front D44 rotor guards
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Pittsburgh
front D44 rotor guards
I started cleaning up parts for my SAS and realized the rotor guards are rusted beyond salvageable. Is it worth it to try and dig up a new set or just go without?
What is their actual purpose?
I figure without teh rotors get dirt/rocks in that much easier, but they come out that much easier also. I know on my TTB the only time i picked up a piece of gravel was because of the guard, but the soild axle ones seem to protect the rotor MUCH better.
Pros, cons?
Justin
What is their actual purpose?
I figure without teh rotors get dirt/rocks in that much easier, but they come out that much easier also. I know on my TTB the only time i picked up a piece of gravel was because of the guard, but the soild axle ones seem to protect the rotor MUCH better.
Pros, cons?
Justin
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 18,423
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From: iowa
I left them off both the ttb, and solid axles in my trucks, I found that in the mud drags they were just filling up with mud, nad holding it there, and was a real PITA to get out so they went by by. I personally couldn't see that they were serving any useful purpose in my case, although I think the actual purpose it to help direct some more air at the rotor to help cool it when running down the road but not sure on that.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,404
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From: Cleveland, WI USA
I don't have any on my 78, but my 79 plow truck has 'em. They're kinda useless even for a street truck IMO. I agree with monsterbaby's theory on them cooling the rotors, but in reality, I don't think they help.
For off-roading, they just collect more mud. And, I'm never going fast enough for them to have any cooling effect.
K.
For off-roading, they just collect more mud. And, I'm never going fast enough for them to have any cooling effect.
K.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
They do keep a fair amount of road grime off the rotor (read oils) and do cool the rotors a bit more. But, off-road they can be a real pain especially in soupy mud (something I don't do) or clay mud (which I do). I had no troubles with the shields in snow and slush, though if I have to remove the spindle on one of my own TBB and it is rusty I leave it off. No problems yet.
At one time they were called gravel shields and I think the idea was to prevent stones from getting up over the pad and jamming the piston open. I have gotten a stone (from a road being paved) caught up in the top of the rotor under the piston before, in all things an AWD Aerostar. Made a horrible sound and had a small loss of brakes.
Pads are only $10 and I rather replace pads more often and have stuff fall out right off/out then catch a stone in there and have it destroy the rotor or even worse get caught between the pad.
At one time they were called gravel shields and I think the idea was to prevent stones from getting up over the pad and jamming the piston open. I have gotten a stone (from a road being paved) caught up in the top of the rotor under the piston before, in all things an AWD Aerostar. Made a horrible sound and had a small loss of brakes.
Pads are only $10 and I rather replace pads more often and have stuff fall out right off/out then catch a stone in there and have it destroy the rotor or even worse get caught between the pad.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,148
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From: Western New York
Both monsterbaby and rebocardo have valid responses. In years past they were put in place to protect the brakes from gravel and in more recent years are intended for brake cooling and to cover the brakes like the way so many things are covered on vehicles now days. You can hardly find an engine under all the plastic covers they have on them now.
Personally I find a vehicle looks better without them and they just get in the way wheeling. Now when I use to race cars on the track it did make a big difference especially if you had some kind of duct and tubing to them, but that is a whole different story.....
Personally I find a vehicle looks better without them and they just get in the way wheeling. Now when I use to race cars on the track it did make a big difference especially if you had some kind of duct and tubing to them, but that is a whole different story.....
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txmoores
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