I'm in the process of removing all four corners to put new bearings and brakes on.

 

The backing plate for the brakes was in a hell of a state due to age and corrosion, so I removed it. Plus it made getting to the ABS sensor connector a damn site easier! I had to completely destroy it to remove it though...

 

Does anyone run without the backing plates? I like the idea of running without them, as they are a complete eyesore.

 

I'm thinking they protect the brakes a bit against stones, but in reality do they actually make a difference??

My Octy had no front back plates when I got it 9 years ago. The only issue I've had is that it's easier to see rear face disc corrosion. OTOH stones don't get caught between disc and back plate.

Thanks Ken

 

Reassuring to hear!

 

I've owned a fair few cars without these guards in the past and had no problems. Perhaps just a bit of VAG overkill!

I've removed them in the pasts also. Never had any problems.

On some models, the front back plates were minimal, but due to brakes suffering "wash out" in very wet conditions, they were improved - VAG B5 platform cars is one that I do know had this change made to them to improve wet weather initial brake performance.

Binned my front backing plates as they kinda crumbled off anyway!

 

Look daft on the front when the brake upgrade dwarfs them

Apparently

Binned my front backing plates as they kinda crumbled off anyway!

 

Look daft on the front when the brake upgrade dwarfs them

 

Ok big head don't rub in the fact you've got 330mm discs!

 

Apparently my discs could be 330mm too if I borrow steveopc's tape measure. ......