Brake dust shields - remove or replace?

[Ewazix]

Some track day users remove them for weight reduction and supposed cooling improvement (although others report the opposite as the shields direct air over the discs) but shields are also there to prevent water spray/build up. People report removal can delay initial bite in the wet, but I've not seen any proper tests to validate any of this.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

All 3 bolt holes had corroded on my passenger side, cable ties for the time being. I'd much prefer a two piece design to save taking the hub off...

 

[1000rr]

Took mine off, both corroded round the bolt holes.... the different metals between the bolts and the cover cause the cover to rust. Pain in the arse.

 

[Mark R]

Hi, Just a thought I haven't check to see how much room you have to get at the bolt, if you can get to undo it a couple of turns then if you take your selected washer and cut a slot in itbig enough to slide over the thread then the bolt wont need to come right out ? just a thought.

 

[kis]

Hi, Just a thought I haven't check to see how much room you have to get at the bolt, if you can get to undo it a couple of turns then if you take your selected washer and cut a slot in itbig enough to slide over the thread then the bolt wont need to come right out ? just a thought.

Yeah I was already suggested by Phil (about 2 years ago now!!) I’ll be going down this route myself. Even if they’re not corroded for a bit of preventative maintenance

Not had cause to do this fix myself, but just a thought.

I prefer not to disturb bearing packs, often the start of the death of them.

If you're able to see the bolt then you can probably loosen it. If so could you cut a slot in a big washer, )to make a 'C', slide it on and relighten?

 

[yyz_bobby]

Would anyone recommend putting on brake shields?

I only have on my rear and there is a noticeable difference in brake dust, but that could just be because the rear are brembo and smaller brake pads.

Anyone know of a good place to buy front brake shields?

 

[mmm-five]

Would anyone recommend putting on brake shields?

I only have on my rear and there is a noticeable difference in brake dust, but that could just be because the rear are brembo and smaller brake pads.

Anyone know of a good place to buy front brake shields?

They're for keeping crap from the roads off your disc/pad (and to stop water from puddles hitting the disc when they're hot) than keeping brake pad dust off the wheels/car. I'd be asking why they were removed by a previous owner - sounds strange for a low mileage car (my fronts still have the original ones on at 160,000 miles).

They're not 'that' expensive direct from BMW (about £50 each for the Z4M) - but you can get pattern versions of them from the likes of AutoDoc/Schmiedmann/ebay for less than half that.

LEFT (p/n 34116750129)
Autdoc - https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/oem/34116750129

RIGHT (p/n 34116750130)
Autodoc - https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/oem/34116750130

 

[yyz_bobby]

They're for keeping crap from the roads off your disc/pad (and to stop water from puddles hitting the disc when they're hot) than keeping brake pad dust off the wheels/car. I'd be asking why they were removed by a previous owner - sounds strange for a low mileage car (my fronts still have the original ones on at 160,000 miles).

Thanks mate, i did find it strange them not being on the front but i thought since the front discs were vented that it took up any space for them.

Will get myself a pair as i prepare to change the front discs and pads

 

[mr nurburgring]

It will be corroded around the bolt. Here’s my fix.
I didn’t have a washer to hand.

 

[E86]

It will be corroded around the bolt. Here’s my fix.
I didn’t have a washer to hand.

I repaired mine with a penny washer, I see you used a 2p washer :lol: