95Cherokee

Anyone have brake calipers with phenolic, (plastic) pistons instead of metal pistons?

Any problems with them?

And are the CarQuest brand of calipers from NAPA any good?

Just got back from NAPA and the guy says, "Phenolic piston or metal piston", and I says "Huh"? "I'll have to go ask my wife"

95Cherokee

So I looked on some other forums, typical response, half for, half against.

You could say the sun rises in the West and half the folks would say argue you're wrong.

kgm

5-90

Phenolic pistons are usually lighter (less inertia - although not noticeable under roadway conditions,) don't rust, and usually don't stick.

Metal pistons are often aluminum (sometimes steel,) and can stick on you. Steel can rust - especially from the BACK side, as the brake fluid accumulated moisture. However, metal pistons conduct heat better, which contributes to pad cooling (the insulating effect of phenolic pistons does, however, slow fluid boiling and fluid-related brake fade.)

Really, it's wholly up to you. Given a choice, I'd go with aluminum pistons - but that's just me. And, I tend to be more aggressive about maintenance, so corrosion and moisture accumulate are less problematic to me.