Brakes · Car
Rear brake drums and shoes cost
By vehicle type
| Parts | Labour | Independent garage | Main dealer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City car | £85 – £155 | £70 – £180 | £155 – £335 | £215 – £545 |
| Family car, SUV | £100 – £195 | £70 – £180 | £175 – £375 | £235 – £590 |
| Premium | £140 – £260 | £70 – £180 | £210 – £440 | £280 – £675 |
Total incl. VAT · United Kingdom
By country
| Country | Hourly rate | Independent garage | Main dealer |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | €65 – €140 | €190 – €390 | €240 – €555 |
| Belgium | €60 – €125 | €185 – €385 | €230 – €530 |
| Switzerland | CHF 110 – CHF 210 | CHF 280 – CHF 585 | CHF 350 – CHF 790 |
| Germany | €80 – €190 | €205 – €450 | €270 – €655 |
| Austria | €85 – €185 | €215 – €465 | €280 – €650 |
| Spain | €45 – €90 | €160 – €335 | €195 – €445 |
| Italy | €40 – €80 | €155 – €325 | €190 – €430 |
| Portugal | €35 – €75 | €150 – €305 | €185 – €415 |
| Netherlands | €75 – €150 | €200 – €425 | €255 – €580 |
| United Kingdom | £60 – £170 | £175 – £375 | £235 – £590 |
Family car, SUV. Method
What changes the price
The hourly rate: it can double between a small-town independent and a city-centre dealer.
Parts quality: genuine, original-equipment brand or aftermarket.
Access: on some engines other parts must come off before the mechanic can reach the job.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a rear brake drums and shoes cost?
At an independent garage, expect £175 to £375, parts and labour included. Main dealer: £235 – £590.
Why is the dealer more expensive?
Dealer hourly rates run 40 to 60% higher on average, and genuine parts cost more than their original-equipment equivalents. Under EU rules, servicing outside the dealer network does not void the manufacturer warranty.
What is book time?
It is the reference time set for a given job. Garages bill that time even if they work faster. If a quote shows far more hours than book time, ask why. Book time: 1 – 2 h.
Data updated October 2026. Indicative estimate. MecaScan cannot see your vehicle: always have a diagnosis confirmed by a professional, and never work on brakes, steering or airbags without the skills.