Replace or ignore missing front wheel / disc brake dust shield

Mine are completely disintegrated by rust.

It will be a huge chore to try and remove the factory bolts. How important is it to replace them?

Will brake and metal dust just accelerate the rust throughout the front end?

 

The brake shield is there to keep larger objects, like rocks, from getting stuck between moving brake components. If you don't off-road much or where there is rock, it should not be a problem to leave as is. It doesn't really stop any water, dust or dirt from getting anywhere just larger objects. Probably will be ok as is.

 

I concur. Mine were all but gone when I rebuilt the front end. I couldn't justify spending 170 bucks on new ones, so I'm going without.

 

Thank you for confirming @N84434. Mine will remain without dust shields!

 

Like Johnsonman said, if you're not doing any serious rock crawling, it should be fine.

 

Old thread I know , but ....what about gravel roads? And dont forget our front brakes dont sit close to the inside of the rim or even center they are just behind your valve stem because of our 60mm offset. you would think some type of solid hubcap for the OUTSIDE would be standard if this was an issue??
I can see them being more important for older drum brakes then discs which somewhat clean themselves.
Some claim the dust plates have vents to help cool your brakes.well I'm not in a nascar race and I'm not slamming my brakes on every couple hundred feet to turn left.! I also dont live in a mountainous area. I can't see brakes heating up being an issue for me.
Thoughts anyone..???

 

I would think the same rules apply. I've been down just a couple gravel roads over the last 2 years with my truck and have not experienced anything remotely close to a problem with gravel getting lodged in the calipers.

Brake cooling via the dust shield.... Meh.. Probably not. I would think that running without would be better in that instance.

 

I went without, but when I had to have the hub off for a new bearing, I went for a new shield (~$70 as I recall)

 

Yup..think I'll break off what's left of mine and go without till I need new hub bearings.
Thanks for the input !

 

Looking at your pic w666 makes me wish they had the bolts facing the other way and it was 2 pieces..then you'd only have to likely take off the caliper to change it

 

You can buy a new one and make it a two piece.

 

Had I not been "lucky" enough to need a new bearing, I would have done just that...split the OEM shield in two, then fasten it in place. The only challenge is to secure the outsides of the splat so it doesn't rattle around.

 

I have a spindle out right now and am not bothering to replace.