With and Without special ride and handling suspension (brakes)

**KCprix** · 09-25-2017

2 part question...

1st So I assume my 07 GrandPrix 3.8L NA base model does NOT have special ride and handling suspension, but how do I verify this before taking the car apart? VIN or any identifying tags/marks?

2nd In researching rear brake calipers to buy the "WITHOUT special" uses a metal piston. And the "WITH special" uses the phenolic piston. I am seeing metal may be the best (also $20 higher than phenolic)
But does it matter which is used?

Do they both fit?(autozone says yes for both)
Is it performance vs longevity, or just use what I want?

I am planning a rear brake job with both calipers and only have access to 1 vehicle and want to order the correct parts before taking it apart.

**GTPpower** · 09-25-2017

I think all 04-08 cars have the same suspension except for the comp g and gxp.

As far as brakes, I think they are all the same except for the gxp.

**industrialfish** · 09-25-2017

For 2005 at least it's:

FE1: Comfort Ride (base model?)
FE2: Ride and Handling (GT1-GTP)
FE3: Sport (CompG)
FE4: Special Handling Package (GXP)

**KCprix** · 09-25-2017

Originally Posted by GTPpower

I think all 04-08 cars have the same suspension except for the comp g and gxp.

As far as brakes, I think they are all the same except for the gxp.

So it looks like I can use whatever caliper I want, I wonder why parts stores ask if it does not matter?
Probably get the phenolic to save me $40...any thoughts?
Steel or phenolic both have lifetime warranty.

John deere for life buddy!

**Fivefingerdeathpunch** · 09-26-2017

I work for a parts store part time, they ask these question so we don't sell you the wrong parts. That's about what it comes down too, I hate asking the same questions over and over but when I print out the order/receipt it has the vehicle make/model/etc on it and below are the parts you bought.

Things like brakes get weird sometimes, chevy trucks on the GMT-800 platform came with both single and dual rear pistons and most have no clue. Some ford cars have metal caliper pistons and other have phenolic and again most have no clue, often the price point on each is different as well.

Been a while since I looked at walk in prices on these type of things, dam things are $82-105 for a caliper and all because they have a built in E-brake assembly. The GXP's run a e-brake like the 97-03 cars and that's why they run different calipers and the price is even cheaper.

**MonzaRacer** · 10-03-2017

spend the money, buy metal pistons. As a tech I can tell you I HATE phenolic pistons(as long as both calipers have same piston diameter). and make sure to use brake lube on the BACKS of the pads rub it around with finger, slide caliper on. it stops unwanted squeals. and under the steel shim hardware, and on the hardware where the pads ride. thin coats oof lube are your friend to keep things unstuck, rust free and sliding right. Pads should slide right through grooves in brackets with push of your thumb.

**KCprix** · 10-04-2017

Originally Posted by industrialfish

For 2005 at least it's:

FE1: Comfort Ride (base model?)
FE2: Ride and Handling (GT1-GTP)
FE3: Sport (CompG)
FE4: Special Handling Package (GXP)

Are these FE numbers stamped or labeled anywhere on the car (to be sure)?

I ordered the phenolic and will report back if they fit (or not).

**Gregorius** · 10-04-2017

05 GP RPO sticker , Trunk floor, next to spare tire, under carpet.

**industrialfish** · 10-04-2017

Originally Posted by Gregorius

05 GP RPO sticker , Trunk floor, next to spare tire, under carpet.

My 05 GTP has the sticker on the trunk lid under the license plate, listing FE2. What trim is yours?

**Gregorius** · 10-04-2017

Not my sticker, just a shot of one, so the guy knows what the sticker looks like.

...and I guess I assumed all '04-'08 had the sticker in the same place.

Mine says FE4

**KCprix** · 10-07-2017

So here is the result... Can't use the phenolic. (assuming two were not boxed wrong). The ones listed as phenolic dont have the parking brake lever attached. Idk if it could be transferred but that is where mine were leaking... And why when you have them off anyway?

Something I still don't understand is, if the phenolic piston is a type of hard plastic, then how come it is magnetic?

And the sticker is correct location, I am FE1

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