Brake Pads

[03explorerL]

I am getting brakes and rotors, due to my severe rotor shaking issue. I have a question. I am prompted when I look up rear brakes for my EX, it shows rear ceramic pads w/PHENOLIC PISTON. And then with a STEEL PISTON. Can anyone tell me which ones I need? And what the heck is a phenolic piston...
Thanks!

 

[jaydez]

I asked Google:

Q. Are steel pistons better than phenolic, which are plastic?
A. Phenolic pistons have an advantage over steel pistons;

Phenolic pistons do not rust
Phenolic pistons maintain original size regardless of age. They are not affected by heat or moisture in the brake system
Phenolic pistons do not transfer heat to the brake fluid
Phenolic pistons are lighter than steel
Phenolic pistons are fuel efficient and noise dampening

Found this too... via google of all things:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=241579

 

[03explorerL]

Yes that is great info, but which pad should I get and how do I tell whether I have the Phenolic or steel without taking everything apart, there has to be a way to tell.

 

[matt0248]

It will require you to remove one of the calipers and look. You can use a small magnet to see if it sticks to the piston, if so it is steel. A ford dealer may be able to tell you by your VIN, just a thought.

 

[waskly]

one of the pistons have a smaller diameter hole then the other.