Brake caliper options

[fiatslug87]

I see there are brake calipers with OE Phenolic Piston or Metal Piston. Is there and advantage of one over the other? The metal is more expensive, worth it?

 

Also, what does semi-loaded mean in a caliper description?

[Eagle]

Also, what does semi-loaded mean in a caliper description?

One pad instead of two? :dunno:

[HOrnbrod]

A loaded caliper comes with everything; pads, and all mounting hardware and of course is more expensive. A semi-loaded caliper is missing some things, like pieces of the hardware and/or the pads. I always get semi-loaded calipers as the pads that come with the loaded ones are usually crap.

 

The metal piston calipers are better at heat transfer and of course are more expensive. Probably better for a trail rig. I've never found any for my 91 MJ though, so no experience.........

[fiatslug87]

Thanks, any input on good brands? NAPA, O'Reilly, Autozone are the parts stores by me.

Just removed the calipers (not disconnected yet waiting for input to purchase), the right one was dragging very badly.

[HOrnbrod]

I used the Wagner calipers from O'Reillys on my 91 2WD. No loaded or unloaded then, and that was just last year. They came with pads that squeeked and I never could fix until I found a set of ceramics. All is well now. :cheers:

[kastein]

I like metal pistons... just not comfortable with that much pressure being applied to a plastic piston with a hollow center. Probably no real justification to it, but the price is close enough that it doesn't really bug me.

 

Metal ones will transfer heat to the fluid faster, so if you're trying to set a land speed record they probably aren't for you because you can boil the brake fluid quicker with them.