Rear brake pads - Is my mechanic mad?

[Karin]

OK, it's the blonde girl from Hungary again....be kind to me.

My 1998 Explorer went to the mechanic for total replacement of all 4 brake discs and all brake pads.

I bought a complete set of everything, in one 'package deal' from a motor-spares place online. It specified everything was for 1998 Explorer.

Now....Mr Mechanic has fitted the front discs and pads.

BUT he said the rear pads supplied in the set are 'wrong' for my car. He said they are too 'narrow'. We looked on the www, and he said the ones I need are wider, he found a listing on ebay, with a picture, and he said THOSE were the ones I needed. The picture showed much wider pads, for a 2001 and onwards Explorer.

I emailed the seller and told him about the problem. He said he cannot see how these wider '2001 and onwards' pads will fit my Explorer, but my mechanic insists these are what he needs.

Could it be possible that someone replaced the brake calipers or something, in the past, and this explains why the 'newer shape' pads are needed?

I am confused. (Easily done!) I don't want to order the wrong pads again.

Any comments and ideas welcome, thanks so much. K

 

[lounge lizard]

it could be true that the rear end has been updated for any number of reasons.

but the front pads, in most cases are interchangeable with the rear pads. I know my 97 all wheel drive is that way.

so that should be a dead give away if the rear calipers were change out for newer ones.

 

[Karin]

Thanks. I have found a seller who said I can order the '2001 shape' rear brake pads which my mechanic wants, and if they aren't right, I can send them back.

I guess I am going for that option!

Appreciate the reply, cheers. K