Powerstop vs. Ebay Callahan Tundra calipers

[red-runner]

I'm preparing to do my Tundra brake upgrade this weekend, so I bought a set of the Tundra "Callahan" calipers from ebay (discussed in this thread.)

Couldn't find much information on the "Callahan" calipers, so I got cold feet, and also ordered a pair of Powerstop calipers. Figured folks might like a look at the calipers side by side, and note any differences.

Here they are (Powerstop on left, Callahan on right):

They are both nearly identical, and both come with the expected hardware (clips, retaining pins). They are both stamped "13WL", but the Powerstop have some additional stamps: "76" on opposite side from "13WL", 3 & 2 over the cylinders.

The casting is much smoother on the Powerstops, but I'm not sure that's anything more than aesthetic. Here are a couple more pictures of the calipers. I don't know a lot about brakes, so if there's anything specific someone wants to see or measure, let me know, and I'll post a follow-up.

Powerstop:

Ebay Callahan:

I'm going to use the Powerstops on the red-runner, so I'll probably list the callahans shortly. Hope this is useful for someone.

 

[Kraze]

Thanks for posting up pictures! Side note, I'm local to you and would be interested in buying the Callahan calipers when you sell them.

 

[TakeitApart]

I did the powerstops and one had a missing o-ring between the caliper halves! I would have been seriously upset had I not had a replacement o-ring in my tool box at work ready to go in.

 

[dgoll75]

I sent this last night to eBay seller about Callahan set up:

11:21 PM (22 hours ago)
to brakeoverstock
I see you offer a core refund. I am considering purchasing these as an upgrade to my 97 4Runner. Will you take the OEM 4Runner calipers as the core offering for the refund? Thanks Don

And here is their response:

Dear Don,
Hello,
If you purchase calipers from us when you send your old cores back you will be refund.

Thank You,
Brake_Overstock
888-441-8808



Seems a bit hazy of a response...... I'm so tempted to try but its almost a third of the cost to take a chance on.

 

[bpowa]

I'm preparing to do my Tundra brake upgrade this weekend, so I bought a set of the Tundra "Callahan" calipers from ebay (discussed in this thread.)

Couldn't find much information on the "Callahan" calipers, so I got cold feet, and also ordered a pair of Powerstop calipers. Figured folks might like a look at the calipers side by side, and note any differences.

Here they are (Powerstop on left, Callahan on right):

They are both nearly identical, and both come with the expected hardware (clips, retaining pins). They are both stamped "13WL", but the Powerstop have some additional stamps: "76" on opposite side from "13WL", 3 & 2 over the cylinders.

The casting is much smoother on the Powerstops, but I'm not sure that's anything more than aesthetic. Here are a couple more pictures of the calipers. I don't know a lot about brakes, so if there's anything specific someone wants to see or measure, let me know, and I'll post a follow-up.

Powerstop:

Ebay Callahan:

I'm going to use the Powerstops on the red-runner, so I'll probably list the callahans shortly. Hope this is useful for someone.

Did you get a core return shipment slip with the Callahan? I did not gate the return slip. Waiting on sellers response.

I got the calipers going in this Saturday. How much were the power stop?

I went with Callahan. And i trust them. Sure I can get a good look at a T-bone by sticking my head up a bull's ass, but I'd rather take a butcher's word for it.

 

[dgoll75]

[MENTION=100766]bpowa[/MENTION], did you email them as well? Is your intent to return the 4Runner cores? If so would you please let me/us know the outcome of the refund? Thanks

 

[dgoll75]

[MENTION=100766]bpowa[/MENTION], did you email them as well? Is your intent to return the 4Runner cores? If so would you please let me/us know the outcome of the refund? Thanks

 

[bpowa]

[MENTION=100766]bpowa[/MENTION], did you email them as well? Is your intent to return the 4Runner cores? If so would you please let me/us know the outcome of the refund? Thanks

Hmm I'm not sure wherther to answer your post #6 or #7.
I'll just go with number 7.

I just got an email back. They are going to email me a core return shipping label. I'm not sure why you are so concerned. It's stated in the ebay posting and he emailed you he will refund a core return. They also have good reviews. I'm sure the price will go up soon.

 

[red-runner]

Did you get a core return shipment slip with the Callahan? I did not gate the return slip. Waiting on sellers response.

I got the calipers going in this Saturday. How much were the power stop?

I went with Callahan. And i trust them. Sure I can get a good look at a T-bone by sticking my head up a bull's ass, but I'd rather take a butcher's word for it.

I did not get a core return slip with the Callahans, but I wasn't planning to let go of the OEM calipers anyway.

The Powerstops were ~230 from Amazon.

"Housekeeping. You want me fluff pillow?"

 

[bpowa]

Well. I finished my install today. Everything went pretty smooth. Took me about an hr and a half with jacking up the truck and taking my marry ass time. I'm just glad i got something done today.

