mlw Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 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 1 Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 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. 1 Quote Link to comment
mklotz70 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 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 :) 2 Quote Link to comment
shacks510 Posted January 8, 2015 Report Share Posted January 8, 2015 You save 6 ounces not having them on. You do need the center part that covers the bearing seal though. Hack the rest off. 1 Quote Link to comment
mklotz70 Posted January 8, 2015 Report Share Posted January 8, 2015 ?? Not quite sure why. This is for the front...the seals are in the hubs. Are you talking about the raised lip to help keep debris out of there? 1 Quote Link to comment
paradime Posted January 8, 2015 Report Share Posted January 8, 2015 My thinking is, if you don't live on a dirt road, take them off. Weight loss is nice, but the biggest advantage is increased air flow, thus better cooling. Quote Link to comment
shacks510 Posted January 9, 2015 Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 Are you talking about the raised lip to help keep debris out of there? Yes 1 Quote Link to comment
mlw Posted January 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2015 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 Quote Link to comment
paradime Posted January 15, 2015 Report Share Posted January 15, 2015 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... 1 Quote Link to comment
shacks510 Posted January 16, 2015 Report Share Posted January 16, 2015 They keep brake dust from getting into the suspension and steering bushings. Good point. Brake dust is some nasty stuff. Not good for paint, or your nice aluminum wheels. Quote Link to comment
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