Rear disc brake backing plate??

[BigMattyD]

Does anybody know how important the dust shield on the backing plate is? One one side, the dust shield that normally covers the back and edge of the rotor has rusted off. On the other side, the shield is getting to that point, but not nearly as bad. The thick metal of the rest of the backing plate is fine. (where the e-brake components are and the caliper bracket bolts to it)

 

The backing plate is available online, but it is relatively expensive, and to replace it involves removing the hub, etc. For now, I have decided to leave it alone.

 

Anyone have experience with this issue?

 

Matt

[Legacy777]

Don't worry about it. I cut mine off to install larger rotors, and that was about two years ago.

[nipper]

Easy to replace, but nothing against the previous poster, he is IN texas, and doesnt have to deal with snow, or more of late frozen slush. I would replace it before winter. Global warming may be here, but be a while before NY is florida hehehehe

 

nipper

[NoahDL88]

They not only help to keep the road crap, mud, snow and the like out of the way, but they also aid in cooling, which is important if you drive it like you mean it.

[BigMattyD]

They not only help to keep the road crap, mud, snow and the like out of the way, but they also aid in cooling, which is important if you drive it like you mean it.

 

I usually don't drive it like I mean it, but occasionally I do heat up the rotors.

 

Anyway, my next car will hopefully be a WRX, probably a WRX wagon... This will probably not be for a few years, though...

 

I'm still leaning toward leaving it alone, at least for a while. I do respect your opinions, though, and yes, I think it is unfair for Josh because he lives in a rust-free climate, that bast*rd!!!

 

Just kidding, Josh. I am just jealous after seeing your recent pics!!!

 

 

Matt

[nipper]

I usually don't drive it like I mean it, but occasionally I do heat up the rotors.

 

Anyway, my next car will hopefully be a WRX, probably a WRX wagon... This will probably not be for a few years, though...

 

I'm still leaning toward leaving it alone, at least for a while. I do respect your opinions, though, and yes, I think it is unfair for Josh because he lives in a rust-free climate, that bast*rd!!!

 

Just kidding, Josh. I am just jealous after seeing your recent pics!!!

 

 

Matt

 

yes we dont like Josh :-p

 

nipper

[BigMattyD]

Don't worry about it. I cut mine off to install larger rotors, and that was about two years ago.

 

Yes, I read some info about removing or bending the backing plates out of the way to allow larger rotors for performance brakes, racing, etc..

 

When I changed the rear rotors and pads last weekend, the only problem was that as the plate rusted and broke apart, there were some pieces of rusty metal thhat fell between the central part of the backing plate and the rear surface of the brake rotor. Now that is gone...

 

Matt]\

[NoahDL88]

 

I'm still leaning toward leaving it alone, at least for a while. I do respect your opinions.

 

Matt

 

Not too big of a deal, just wanted to let you know of the possible, if remote consequenses.

 

Drive it like you stole it.

[Legacy777]

I want to just clarify that this is for the rear brakes.

 

The rear backing plate does not do squat for cooling, and it is not easy to replace. The hub must be pressed out of the spindle to slide the backing plate off. The wheel bearing will typically need to be replaced at the same time.

 

Here are some pictures with the dust shield removed from the backing plate.

http://www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/images/swap/08

 

I do agree that the dust shield does help keep junk out from behind the rotor, but unless you're driving down dirt roads and doing crazy stuff, you should be fine....even in the snow and rain.

 

Lastly, if the actual backing plate, not the dust shield is rusted out, it really should be replaced since the caliper bracket mounts to it.

 

Josh

[nipper]

I want to just clarify that this is for the rear brakes.

 

The rear backing plate does not do squat for cooling, and it is not easy to replace. The hub must be pressed out of the spindle to slide the backing plate off. The wheel bearing will typically need to be replaced at the same time.

 

Here are some pictures with the dust shield removed from the backing plate.

http://www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/images/swap/08

 

I do agree that the dust shield does help keep junk out from behind the rotor, but unless you're driving down dirt roads and doing crazy stuff, you should be fine....even in the snow and rain.

 

Lastly, if the actual backing plate, not the dust shield is rusted out, it really should be replaced since the caliper bracket mounts to it.

 

Josh

 

You havent seen our snow after the sanders and plows get done with it.

 

 

nipper

[BigMattyD]

I want to just clarify that this is for the rear brakes.

 

The rear backing plate does not do squat for cooling, and it is not easy to replace. The hub must be pressed out of the spindle to slide the backing plate off. The wheel bearing will typically need to be replaced at the same time.

 

Here are some pictures with the dust shield removed from the backing plate.

http://www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/images/swap/08

 

I do agree that the dust shield does help keep junk out from behind the rotor, but unless you're driving down dirt roads and doing crazy stuff, you should be fine....even in the snow and rain.

 

Lastly, if the actual backing plate, not the dust shield is rusted out, it really should be replaced since the caliper bracket mounts to it.

 

Josh

 

Josh, I agree that the time and effort to remove and replace the backing plate is the main reason I do not want to do it. The pictures you posted look like my car probably did when it was three years old. Now it is 10 years old, and it is very rusty.

 

And yes, the meaty area of the backing plate is intact, just the dust shield disintegrated, as it is made of relatively thin sheet metal.

 

Matt