For others out there. I just trim the brake dust shield without measuring. It does not require no more than half an inch at the top and bottom o the caliper. I over trimmed a bit. But it does not affect nothing.

Results. Well. I do notice there is definately a lot more drag i hope it goes away after it wears in. I hope it does not affect mpg. I would say. It is about 25% better braking. You would definitely feel it in the initial braking bite. . Many people like say Ira a world of a difference. But my brakes were solid prior. In all i think its worth the upgrade if u put larger than oem wheels and tires.

 

[red-runner]

Did my brake mod this afternoon. Took 4.5 hours. Why did it take so long? I'm glad you asked...

Everything went well. I used the Powerstop calipers. I took my time, so all in, I was buttoned up and bled with mityvac vacuum brake bleeder. No problems. Got in the truck, pumped brakes, pedal to floor. WTF?

Passenger side had a huge puddle of brake fluid beneath. Spent a long time drying, inspecting, and generally getting angry. Finally, had my wife pump brakes, so I could see where the leak was. It was the new caliper itself. My lines were dry.

So, I guess I'm glad I still had the Callahans. Off with the Powerstop. On with the Callahan. No problems this time, other than, in a moment of frustrated stupidity, I put the Callahan on and torqued without the rotor in place...doh. Shrug. Took it off, put everything together as intended, bled the brakes again, and no puddles this time. I now have frankenbrakes, with powerstop on one side, and Callahan on the other. Glad they're the same color at least.

The brakes work great. Spent an hour driving around testing and bedding them in. No more shakes. Much better "feel" IMO. Super happy.

Bottom line: I can not recommend the Powerstop calipers. After another user posted a story about Powerstop caliper showing up with a missing O-ring, and given my experience, I don't think they understand quality control.

 

[bpowa]

So you have mismatch calipers? Why not just switch to the Callahan on both sides?

My wife was not home. So i just spent 15 bucks on speed blenders. I will now have them on every car. It cuts time took me less than 5 miniture a to bleed each side.

 

[red-runner]

So you have mismatch calipers? Why not just switch to the Callahan on both sides?

Mismatched vendors, but they are the same Tundra calipers. They'll be fine.

My wife was not home. So i just spent 15 bucks on speed blenders. I will now have them on every car. It cuts time took me less than 5 miniture a to bleed each side.

Was not aware of speed bleeders. Great idea. I learn something every day on this forum.

I've been using the mityvac brake line sucker, and it works well, and is also a single person operation. ...it cost a bit more than 15 bucks though!

 

[bpowa]

I guess that is one way of looking at it. I look at it as down the road aroun a month from now. If there are issues with warranty. Etc.

Update: After 200 miles. There is still more drag than ok brakes. I'm sure there is still more rolling resistance.

 

[Jhelms]

I found this tidbit searching... Seems Callahan is actually the same company as powerstop. They just use a different name for marketing. Ordered me in a set for mine which was part of the reason I started digging.

CALLAHAN BRAKE PARTS - Reviews & Brand Information - POWER STOP LLC Bedford Park, IL - Serial Number: 85552368

 

[gamefreakgc]

Yeah, they are just rebranded. All calipers are Toyota units that are rebuilt, it seems to be more cost-effective to rebuilt that to reverse engineer and make their own.

There's really no difference in any caliper except with a brand new Toyota one (which is unnecessary).

 

[Demianstrouble]

I guess that is one way of looking at it. I look at it as down the road aroun a month from now. If there are issues with warranty. Etc.

Update: After 200 miles. There is still more drag than ok brakes. I'm sure there is still more rolling resistance.

Did you install a spacer?

From everything I've read and the youtube videos I've watched, about installing the bigger cali0ers, you have to install a wheel spacer, cause the caliper sticks out past the rotor mount plate, so the wheel doesn't sit flush against the rotor, causing the caliper to rub inside the wrheel.

 

[BostonJon]

Depending on which wheels you have, you can grind a small amount of material off of the backside of the wheel or install a 1/4” spacer. However, be careful with the spacer because the wheels mount directly around a flange on the hub and if you use a spacer the wheels are ‘floating’ on the lugs and not on the hub flange.

I didn’t feel comfortable with spacers so I did some grinding on the backside of the wheels and then had them rebalanced. Only issue here is if you have a flat tire in the front and your spare doesn’t clear the larger calipers.

Ive got a set of 17” 5th gen wheels in my garage that I’m going to put on when my current BFG KOs are done

 

[19963.4lsr5]

You can also grind the caliper that’s the way mine are on the puppy hauler.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[BostonJon]

You can also grind the caliper that’s the way mine are on the puppy hauler.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

good point. i did a little of that also. there is only a very small part of the caliper that is bumped out (i assume this is the fluid path between the two pistons) that would need to be shaved. i shaved some down but got a little uncomfortable that I was taking away too much material.