Do I need this part?

[Mrtin]

when this broke apart on one side of my truck I decided I probably didn't need it. Now that I've got the other side opened up I'm having doubts. I think this has been covered on a different forum but I really can't be sure it was the same part in question, as the photos are all now dead links in that thread.

Anyway, this is a '92 2WD. I think it's called a dust shield, or brake dust shield? My passenger's side one is totally gone. Should I replace them? can I do without? and is symmetry important ie should I remove this one now that it's twin is gone? I've read these pull air in to cool the rotors which has me concerned about doing without or being unbalanced.

Thanks in advance everyone. It's the large part my hand is touching.

 

[Musick17]

If its to help cool the rotors I would definitely keep it. Dont want them warping on ya from excessive heat. And by the looks of it, you may wanna replace that one too while its tore apart. Looks like its not to far off breaking either. Just my .02

 

[tbirdsps]

It's really a good idea to have them on. They do help keep some water and mud of the discs. I don't know if they are for cooling or not. They also direct mud and water away from the inner bearing seal.

 

[martin]

I always take mine off. All they do is collect mud and create problems. If you have a race truck and have duck work connected to them then that's a different story.

 

[srteach]

That is a brake shield. On a daily driver, they help keep water and mud off the rotors and out from under the brake pads. You can do without, or keep them. Performance will not be affected unless you get dirt between the rotor and pads.

 

[CHKNFKR]

I always remove them for two reasons: usually there's not enough left for them to do their job, and as others have stated, they collect dirt and grime.

 

[Mrtin]

good to know

That's all good to know. In the state my old one was in I think it might have actually been doing more harm than good as it was bent to the point of contacting the rotor.

Ideally I'd like to put a new one on but I'm assuming (though I haven't actually checked) that a parts counter would want more than I'm willing to spend, and I haven't got the time right now to go salvage hunting.

The guard on the other side seems fine though, so I'm just going to let it stay put.

Thanks again.

 

[Mark_88]

I found a good pair from another vehicle...sanded them down and spray painted them with rust paint...last time I checked they're still there and not rusted...

Actually, any time I replace a part I give it the once (or twice) over with rust paint before I install it...especially parts that require taking something off...

Mind you, the first things I did were really shoddy and have had to redo them...but I get better with practice...