question will be removed and further inspected. Common indicators include:

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts: These are parts manufactured by Acura or a supplier specifically for Acura vehicles. They are generally of the highest quality and designed for a perfect fit, but they also come with a premium price tag.
Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. They can offer significant cost savings, but quality can vary. It's important to research reputable aftermarket brands to ensure you're not compromising on durability or performance. For brake calipers, the cost difference can be substantial, with aftermarket options often being 30-50% cheaper.

How is a brake caliper replaced?

With the wheel and tire off, the caliper is disconnected from the brake line, unbolted and removed. The brake pads will be installed in the new caliper, and the rotor will be cleaned of any brake fluid, grease, fingerprints or other contaminants. Once the brake caliper is ready for installation, it's bolted into place, the brake line is reattached, and the entire braking system will be bled of air.

Step-by-Step Replacement Procedure

Vehicle Preparation: The vehicle is safely lifted, and the problematic wheel is removed.
Brake Line Disconnection: The brake line is carefully disconnected from the existing caliper. It’s important to catch any dripping brake fluid.
Caliper Removal: The caliper mounting bolts are removed, and the caliper is detached from the brake rotor and steering knuckle.
Pad and Rotor Inspection/Replacement: Old brake pads are removed. If the rotors are worn or damaged, they are also removed.
New Caliper Preparation: New brake pads are installed into the new caliper. The mounting surfaces are cleaned, and the caliper is often lubricated at contact points.
Caliper Installation: The new caliper is positioned over the rotor and secured with mounting bolts.
Brake Line Reconnection: The brake line is reconnected to the new caliper.
System Bleeding: The brake system is bled to remove any air that may have entered during the process. This involves opening a bleed screw on the caliper and pumping the brake pedal to push fluid through until no air bubbles are visible.
Final Checks: The wheel is reinstalled, lug nuts are torqued, and the vehicle is lowered. A final test drive is performed to ensure proper brake function.

Tools and Expertise Required

This repair requires specialized automotive tools, including:

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts: These are parts manufactured by Acura or a supplier specifically for Acura vehicles. They are generally of the highest quality and designed for a perfect fit, but they also come with a premium price tag.
Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. They can offer significant cost savings, but quality can vary. It's important to research reputable aftermarket brands to ensure you're not compromising on durability or performance. For brake calipers, the cost difference can be substantial, with aftermarket options often being 30-50% cheaper.

Expertise in hydraulic brake systems and proper torque specifications is crucial to ensure the repair is done correctly and safely.

Common Complications

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts: These are parts manufactured by Acura or a supplier specifically for Acura vehicles. They are generally of the highest quality and designed for a perfect fit, but they also come with a premium price tag.
Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. They can offer significant cost savings, but quality can vary. It's important to research reputable aftermarket brands to ensure you're not compromising on durability or performance. For brake calipers, the cost difference can be substantial, with aftermarket options often being 30-50% cheaper.

RepairPal recommendations for brake caliper issues

When the caliper is replaced, the brake pads (and rotors, if needed) must also be replaced. The pads (and rotors, if needed) on the opposite side must be replaced, as well, for even braking.

Can I replace the brake caliper yourself?

Typically, this repair should be left to a professional. But a DIYer with plenty of knowledge about hydraulically driven systems can pull it off. However, due to the critical nature of the braking system and the potential for serious injury or damage if done incorrectly, it is highly recommended to have this service performed by a qualified mechanic.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of a failing brake caliper can help you address the issue before it becomes a more serious problem.

Early Detection Indicators

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts: These are parts manufactured by Acura or a supplier specifically for Acura vehicles. They are generally of the highest quality and designed for a perfect fit, but they also come with a premium price tag.
Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. They can offer significant cost savings, but quality can vary. It's important to research reputable aftermarket brands to ensure you're not compromising on durability or performance. For brake calipers, the cost difference can be substantial, with aftermarket options often being 30-50% cheaper.

Performance Impacts

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts: These are parts manufactured by Acura or a supplier specifically for Acura vehicles. They are generally of the highest quality and designed for a perfect fit, but they also come with a premium price tag.
Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. They can offer significant cost savings, but quality can vary. It's important to research reputable aftermarket brands to ensure you're not compromising on durability or performance. For brake calipers, the cost difference can be substantial, with aftermarket options often being 30-50% cheaper.

Dashboard Warning Signals

While there isn't a specific dashboard light for a failing brake caliper, a malfunctioning caliper can contribute to:

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts: These are parts manufactured by Acura or a supplier specifically for Acura vehicles. They are generally of the highest quality and designed for a perfect fit, but they also come with a premium price tag.
Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. They can offer significant cost savings, but quality can vary. It's important to research reputable aftermarket brands to ensure you're not compromising on durability or performance. For brake calipers, the cost difference can be substantial, with aftermarket options often being 30-50% cheaper.

When to Seek Immediate Repair

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts: These are parts manufactured by Acura or a supplier specifically for Acura vehicles. They are generally of the highest quality and designed for a perfect fit, but they also come with a premium price tag.
Aftermarket Parts: These parts are manufactured by companies other than Acura. They can offer significant cost savings, but quality can vary. It's important to research reputable aftermarket brands to ensure you're not compromising on durability or performance. For brake calipers, the cost difference can be substantial, with aftermarket options often being 30-50% cheaper.

Cost-Saving Strategies

While brake caliper replacement is a necessary repair, there are ways to manage the Acura TSX brake caliper replacement cost.

Getting Multiple Quotes

Always obtain quotes from at least three different reputable repair shops. Compare not only the total price but also what is included in the service (e.g., OEM vs. aftermarket parts, included fluids, warranty).

Best Timing for Repairs

While you shouldn't delay critical safety repairs, if your caliper issue is minor and not immediately compromising safety, you might be able to wait for seasonal promotions or sales offered by repair shops.

Warranty Considerations

Check if your Acura TSX is still under any manufacturer warranty or if you have an extended warranty that might cover brake components. Some brake component manufacturers also offer their own warranties on parts.

DIY Feasibility Assessment

As mentioned, while possible for experienced DIYers, the risks associated with brake system repairs are high. If you're not confident in your abilities or lack the proper tools, the cost of potential mistakes far outweighs the savings.

FAQ Section

How much does Acura TSX brake caliper replacement cost?

The average cost for an Acura TSX brake caliper replacement is between $1,590 and $1,620. This includes parts and labor, but can vary based on location, specific parts used, and whether other brake components need replacement.

Can I drive with this problem?

It depends on the severity of the caliper issue. Minor sticking or slight leaks might allow limited driving, but significant pulling, grinding noises, or a soft brake pedal indicate you should avoid driving the vehicle until it's repaired. Driving with a faulty caliper is a serious safety risk.

How long does Acura TSX brake caliper replacement take?

The replacement of a single brake caliper typically takes between 1 to 3 hours of labor. However, if multiple calipers or other brake components (like rotors and pads) are being replaced, the total time can extend to half a day or more, especially when accounting for bleeding the brake system.

What causes this issue?

Brake caliper issues are often caused by wear and tear over time, leading to sticking, leaking seals, or internal component failure. Corrosion, lack of maintenance (e.g., not flushing brake fluid), and damage from road debris can also contribute to caliper problems.

Don't wait for brake issues to escalate. Schedule an inspection with a trusted mechanic today to ensure your Acura TSX remains safe and reliable on the road.