Do i really need the brake dust sheild????

[NeOnSpEed19]

ok i had to do my rear brakes to pass inspection..... my cuz started it for me cause i was workin on his car... anyways the dealer gave me the front rotors and my cuz didnt notice so he tried putting it on and bent the sheild behind the rotor... then i noticed and brought them back and changed them the riht way with the right rotors... but the dust sheild is scraping whenever i go anywhere.... cna i just take it offor should i just bend it back? i already tried bending it back and for some reason like a day later it goes back to scraping

 

[Toshiro]

I cut my fronts off when I did the AWD brake upgrade, because I didn't think I'd be able to bend them correctly with them on the car, and there was no way I was going to pull the axles to get them off just to do brakes. It's been 7 months or so and no problems, so it's up to you.

 

[PaulPDX]

I think it's more of a heat shield than a dust shield. If it was really a dust shield and not a heat shield... think, are all roads dust free? if dust was that big of a deal, why isn't there an underbody tray covering everything from dust?

If you install SS braided lines and use good fluid, you'll be fine without the shield.

 

[Module Unknown]

I've been without mine for close to two years now with no ill effects. Removed them on my current dsm, and my prior dsm (had to because of my rotors). So I think you'll be ok if you choose to go that route.

 

[menaboy64]

About 3 months ago I put new front and rear discs and pads on. In the process I took off the dust sheilds, it is just fine. If anything it lets more air get to them and should keep them a bit cooler.

 

[Todd TCE]

They might be better called gravel guards.
They do keep out the rocks, but may also limit air flow.
Some cars have decent air flow with them in place depending upon their shape.

 

[jtmcinder]

Todd -

I've also heard that the shields are good to have if you have stock rubber lines, since they keep the lines from melting... BS or true?

- Jtoby

 

[Todd TCE]

I suppose it could be true, but I don't think I'd have the rubber hoses that close to the rotor anyhow. Sounds like a bit of a reach to me.

 

[PaulPDX]

I don't think it's to keep the rubber lines from melting, too far from the rotors for that to be possible. But, I imagine the close proximity to a intense heat source could cause the rubber to break down/dry/crack at an accelerated rate over time... more so from exposure during stops after hard braking than when the vehicle is moving. But keeping garvel out does make a bit more sense since automakers have to take into account of all situations the general public could possibly get into (which explains the high stock ride height, sponge soft suspension, hideous body roll etc.)

 

[sassinm]

This thread was exactly what I was searching for (w/o even having to search!)

Thanks to everyone for responding (and no, I didn't even originate this thread! hah)