Why is a brake caliper job so expensive?

Ford Focus front right hand wheel brake sticking when driving caused noise and some vibration at certain speeds. Tyre place Stapeltons took it apart after the wheel didn't spin freely and said there was corrosion in there, calipers need replacing with brake fluid change. He said both front wheels would have to be done and said 575 quid straight away. They can whistle for that… Sounded like a rip-off artist. I'm trying my local family run garage instead.

You can do better… I doubt if you need both calipers changing. You can buy an overhaul kit. But the important bit was missing… Your discs… I own a garage… I would not replace the calipers and new pads without replacing the discs.especially as you say you have vibration. Even with the new discs it would not cost £575

I guess it depends largely on the cost of the calipers. I paid slightly over that for the same job on my Mitsubishi Shogun, but I will lay odds the huge '4 pot' calipers on the Mitsu were twice the price of yours.
That does sound dear, but it's a straightforward job, just check what a local guy would have charged.
I'm not a great fan of 'Tyre Specialists' doing mechanical repairs on my car. You hear so many bad stories.

Often it's not corrosion in the caliper, but rust and corrosion on the caliper sliding surfaces between it and the bracket that causes the sticking. This can be cured by loosening the caliper and cleaning and proper lube of the surfaces… And guide pins and bushings…

I agree, that is grossly overpriced. Even for new calipers and new discs on both corners I'll bet your local garage can do it for much less. This tyre place isn't connected to Kwik-Fit by any chance is it?

In the US, these brake calipers cost us about $40 each. We would retail them for about $60ea. Labor to install and bleed would be about $120 ea.

Have a look on the site in the link for good prices on spares. I use them regularly.

Your better getting a new caliper of EBAY and fitting it your-self.

If you live near kc mo ill do it for 100

It costs what it costs. It matters now how much you think it should cost.

If it sounds high, ask them to free it up so you can return in a few days, that's all you may have needed is a "caliper service"
In other words, pay them to run this test, lube the parts that stick mechanically, let the fluid go and push the piston back a ways, hold it, and shut the bleeder.
Refill the reservoir and pump it back into shape.
Check for stuck caliper to repeat. Good time to see if the flex hose has a problem.

You can call another garage and price the job while the diagnosis takes place…
If it is found that your piston IS stuck, you need a RF caliper.
For best results replace them in pairs.
After a complete diagnosis, now you can compare pricing and have the parts list known.
They want to guarantee a very well done job, They want new everything.
Corrosion from road salt or ice melter takes a lot of messy labor and reman parts are a nice complete job.
You have the option of doing anything you want to your own car and make your own decisions.

Check for replacement prices at more private mechanics and a Ford Dealer in your area. Bleeding brakes which is necessary after caliper replacements can be tricky on cars with ABS.

Check out brake caliper prices @ rockauto.com, autopartswarehouse.com and partstrain.com. The only problem with on-line parts houses is you'll have to send the old one back if you want a core credit. Otherwise NAPA or Carquest has the best re-manufactured brake calipers locally.

Cuz its car parts

Go to you tube and see why mine only cost 14 dollars and a couple of hours