TrackStar

Just wondering how important these are for the car. If I wrap the rubber suspension boots to protect them from heat, what are the other downsides to removing them.

Doug1627

brake dust will go everywhere

TrackStar

Where does the dust go after the shield blocks it?

Doug1627

Rub your finger on the shield, most of it sticks to it or goes outward to the wheel...atleast I thnk it does.

slanguage

My guess would be if something started spraying/leaking out of the motor i.e. oil or coolant it would keep it from going on the brakes, so you can stop. also I agree about the brake dust issue as well.

TrackStar

Ok, cool guys. I've seen a lot of bbk on various cars and they normally have the shield removed. Is this just a show thing?

mikegarrison

Those are called "dust shields". Many track folks remove them, but many do not. They do help protect the suspension from brake dust.

TrackStar

Is the concern that brake dust is going to work it's way into the rubber boots in the ball joints and into the control arm bushings? Sorry if I'm asking dumb questions, I like to know how things work, what they do, etc.

mikegarrison

I've heard that actually they are designed to create a low pressure that pulls some of the dust away from the wheels. But I can't swear to it.

v2deLsoL

Keep it on if it