Published: October 12, 2026 | Last updated: October 12, 2026
TL;DR
- Callahan brake kits pair drilled and slotted rotors with ceramic brake pads for one or both axles (Walmart, 2026).
- Callahan says drilled and slotted rotors run cooler than conventional rotors, helping reduce brake fade during repeated heavy braking (Quadratec, 2026).
- The ceramic pads use noise-canceling rubberized shims to cut squeal and make less dust (Quadratec, 2026).
- Many kits include installation hardware, and Callahan lists a 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty (Quadratec, 2026).
- Callahan kits suit drivers who want a sporty look and a complete kit in one box, not track use.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Brakes Hub earns from qualifying purchases. This never changes our verdicts.
How we reviewed this product: we studied Callahan's published product information, retailer listings and warranty terms. We did not run our own brake tests.
What Is a Callahan Brake Kit?
A Callahan brake kit is a complete set of rotors and pads for one axle or both axles of a specific vehicle. Most kits use drilled and slotted rotors with ceramic pads (Walmart, 2026).
A front and rear kit includes two front rotors, two rear rotors and a set of ceramic pads for each axle (Walmart, 2026). Some kits also include calipers.
Callahan sells kits for cars, trucks, SUVs and Jeeps through retailers such as Walmart and Quadratec.
How Drilled and Slotted Rotors Work
Drilled holes and slots on the rotor face help clear heat, gas, water and dust from between the pad and rotor. Callahan says this lets the rotors run cooler than plain rotors (Quadratec, 2026).
Slots wipe the pad on every turn of the wheel. Drilled holes add more paths for gas and water to escape.
A good comparison is the tread pattern on a tire. Grooves and sipes clear water so the rubber can grip the road.
Callahan Brake Kit Features at a Glance
| Feature | What it does | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Drilled and slotted rotors | Cooler running, less fade | Quadratec, 2026 |
| Ceramic pads | Low dust and quiet braking | Quadratec, 2026 |
| Rubberized noise-canceling shims | Reduce squeal | Quadratec, 2026 |
| Installation hardware | Included on many kits | Quadratec, 2026 |
| Front, rear or both axles | Kits for different jobs | Walmart, 2026 |
| Warranty | 12 months or 12,000 miles | Walmart, 2026 |
Are Drilled Rotors Right for Your Driving?
Drilled and slotted rotors suit spirited street driving and drivers who like the look behind open wheels. For gentle commuting, a quality plain rotor works just as well.
Fully drilled holes can be a weak point under repeated very high heat, such as track days. For hard use, many drivers choose slotted-only or dimpled rotors instead, such as StopTech Sport Slotted or EBC GD Sport.
Callahan's 12-month warranty is shorter than some premium kits, so inspect the rotors regularly for cracks around the holes.
Callahan Kit vs Power Stop Kit
Choose Callahan if you want drilled and slotted rotors in one box, and Power Stop Z17 if you want plain rotors with a longer warranty.
| Kit | Rotors | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Callahan | Drilled and slotted | 12 months or 12,000 miles |
| Power Stop Z17 | Plain, mill balanced | 3 years or 36,000 miles |
How to Install a Callahan Brake Kit
To install a Callahan kit, clean the hubs, fit the rotors and pads with the supplied hardware, torque everything to spec and bed in. Follow these steps.
- Match the kit number to your vehicle's year, model and brake package.
- Remove the caliper, bracket and old rotor.
- Clean rust from the hub face so the new rotor sits flat.
- Clean the new rotors with brake cleaner, then fit them on the correct sides if they are directional.
- Fit the new hardware and lubricate the contact points lightly.
- Fit the pads, refit the calipers and torque all bolts to specification.
- Bed in the pads using our bed-in guide.
Pros and Cons of Callahan Brake Kits
The main strength of Callahan brake kits is a complete drilled and slotted setup in one box, and the main limit is a short warranty and drilled rotors that are not ideal for track use.
Pros
- Rotors and pads arrive together and are matched to the vehicle.
- Drilled and slotted rotors look sporty and run cooler.
- Ceramic pads with rubberized shims keep braking quiet and clean.
- Kits are available for many cars, trucks and Jeeps.
Cons
- The 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty is short.
- Drilled rotors are not the best choice for track days.
- Slots and holes can make a light whir and wear pads a little faster.
Common Problems After Fitting Drilled and Slotted Rotors
| Problem | Likely cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Rotors on the wrong sides | Directional rotors swapped | Swap them so slots face the correct way |
| Pulsing pedal | Rust on the hub face | Clean the hub and check runout |
| Light whir when braking | Normal slot noise | No action needed |
| Small cracks at the holes | Repeated high heat | Replace the rotors and avoid track use |
Frequently Asked Questions About Callahan Brake Kits
What comes in a Callahan brake kit?
Drilled and slotted rotors and ceramic pads for one or both axles, with installation hardware on many kits (Walmart, 2026; Quadratec, 2026).
What warranty does Callahan offer?
Callahan lists a 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty (Quadratec, 2026).
Are Callahan pads ceramic?
Yes. The kits use ceramic pads with rubberized noise-canceling shims (Quadratec, 2026).
Do drilled and slotted rotors stop better?
Callahan says they run cooler and reduce fade during repeated heavy braking (Quadratec, 2026). On gentle daily drives the difference is small.
Are Callahan kits good for track days?
They are designed for street use. For track days, choose slotted-only or dimpled rotors and a track pad.
Do Callahan kits fit Jeeps?
Yes. Callahan offers kits for models such as the Jeep Wrangler JL with the BR2 or BR6 brake package (Quadratec, 2026).
Summary: Is a Callahan Brake Kit Worth Buying?
- Callahan kits give you drilled and slotted rotors and ceramic pads in one box.
- Rubberized shims keep the ceramic pads quiet and clean.
- The 12-month warranty is short, so inspect the rotors regularly.
- Choose slotted-only or dimpled rotors if you plan hard or track use.
Check Callahan kit fitment on Amazon →
Safety note: brakes are safety parts. If you are not sure how to do the job, have a qualified mechanic do it.