I searched and did not find much useful info. I will be replacing my rotors and painting my calipers soon and want to know if it is Ok to remove the dust shields? I know for a big brake upgrade that you do have to remove them, but what are the disadvantages? The benefits would be better looks, weight saving (small), and possibly better brake cooling. What would the downside be? Basically what I am asking is what are they really there for? Anyone?

 

Anyone?

 

There isn't much much advantage for you to remove them...

 

mine are removing themselfs lol (rotting off) should i replace them or remove them?? anyone???

 

You can remove them fine. It is just a dust shield. I had to remove mine to fit bigger rotors and cut the whole thing off

 

Anybody know what would cause the backing plate to continually rub against the rotor, i.e. it gets pushed back a little so it doesn't rub, and eventually, it starts rubbing again. Only when turning left...for real.....

I had an alignment so the tech must have seen it and corrected it....2 mos. later it's back....

 

The "only turning left" issue is odd since the wheel, hub, and everything between, including the heat shield, work in parallel. If you're sure it's the heat shield, maybe something is pressing against it when you turn?

 

If the bottom of it keeps pushing back, check to see if your control arm is pushing it back to the rotor when turning.

 

OR either you have a bad wheel bearing.. I Removed mine completely for my big brake kit. years later no issues.

 

If it is the control arm pushing on it, is that indicative of wear or movement that the control arm is not supposed to have?

It's kinda interesting, we did all 4 struts (springs in front as Monroe quick strut) and I have to admit the ride is terrible, totally harsh....

 

No. Apparently the bottom of the dust shield has a cut out for the control arm to slightly pass when making sharp turns. If the aftermarket ones are bigger than the hole cutout, it will push the baffle plate to the rotor hence hearing the rubbing noise only when turning.