Brake shields

[Emerald94]

Just wondering, are the brake shields really needed or can they be removed?
I'll be doing the big brake conversion one day and thought it would help the brakes stay cooler without them.

 

[jthomas68]

If you drive the car in the winter months,you`ll want to leave them on.They also serve to protect the rotors.

 

[Bizzy]

Ditto JT's answer. Leave them on.

 

[AutoXSHO]

I wouldn't really worry about it either way. There are a bunch of northern SHOs that have these removed with no problems. The main reason they exist is they tend to keep the rotors dry in rainstorms.

With a big brake package or a track driven SHO they should hit the scrap bin immediately. They impede the flow of air to the center of the rotor. Rotors cool from the air the flows from the center to the outer vent holes.

John V

 

[SHOZ123]

I have mine off and have no problems here in Illinois. I think they are more heat shields for the ball joint rubber.

If they are for water why aren't they on both sides of the rotor?

 

[Mr Anonymous]

I suspect they are there for two reasons: 1. to keep brake dust from caking up on the ABS indicator ring, and 2. to keep hot brake pad material from landing on the CV boots and melting little holes in them.

 

[Emerald94]

Thanks for the replies thumbs_u
Now I just have to make a decision!!
There's seems to be as many pros than cons.

 

[DeaconBlue]

They have been there longer than that on RWD car. Their are there to keep heavy water and road debris off the rotor and prevent stuff from getting stuck under the pads. With the "big" front brake, they become some what usless. Plus for a track car you need as much air flow as possible.

 

[ThrillSHO]

Mine are off. I think I can smell the Hawk pads better without them. wink

<small>[ September 23, 2002, 01:29 PM: Message edited by: ThrillSHO ]</small>