The Best Callahan Brake Parts for You and Your Vehicle

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Any discussion about Callahan Brake Parts invariably brings great historians out of the woodwork.

Mention Callahan brake parts, and some self-proclaimed genius responds, “There’s no such thing, man. Callahan was the name of Tommy Boy’s dad’s business in the movie.”

Truth or fiction? A bit of both. While Callahan Auto Parts was the name of the fictitious business in Sandusky, Ohio, that employed 300 people, Callahan Brake Parts is a real-life manufacturer in Illinois.

Although the logos have a similar appearance, the two are unrelated. While Tommy Boy fought against the odds to save the family business, Callahan Brake Parts is fighting the disinformation campaign about their seeming non-existence.

Or perhaps, they are riding out the popularity of the movie to garner sales?

In fact, Callahan is among the best of U.S.-manufactured brake parts available. Parts arrive ready-to-install with no cleaning or preparation necessary.

Exploring the History of Callahan Brake Parts

Brakes are an integral part of a vehicle’s safety system. Although most professional mechanics will instruct you to use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, aftermarket parts are still a huge business.

Callahan Brake Parts fall into the aftermarket category. While they conform to OEM specifications, they are significantly less costly. The goal was to produce a quality, American-made product that will outlast many OEM parts.

With a singular focus on producing great braking products, Callahan has achieved a healthy balance in the brake world. They have managed to remain viable in an aftermarket world full of competition.

Despite the confusion with the more famous Callahan Auto Parts of Tommy Boy fame, Callahan Brake Parts has carved a niche in the industry.

They are thriving and have a reputation for affordable quality. They offer a complete line of brake parts, including wheel bearings, rotors, calipers, and pads.

There is little-to-no information on when Callahan actually began producing brake parts. With the original filing for the trademark in 2012, we can ascertain that they have been around at least that long.

The only company profile we could find states they have been in the brake parts business for 20 years.

The Company Behind Callahan Brake Parts

Power Stop, LLC (formerly Brake Business, LLC) in Bedford Park, IL, which owns Callahan, is not as elusive when searching for company information.

We discovered that Power Stop, LLC is a manufacturer and distributor specializing in (surprise) brake parts. They have been doing business in the brake industry since 1995 under various names.

Owner and CEO Arvin Scott has managed the company under its various names for the duration and remains in charge at this time.

Power Stop was acquired by Sterling Investment Partners, LLC, in 2015. As an investment firm, Sterling acts as a partner to promote business growth.

The trademark for Callahan brake parts was renewed in 2019 under the Power Stop business name.

In comparing the looks of the two product lines, (Power Stop vs. Callahan), they appear very similar. The packaging for Power Stop is fancy, while you don’t see much focus on that with Callahan parts.

The pricing on the two products’ two lines is noticeably different, with Callahan being much lower in almost every area.

The largest difference in their caliper lines appears to include a powder-coated finish on the Power Stop calipers.

Callahan calipers have a lower-level finish, which doesn’t affect the calipers’ operation but does cause them to look ugly quicker. That would also account for the pricing difference.

Quality Assurance for the Stop

In life, it is the little things that matter the most. At Callahan, they do one small thing that other brake part manufacturers don’t. Clips.

Simple little clips for your brake pads make a huge difference, which sets Callahan (and Power Stop, too) above the rest of the crowd.

What are we talking about? When you change the brake pads on a vehicle, the pads are held on with a simple clip made of thin metal.

Most low-end (inexpensive) brake pad kits neglect to include new clips, so you usually reuse the old ones. No one ever thinks to order new clips when they purchase new pads. It’s an oversight that most home mechanics are all guilty of.

But at Callahan Brake Parts, they know that the best brake pad replacement should include installing new clips. They know that most mechanics neglect this small little detail.

The simple inclusion of this one small item in Callahan pad kits puts them ahead of the crowd.

Callahan appears to have all the same quality measures as Power Stop products without the fancy paint and pretty boxes. Callahan has rightfully earned a place in the industry based on its own quality, customer ratings, affordability, and reliability.

Looking at Callahan’s Product Line Up

Because brake products differ for each vehicle on the market, we review the type of product rather than a specific model.

This allows us to rate the product line rather than each part. Callahan specializes in braking components and wheel bearings.

ALWAYS verify that a part will fit your vehicle prior to purchase. Most online outlets that sell or distribute brake parts have a search engine feature that verifies part numbers against vehicle model numbers.

While our review may focus on a set of calipers and pads for a Toyota Camry, we look at several different models and use only one focus product or kit.

Kits for the different vehicle models will contain the same individual parts, quality, and quantity. The difference is only in sizing and configuration.

CRK11228 FRONT Brake Disc Rotors, Ceramic Pads, Clips

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The CRK11228 Front Brake Disc kit contains all the parts needed to do a complete rotor and brake pad change.

This kit is specific to 2003-2008 Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Corolla and the 2003-2006 Toyota Matrix. Kits for your specific vehicle should include the same basic components.

The rotors in this kit can go right from the box onto your vehicle. No additional machining or preparation is necessary. Made to G3000 specifications, this rotor set conforms to SAEJ431. The design produces vibration-free stopping.

Also included in this kit are ceramic brake pads, which produce less dust and noise than standard metallic pads.

The ceramic material increases heat dissipation along the rotor’s surface for better overall braking action and longer life. Just like the rotors, these pads are ready to use right out of the box.

Pros:

• Better than OE parts
• Reduced dust and noise
• Ceramic pads more durable than metallic pads
• Includes stainless steel hardware

Cons:

• Poor wear reported by some users

CCK02479 REAR Caliper Assembly Set

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This rear Caliper Assembly set is for Ford Super Duty trucks in various model years. Please verify the correct part numbers for your vehicle.

