Brake shields

Any idea on what is a fair labor charge for this.

2003 Tundra. Front brake dust shields are in bad shape from rust.
One even has a small section missing.

Wished they had mentioned it when I had the calipers replaced a 1 1/2 years ago. And maybe saved some labor.
Thanks for any guess.

Also if any suggestions if there is a aftermarket one.

 

One of mine rusted away and I never bothered to replace it.

Do you even need it?

 

Brook Shields

 

I'd save it for when you have to do the wheel bearings, or go ahead and do them. You have to remove the whole spindle and press the hub out to get to them.

 

Older truck and trying to keep it looking new. So dont like to see something rusted out. Just looks bad. Not sure if I need.

Sounds like a good plan with the wheel bearings so not paying for labor again.

Can you guess what is the average for when you need to replace the wheel bearings? Will I definitely need to?

Mine has just turned 100K. Only put 4 to 5K a year. And will keep at least another 10 years. Whatever it takes. Unless they go back to making this model.

 

I’d leave it alone until/if you ever have a problem with bearings. For anyone else, yours can be restored back to looking like these.

 

In the process of rebuilding my suspension, I found the brake shields on both sides badly rusted away. I removed The remnants and the only replacements I could find are OEM at the cost of $80 per side. I just couldn’t justify that kind of outlay for a piece of stamped steel.
I thought about making a couple of shields to replicate the originals, but I’m not at that point yet. Or, I’ll just go without them

 

Why replace them? I ripped mine out when I did the Tundra brake upgrade on my LT Tacoma. I have zero issues.

 

Bad ass looking suspension. You have a build tread to look at all that work? Sorry to hijack

 

Thanks. Yeah, check out the links below.

 

Does anyone have an opinion on how necessary dust shields are? I'm in the same boat - terribly rusted to shreds and I feel like $160 bucks for a set of thin stamped metal brackets is too much.

 

If mine were in bad shape I would cut them off.

 

I've heard mixed things about them. I cut my old ones off my old 4runner because of rust and didn't have any issues (driving through snow, mud, water, dirt) but I could see how you run the risk of getting more debris (mud, rocks, etc) hitting your calipers and rotors. Might also make your brakes squeak a bit more until cleaned.

I think I remember someone suggesting to cut keyhole in the brake shield so you can get it around the spindle and hub and then bolt on as normal or possible throwing small metal strap on top to hold them together better once on. No need for pressing a hub in and out. Doesn't help with the $80 shield though.

 

They are there for a reason. I’d replace them, but your call.