IQAuto Repair IQ

2020 Ford Explorer Brake Pad Replacement Cost in San Francisco, CA

Easy
30,000–70,000 miles depending on driving style
•Updated June 2026

If you need a brake pad replacement on your 2020 Ford Explorer in San Francisco, CA, expect to pay between $307 and $468 at a local shop. That breaks down to $90–$136 for parts and $217–$332 for labor at San Francisco's average rate of $155/hour. Read on for a full cost breakdown, money-saving tips, and what to watch out for.

Brake Pad Replacement — 2020 Ford Explorer in San Francisco, CA

$307–$468

Estimated total cost at a shop in San Francisco

Parts$90–$136

29% of total

Labor$217–$332

71% of total

Time

1.5–2.0 hrs

Shop Rate

$155/hr

DIY Saves

~$165

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What's Included in This Repair

  • 1Remove wheels
  • 2Inspect rotors and calipers
  • 3Replace brake pads (all 4 or per axle)
  • 4Lubricate caliper slides
  • 5Bed-in new pads
Typical Lifespan:
30,000–70,000 miles depending on driving style
Difficulty:
Easy

Warning Signs You Need This Repair

  • ▸ Squealing or squeaking when braking
  • ▸ Grinding metal-on-metal noise
  • ▸ Longer stopping distances
  • ▸ Brake warning light illuminated

Critical — worn brakes are a major safety hazard

What Drives the Cost in San Francisco?

Labor Market: San Francisco, CA

San Francisco is one of the highest labor markets in the country, with shops charging $155–$175/hour for labor. For this brake pads, you'll pay $217–$332 in labor alone — accounting for approximately 71% of your total bill. Independent shops in San Francisco typically run 20–35% cheaper than dealerships.

2020 Ford Explorer Notes

American-made vehicles like the 2020 Ford Explorer benefit from widely available aftermarket parts, keeping costs competitive. Parts for this repair typically run $90–$136 and are stocked by most auto parts stores. The large network of shops familiar with Ford vehicles also keeps labor competition strong.

DIY vs. Paying a Shop

DIY vs. Professional: Save ~$165

Confident DIYers can save $165+ by purchasing parts (≈$142) and doing the labor themselves. Moderate DIY. Need a jack, jack stands, C-clamp, and brake cleaner. Front brakes are easier than rear drum setups. Budget 2–2 hours and watch a make-specific YouTube tutorial before starting. Always use OBD-II scanner to confirm the diagnosis before buying parts.

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5 Ways to Save Money on This Repair

  1. 1Get quotes from at least 3 shops in San Francisco — prices vary by 25–40% between dealers and independents.
  2. 2Ask specifically if they'll use OEM or aftermarket parts. Aftermarket is fine for most components except brake pads on luxury brands.
  3. 3Check if your extended warranty or car insurance covers this repair — some aftermarket warranties cover brake pads.
  4. 4If your car is near the end of its useful life, compare repair cost ($307–$468) against the vehicle's value.
  5. 5Combine this repair with other deferred maintenance to save on labor — shops often discount when doing multiple jobs at once.
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Frequently Asked Questions

In San Francisco, expect to pay $307–$468 total for brake pad replacement on a 2020 Ford Explorer. Parts run $90–$136, and labor is $217–$332 (1.5 hours at $155/hr).

Explore Related Pages

→ All Brake Pad Replacement estimates→ Same repair in New York→ Same repair in Los Angeles→ Same repair in Chicago

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Disclaimer: Cost estimates are based on national parts pricing databases and regional labor rate surveys. Actual prices vary by shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Always obtain a written estimate before authorizing repairs. Affiliate disclosure: links marked with Amazon may earn us a small commission.