ACME Truck Brake & Supply Co.

Located at 2333 Arthur Ave, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, USA, ACME Truck Brake & Supply Co. serves as a vital resource for the heavy-duty vehicle industry in the greater Chicagoland area. Operating within the "Auto Repair Stations" category, this establishment primarily functions as a comprehensive supplier of truck and trailer parts, complemented by specialized machine shop services. They can be reached by phone at (847) 439-2202 or via mobile at +1 847-439-2202, making them accessible for professional and individual customers alike.

ACME Truck Brake & Supply Co. maintains a robust physical presence, likely comprising a large warehouse for parts inventory and a dedicated machine shop area. The environment is geared towards serving commercial vehicle operators, mechanics, and fleet managers. The extensive inventory suggests an organized and efficient setup, designed to quickly locate and dispense necessary parts. Since its founding in June 1990 by Bill and Jan Dudek, and its transition to 100% employee ownership (ESOP) by 2016, the company has fostered a culture where employees are invested in the company's success. This employee-owned model aims to enhance accountability and motivation, theoretically translating to higher performance and dedication in customer service. The internal branding at ACME emphasizes continuous growth and employee satisfaction, which ideally contributes to a positive and professional atmosphere for customers.

ACME Truck Brake & Supply Co. offers a broad spectrum of products and services, primarily catering to the heavy-duty truck and trailer sector. While categorized under "Auto Repair Stations," their primary role is as a parts supplier with advanced in-house machining capabilities rather than a full-service mechanical repair shop. Their comprehensive offerings include:

• Truck and Trailer Parts Supply: This is their core business, stocking a vast inventory of components for various truck and trailer systems. This includes:
  • Air Brakes and Wheel Parts
  • Exhaust Systems
  • Shop Supplies and Tools
  • Hoses (including Air Conditioning, Air Compressor, Hydraulic, Air, Fuel)
  • Belts and Clutches
  • Truck Accessories and Safety Equipment
  • Mirrors, Lighting, Turbos
  • Starters and Alternators
  • Engine, Lift Gate, Trailer, and Driveline Parts
  • Air Dryers and Airbags
  • Logistic Straps and Tire Chains
  • Heating and Air Conditioning components, including Freon and AC Tools
  Their parts department boasts over 100 years of combined experience, indicating deep industry knowledge among staff.
• Machine Shop Services: A significant value-add for their customers, these in-house services contribute to quick turnaround times and specialized solutions. These include:
  • Flywheel Resurfacing: Essential for clutch performance in heavy-duty vehicles.
  • Brake Drum & Rotor Resurfacing: Crucial for maintaining brake efficiency and extending component life.
  • Fan Clutch Rebuilding: Performed by Horton Certified Technicians, ensuring specialized expertise.
  • Industrial Brake Relining and Bonding: A specialized service for heavy machinery and industrial applications.
  • Custom Hose Assembly: For various applications including air conditioning, hydraulics, and fuel lines.
  • Press Work: Utilizing presses up to 120 tons for various fabrication and repair needs.
  • Caliper Rebuilding: Restoring brake calipers to optimal functionality.
  • Ball Joint Replacement.
  • Rebushing: Services for King Pin, Walking Beam, I Beam, and Torque Arm.
  • Driveshaft Repair, Rebuild, and Build: Comprehensive services for driveline components.
  • U-Joint and Hanger Bearing Replacement.
• Delivery Services: They offer "Fast and Free Delivery Services," which is highly beneficial for repair shops and fleet operators, saving them time and logistics costs.
• Mobile Truck Repair: While primarily a parts supplier, some information suggests they may also offer mobile and on-site repair services, expanding their reach to vehicles that cannot easily come to the shop.
• Heavy-Duty Towing & Recovery: They also coordinate 24-hour heavy-duty towing and recovery, indicating a comprehensive support system for their clients.

Several features distinguish ACME Truck Brake & Supply Co. in the heavy-duty parts market:

• Employee Ownership (ESOP): Being 100% employee-owned since 2016 is a major differentiating factor. This structure aims to foster a strong sense of accountability, motivation, and collective commitment to the company's success and customer satisfaction. Employees directly benefit from the company's performance.
• Extensive Experience: With over 30 years in business (since 1990) and a parts department boasting over a century of combined experience, they offer deep industry knowledge and expertise.
• Comprehensive In-House Machine Shop: The ability to perform complex machining services like flywheel, drum, and rotor resurfacing, and specialized rebuilding (e.g., fan clutches, calipers) in-house significantly enhances their value proposition. This allows for faster turnaround times and greater control over quality.
• Wide Inventory: Their extensive inventory of truck and trailer parts means customers are likely to find what they need, minimizing downtime.
• Customer-Focused Delivery: The "Fast and Free Delivery Service" underscores their understanding of the commercial vehicle industry's need for rapid parts access.
• Certifications and Partnerships: Being part of the HDA Truck Pride marketing group (consistently ranking in the top 15 nationwide) and achieving platinum partner status with vendors like Bendix and Phillips indicates their strong standing in the industry and adherence to high standards.

The customer reviews reveal a mixed but insightful picture of ACME Truck Brake & Supply Co.:

Positive Customer Experiences:

• One customer highly praises the "consistently great" service and quality, having worked with ACME "for years." This long-term relationship speaks volumes about their reliability.
• The specific mention of an employee, Chris, who is "courteous and friendly," and provides "professional and timely" pick-up and drop-off services, highlights excellent customer service and logistical support. Other reviews also mention employees like Tim, Adam, and Farley for their knowledge and helpfulness, demonstrating a generally professional staff.
• Positive mentions include "Awesome! Friendly and Professional," "Best place. Best prices," and "quality service with great pricing and friendly, knowledgeable staff. 10/10 would recommend!" This indicates that many customers experience positive interactions, competitive pricing, and satisfaction with the service they receive.

Negative Customer Experiences:

• Conversely, a highly critical review strongly warns against purchasing "very low quality parts," specifically mentioning brake drums. The customer alleges that the parts are "Chinese parts" and "not better built than Amazon or eBay" alternatives, and that ACME "will not warranty anything." The follow-up "Update 02-14-2025" reiterates dissatisfaction, noting that other drums were fine while ACME's were problematic and that "Dealers have better special on brakes." This feedback points to significant concerns regarding part quality and warranty policy, which are critical for heavy-duty vehicle operators.

Overall Assessment for Local Users:

For local users in Elk Grove Village and surrounding areas, ACME Truck Brake & Supply Co. presents itself as a long-standing, employee-owned business with extensive inventory and specialized machine shop capabilities for heavy-duty truck and trailer parts. Their strong positive reviews emphasize excellent customer service, competitive pricing, and efficient delivery, which are highly valued in the commercial vehicle sector. The expertise of their staff and the convenience of in-house machining are significant advantages. However, the critical feedback regarding part quality, particularly concerning brake drums, and alleged warranty issues is a serious concern that prospective customers, especially those with critical component needs, should be aware of. It suggests that while many customers have positive experiences, there might be inconsistencies in product quality or warranty support for certain items. Customers are advised to inquire about specific part origins and warranty policies, especially for high-wear or safety-critical components, and potentially cross-reference part quality from various suppliers for essential items.