Front Disc Dust Cover

[Darren W.]

I'm talking about the original equipment press metal backing plate that attaches to the strutt leg.

Is it necessary, and if so, what is it there for/main purpose???

[Gary P.]

They are very useful at helping the brakes to overheat!!!

[marty]

They also do a good job of cutting your chin when you're undoing the bolts on the caliper and all of a sudden it lets go.

[G Dub]

If its a road car they do a great job at keeping 'some' temperature in the brakes on a wet day.

I had the vented rotors on my old red RS which require the removal of this plate to fit and it was downright scary to drive on a wet day on the freeway! The water would contantly hit the inside of the disc causing them to be stone cold. Bad news if the guy in front of you suddenly steps on the brakes!

It does no harm on a road car. If its a track car you could have heat problems.

G

[Darren W.]

Thanks for your input everybody. Even though it is road registerd, the car is mostly used for club events now, so I'll leave them off, but keep in mind possible dramas in wet weather.

Just had a thought myself, that if they are a heat shield, might stop the rubber ball joint covers from deteriorating quickly.