DIY Dust Shield

[rumblecloud]

The brake dust shields on my Ranger are not so much. One is gone and the other is in ok shape. I've looked and found one set on ebay for $99. I know you can run without them but since I kinda finished my last project...
Got some scrap metal from a body shop friend (I think it came from a Dodge Ram pickup) and fashioned this primitive replication. Still have some finish grinding to do but so far, ok:

 

[superj]

definitely looks like it will work.

 

[Jazzer]

My ‘07 has some extra vent holes in the front dust shields and I hadn’t been able to find replacements. I’ve got some 16ga steel and I’m definitely going to follow your lead and make some like that.

Thanks!

Jazzer

 

[rumblecloud]

I think 16 gauge is what I used. A little stiffer than the OEM stuff. I don't have any metal bending tools other than typical fender hammers. So pliers, bench vise, hammer and grinders.

Post pics when you get em done.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I think this would be a great place to use a homemade wood buck.

 

[DILLARD000]

Some 15+ years ago had some snow chains break loose, crumpled a DustShield;
BenchVise+Anvil+BallPeenHammer to straighten it; cleaned up surface rust on all four & repainted FlatBlack.
Decided then I needed better winter tires; stopped using chains, only for a true emergency in heavy snow\ice.

 

[sgtsandman]

I need to do something with mine on the 2011. One of the anchor points on each side has busted loose. I might explore the possibility of finding a properly sized flange bolt or a washer behind the bolt head.

 

[rumblecloud]

I really don't know how badly they are needed, but I suppose they do offer some protection for the bearings.

 

[Jazzer]

I've got about the same toolkit. I think a decently round section of firewood, belt sanded flat, would make an adequate buck to pound the edges over.

-Jazzer

 

[sgtsandman]

I really don't know how badly they are needed, but I suppose they do offer some protection for the bearings.

They are to protect the brake rotor from road spray. They probably do offer protection to the bearings as well.

 

[rumblecloud]

I think this would be a great place to use a homemade wood buck.

I've got about the same toolkit. I think a decently round section of firewood, belt sanded flat, would make an adequate buck to pound the edges over.
-Jazzer

I just used the bench vise, but this is infinitely better. Cutting one today...

 

[Blmpkn]

I really don't know how badly they are needed, but I suppose they do offer some protection for the bearings.

Myself and my car buddys have always called them rock catchers.

Nothing more annoying than going through a mud hole and getting a rock caught between the shield and rotor..

 

[Ranger850]

I noticed OP used "Dodge" sheet metal. I guess that means he'll be doing it again soon.

 

[4x4prepper]

Looks good enough for government work, it is an item that is worth having on your brakes as it keeps a lot of stuff out of the caliper and pad area. Though I did have an Aerostar that infrequently got tiny pebbles caught between the shield and rotor. That can be a tad annoying.