These are remanufactured calipers. That means the main body receives reworking, but the internal, working components are all new. This caliper set will offer a quieter ride and has a 12-month warranty.

Calipers receive pressure testing after remanufacture to ensure quality and consistent braking. As with all Callahan parts, these are ready to install right out of the box with all of the hardware.

If you do a lot of off-road driving, spray them with a rust-proof finish before installing.

Pros:

• Includes all stainless steel hardware
• Lower pricing than OEM parts
• OE quality remanufactured parts

Cons:

• Lack of paint can lead to early surface rusting

CCK11013 FRONT Brake Kit

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Another complete kit, CCK11013, includes rotors, calipers, pads, and all hardware to rebuild the front braking system.

This is an aftermarket kit for older model Honda vehicles with a rotor measuring 9.45 inches (240mm). Please verify the correct fit for your vehicle.

The calipers in this set may be new or rebuilt to OEM standards. All parts receive pressure testing (new and remanufactured) prior to shipping.

When calipers are rebuilt, they include new springs, bleeder screws, bushings, seals, and all hardware. The only “old” part is the caliper body.

Drilled and slotted rotors combine with ceramic brake pads for great stopping power. The slots and holes in the rotors aid in heat distribution.

Ceramic pads offer a quiet ride, less dust, and a longer-lasting pad. As with other Callahan products, this kit includes a 12-month warranty.

Pros:

• Provides excellent braking ability
• Pricing is good
• Perfect fit right out of the box

Cons:

• Poor design around mounting bolt holes

CDS02589 FRONT/REAR Rotors, Brake Pads, Hardware

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Made for Chrysler and Dodge vehicles, this CDS02589 brake kit includes rotors, pads, and hardware. This kit contains metallic brake pads which achieve maximum stopping power with no break-in period.

The rotors are drilled and slotted for better heat dissipation, which also adds to the stopping power. You should experience quiet braking and lower dust with this set of rotors and pads.

The front rotors are 336 mm, and the rear rotors measure 352 mm in diameter. Eight metallic brake pads and all necessary hardware are also included in this complete kit. 

Pros:

• Perfect fit for specified vehicles
• Excellent wear
• Great value for the dollar

Cons:

• Inventory parts on receipt (some kits missing components)

Callahan 513084X2 FRONT Wheel Hub Bearing Assemblies

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If you hear the unmistakable hum of failing wheel bearings, this hub assembly will be music to your ears.

The Callahan 513084X2 wheel hub assembly is for older model Jeep vehicles (1990 to 1999). It includes many vehicles in the Cherokee, Comanche, Grand Cherokee, TJ, and Wrangler lines.

These hubs are complete assemblies that include wheel bearings. They are a sealed unit pre-lubricated with high-temperature grease.

As a fully assembled unit, these are fairly easy to install for the average home mechanic. When replacing front hubs, you should always do both sides.

Pros:

• Complete sealed unit ready for installation
• High-temperature grease sealed in the unit (preventing dirt)
• Available for older model vehicles

Cons:

• Problems with lug studs stripping out
• ABS sensor not high quality or reliable

Callahan CCK03884 REAR Caliper Pair

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As with all Callahan kits, the CCK03884 Rear Caliper Pair includes all necessary mounting hardware. These are remanufactured calipers with new springs, seals, bleeder screws, hardware, and bushings.

The kit contains both right and left rear calipers that have been inspected for quality and safety. All refurbished caliper sets are pressure tested against leaks.

This part number fits on GM vehicles including: Chevrolet Captiva Sport (2012 – 2015), Chevrolet Equinox (2007 – 2017), GMS Terrain (2010 – 2017), Pontiac Torrent (2007 – 2010), and Saturn Vue (2008 – 2010). Be sure to verify the suitability for your vehicle before purchase.

Pros:

• Calipers are painted (but not powder-coated)
• Universal fit on specified models

Cons:

• Paint chips easily, allowing rust to develop

Callahan CRK02410 FRONT  + REAR Brake Kit

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The CRK02410 Brake Kit has all the components for a complete front and rear brake replacement. Although this kit is for various models in the Mitsubishi Outlander line, Callahan offers similar complete kits for other makes and models.

This kit includes ceramic brake pads, which produce less dust, vibration, and noise than metallic pads.

The rotors are precision balanced to create vibration-free stopping. Both rotors and pads are manufactured to OE specifications.

As with other Callahan kits, this one contains all the required hardware to ensure installation success. Quality stainless steel hardware means you won’t have to reuse any old nuts, bolts, and clips.

Pros:

• Kit includes all new hardware for installation
• Front and rear rotors and pads included
• Ceramic pads create less dust

Cons:

• Limited in vehicles it will fit

Come to a Complete Stop with Callahan Brake Parts

Whether you found Callahan Brake Parts because of the movie or looking for a great bargain, you will appreciate the value for the dollar you receive.

Callahan engineers every part for peak performance without the performance price tag.

To repeat our earlier warnings — ALWAYS ensure that the parts you are buying are the correct parts for your vehicle.

Auto parts stores and online outlets maintain databases to verify this information before you make a purchase. Installing incorrect parts on your vehicle can lead to very unsafe driving conditions, even if they “fit.”

For home mechanics with a lower budget, Callahan provides top-quality brake system components at an affordable cost. As the “budget” version of high-performance Power Stop brake products, Callahan holds its own in the after-market product world.

Last update on 2021-06-15 at 12:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API