PSA: Remember to install your brake shields before new front bearings.

[Klug]

No matter how many DIY's you read- they all say the same thing. Brake shield first before the bearing/hub. If you move fast and don't take your time you'll end up like me. I was so pissed- but didn't want to pull apart the brand spanking new bearing, have it separate and worry about getting it all put back together.

So I've seen a few people make this mistake before- however would you say it's alright to keep it as is? Or should I work on getting the cut out section back on the shield? The shield isn't a super tight fit blocking out dirt/water from the bearing, its more of just a loose cover.

So the question is- leave as is or fab the cut out section back to its original location?

[nrubenstein]

I just remove them.

[Mr. Tasty]

I always remove mine, also.

[jalopi]

only seems like an issue if you wanna run brake ducts. otherwise you're fine

[Varinn]

I removed mine after some advice from my instructor after fading my brakes on my e30 at the track. Been cruising around without them for nearly 2 years now without an issue (aside from what I feel is more dust on the wheels)

[estoguy]

So why did he advise you to remove them? Just curious as to the reasoning. Mine are getting on the rough side, and they aren't super cheap to replace.

Are there any major issues to removing them? From the way things are put together, I'd think not, but would like some more experienced opinion on this.

[Varinn]

So why did he advise you to remove them? Just curious as to the reasoning. Mine are getting on the rough side, and they aren't super cheap to replace.

Are there any major issues to removing them? From the way things are put together, I'd think not, but would like some more experienced opinion on this.

pretty sure they're meant to help keep shit from getting into the brakes, tradeoff is the stock ones keep a good deal of airflow from getting into the center of the rotors to vent through