Phenolic Piston
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2007
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Phenolic Piston
Someone shed some light on the difference between the 2 types of pistons in the calipers. steel vs phenolic...............I need calipers E-150, 99, 206,000 miles.
Thanks guys again
Thanks guys again
Postmaster
Joined: May 2004
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All I can say is phenolic is plastic-like, and I personally have experience with them dragging in the calipers. When I replaced them with steel 20 years ago, no more problems.
Ford sells the steel pistons separately.
Ford sells the steel pistons separately.
and my wife is Chinese...shhhhhhhhhhhhh don't tell...............
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Ft. Collins CO
The phenolic plastic pistons are basically the same material as frying pan handles. the reasoning for them is that they are lightweight and dissapate heat much better than steel pistons. However just like the frying pan handle they will eventually get distorted from the heat and as Steve said they will stick in they calipers and cause premature brake wear and rotors overheating and warping. I have always preferred steel pistons but it is harder all the time to find them. Keeping the rear brakes in adjustment will help keep the front brakes run cooler and therefore the calipers will last longer.
Tom
Tom
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Junior User
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Steel Pistons
I have been checking and you can buy "steel piston calipers" at Auto Zone, Advance Auto, O'Rielly Auto and Rock Auto......so they are out there, might have to wait for a 1 day delivery on'em but I think it is well worth it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 9
From: midwest
i buy all my stuff from autozone because of location, price, and warranty...if i want steel calipers i would have to go through advance which i rarely do...the oem are phenolic and lasted ~14yrs and still could have used them but i am doing a complete overhaul...new master cylinder, all new stainless steel brake lines, hoses, calipers, rotors, wheel bearings, drums, shoes, hardware,abs unit, parking cables, and whatever else with the brakes
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