Front brake dust shield

[enuff_zed]

Just after a bit of advice/experience really.
Finally got round to sorting the front end of Project Freeleeta and discovered there is no dust shield on the OSF brake.
Looks like its been damaged and the remains ripped off.
I have the disc and calliper off already.
Is it a simple job to fit a new dust shield?
Hub off?
Any tips? Anything to look out for?

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Is it a simple job to fit a new dust shield?

If the bearing comes off cleanly then yes. But what are the chances of that!

My NSF has corroded and will be cut off next time I am doing brake work. Unless you're doing the wheel bearings, I honestly wouldn't bother.

 

[colb]

If you don't want to disturb the hub bearing you can cut what remains of the old backplate off and fit a new one by cutting the new one so it can be opened up and twisted onto the hub. There are threads on how to do this and Youtube videos will see if I can find some links.
This one explains the method for the rears but principle the same for the front
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB3A_9zYKWY
Another link here, again shows the rear but same principle for front with pictures
https://zroadster.org/threads/replacement-of-rear-brake-shields-without-removing-hub-and-bearings.47833/

 

[enuff_zed]

you can cut what remains of the old backplate off

That's been done already it seems.

That sounds easier chaps, thank you.
Tbh, I actually contemplated cutting the other side off too as it is bent, then not fitting any.
Can't see it being all that detrimental really.

 

[colb]

You could run without them but better to have them in place offeres protection to the discs and looks better through the wheel spokes.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

I forgot to say there were 2 piece items available, defo in carbon fibre but maybe steel too (but expensive for what they were). Or you could cut a new one into two pieces and secure yourself.

 

[enuff_zed]

All taken on board thank you.
Need to see what I can find. Won't be disturbing the wheel bearing though!

 

[Scooba_Steve]

All taken on board thank you.
Need to see what I can find. Won't be disturbing the wheel bearing though!

Something like this in the UK I would snap up:
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/dorman-oe-solutions-brake-dust-shield-1-split-924-213/10014351-P?lctid=231294&clickid=V5EQoYz6gxyITr80Fl0U2UEkUkD0nZ0GmQGS240&irgwc=1&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=74588&utm_content=1291764&c3ch=Affiliate&c3nid=IR-74588

Don't forget to search for E46 too

These were the fibre: https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3972-e46-turner-motorsport-carbon-fiber-brake-backing-plates-pair/

Premium for everything "cooling" but the two piece mod itself should be cheap. Probably one of the worst designed BMW parts as stock!

 

[enuff_zed]

Well the fibre ones can stay right where they are!!!

First step, going back out in a minute to properly assess the NSF that is still there.
Thinking that may come off and be my practice for how to split and fit the standard ones.

 

[jock156]

I don’t know if it’s any help but I still have the brakes off my 2L when I went bigger.

Backing plates are fine. BUT I’m assuming they don’t fit the Freeleeta?

 

[Zedebee]

Rears are common to all versions except “M”.
Fronts are common to all upto and including 3.0i (and 2.5Si), but not 3.0Si or “M”

So the 2l backing plates should fit the freeleeta just fine.

 

[enuff_zed]

Leave it with me for now Brian thank you.
Discovered that when a knuckle bot hasn't moved for 19 years then it is much easier to shear than undo. so my focus has changed a little today.
Got half out, but the threaded portion is fighting back! Gave up and opened a beer.

 

[SDJ]

If you do end up putting a new shield on, you'll likely need a new bearing dust shield. Mine were corroded and got ruined. You'll need a 12pt socket for the bearing nut once you've managed to bash out the tabs. Tbh I'd save it for when you need new wheel bearings or speed sensor rings as it's not a straightforward job

 

[enuff_zed]

If you do end up putting a new shield on, you'll likely need a new bearing dust shield. Mine were corroded and got ruined. You'll need a 12pt socket for the bearing nut once you've managed to bash out the tabs. Tbh I'd save it for when you need new wheel bearings or speed sensor rings as it's not a straightforward job

Cheers. I'd mostly come to that decision myself now tbh.