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Rotor dust/splash shield ?


mlw

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Do I need them?

 

I am getting ready (ie collecting parts while it is cold) to upgrade my 1600 roadster's non vented (and thin) rotors and volvo calipers to Altima vented (mklotz70's kit), put new front springs in, etc and got to looking at the rotor dust shields, and wondering if they still serve a purpose. Mine are in decent shape, but I suspect my brakes would cool better, and probably the rotors last longer, without them. I don't see doing a lot of driving in deep mud,  loose gravel, or deep snow, and don't buy the splash of water warping a rotor idea, so what is left for a reason to put them back on?

 

Michael

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If daily driver in all weather I would keep them. If just in the summer for some track and autoX not so much. They are there just to keep water dirt spray off them. They might cool better but usually cooling isn't the problem, dirt and crap is.

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It's personal choice for the most part.  As you both said, it's mainly for keeping crap off the rotor.  With disc brakes, they ride gently on the rotor for the most part.  Sand or larger items can't usually get in between the rotor and pad.  If you hit enough water to warp a rotor, the shield wouldn't stop enough of it anyway.

 

The shields will still work with that kit....they have to be pushed back a bit.......so it's pretty much your call. 

 

If you think about all the guys out there that upgrade to bigger brakes on all other cars/trucks.....they don't run shields on any of those setups......can't be much of an issue.

 

Please send me a link if you put up a build thread :)

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Thank you gentlemen.

 

I was all decided to leave them off and stash them, until shacks510 posted (:

 

You are talking about the inner turned up edge, I gather. Now I am back to indecision, as I can see that lip being beneficial, but hate to hack up a decent pair of splash shields.

 

I have a little time to decide, working on mounting some aftermarket pedals,...I'll post some pics (provided my welding isn't terribly embarrassing (: ), when I get a little more progress.

 

Michael

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In all reality the "dust shields" are not there to protect the brakes from the environment. It's actually the other way around. They keep brake dust from getting into the suspension and steering bushings. If you'll notice the entire other side of the brakes are wide open.  The wheel bearings are sealed so... 

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