A few weeks ago my rear disc shield decided to come loose and snapped off it's three bolts holding it on.

With a bit of twisting and cutting it's now off the car completely.

I've drove over a thousand miles now with it off and had no problems at all with it missing. 

I'am about to purchase one but I seen a new Renault Clio Rs yesterday at my place of work and that didn't have a brake shield on any of the discs not even at the front!

I also know a guy running his vxr without them.

My question is are they really needed?

Tempted to take the other rear one off to match instead of purchasing something unnecessary.

Anyone any suggestions?

 

 

It all depends how you drive.

 

If you drive like your hair's on fire then the heat from braking will eventually take its toll on nearby sensitive components eg ABS sensor wiring/brake pad wear wiring, ball joint gaiters/grease, hub bearing, CV joint etc. As well as a heat shield it also acts as a heat sink to dissipate heat.

 

Otherwise if you are a sensible driver you should be fine.

@Kris82 Generally no; I've had cars that had no disc backplates from new.

Agree, I've had cars from 30 years ago and removed them for track work whilst retaining the standard disc set up.

 

Back in those days, there was no abs sensors, wiring, slip rings etc. although they still had cv boots and the like!   I don't think it is as much to do with heat as serving as a splash shield. Splash shield for water and splash shield from lubricants.

 

In higher levels of standing water you maybe a bit more susceptible to brake fade from water following large areas of deeper standing water. But the water can still enter round the front on open alloy wheel designs anyway. But without a rear shield it will be from both sides.

 

Also, in the event of an oil leak or failed CV boot, grease and oil will more easily foul the disc surface.  That wouldn't be fun in an extreme situation in the event of being unaware. Probably more applicable to fronts on a front wheel driver (both engine and driveshafts being upfront).

 

Edit: Also, not sure if they would raise it on MOT. Maybe if they could tell it had remnants of existing failed one installed. Somebody with experience in that field will be better placed for confirmation of that.

 

Edited 10 August, 20178 yr by TheClient

@TheClient - Well, the car I'd owned from new with no shields never got an advisory, and my present Skoda may have had them when new, but they'd definitely been removed before I bought it and it's never had an advisory for them either.

Thanks for the info guys, I was very shocked when I seen a 66' plate clio rs without them as standard.

I think I'll remove the other side and if brought up in mot I'll just buy another and fit both back on.

 

 

 

2 hours ago, MicMac said:

It all depends how you drive.

 

If you drive like your hair's on fire then the heat from braking will eventually take its toll on nearby sensitive components eg ABS sensor wiring/brake pad wear wiring, ball joint gaiters/grease, hub bearing, CV joint etc. As well as a heat shield it also acts as a heat sink to dissipate heat.

 

Otherwise if you are a sensible driver you should be fine.

 

They aren't heat shields. They act to keep brake dust and debris away from the rest of the car whilst keeping water and salts (winter road grit) away from the disc which can warp it and speed up corrosion. They're not needed but a bonus if they are fitted until they rust and start to rattle.

Edited 10 August, 20178 yr by CWARD