Brake Caliper - Phenolic Vs. Metal Piston

I hear that Phenolic pistons may take heat better, but may also wear faster. I am purchasing new calipers, any suggestions on which to use? I am purchasing remanufactured calipers from advance auto parts... http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...e=5003&PTSet=A What is loaded, unloaded, friction ready, semi-loaded, premium, or severe duty? Thanks for all of your help.

-Bump-

[Steve83]

The caliper pistons aren't wearing parts, so they don't wear. And phenolic (plastic) protects the brake fluid from the heat coming off the pads by providing some insulation that metal pistons don't, but it can crack or degrade, so IT doesn't take the heat as well.

Loaded means it includes pads & hardware. Semi means something is missing. Call Advance for details.

Thanks Steve.

It appears OE stuck with the phenolic piston. I am not having issues with that, just the thing rusting out. So I am looking at ~ $42 a caliper.

As for the rotors, I am trying to decide either the USA made OE replacement @ 62 dollars each, or the performance drilled and slotted at 124 a piece. I hate replacing my rotors. This will be the 2nd set of replacements in 3 years.

Great reference...
http://www.supermotors.net/vehicles/registry/2742/12739

One thing though that is bothering me, is that I have a 95 F150 built in Kansas on 9/04. It seems that there were changes to the hub assembly for the 95 year trucks depending on the build date (before or after 5/95). So, I am going to look into what the deal is. The only thing I notice is that I do not have a pin that slides through the caliper (caliper sliding pin).

Sorry for so many posts.

After using search and looking into your testimonies, I've decided to go with the standard solid rotor. I am not a street racer and it appears braking technology is improved enough that pads won't produce as much or any gases and that you would only run into heat issues with racing and such.
Yet, I don't know which is made to last longer. That is my concern. But again, from what I gather, they appear to be about the same.

So, total cost for calipers and rotors ~200 in parts and about 12 dollars for a case of Best Ice and my Sunday afternoon.

[Steve83]

Originally Posted by csonka

I've decided to go with the standard solid rotor.

Did you check RockAuto or other online Ford parts suppliers? If the MotorCraft pads & rotors are only a little extra, I'd spend it now instead of later.