What's the Covering Over My Brakes? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

shertex · #1 04-09-2011, 06:44 AM

Just noticed this....on my 91 300D, between the wheel cap and the rotor, there's some sort of metal covering....it's circular and about a foot in diameter. But it's only on front left and rear left....nothing on right side. And on my 92 300D I don't have any of these.

What is it? And why only two?

shertex · #2 04-09-2011, 06:54 AM

I'm guessing some sort of brake dust shield?

shertex · #3 04-09-2011, 07:02 AM

Never mind....just figured it out....must have been shields on the front and when I had tires rotated they wound up on just the left side.

Stretch · #4 04-09-2011, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shertex

I'm guessing some sort of brake dust shield?

Yep that's it.

Is it rusty? These sometimes rub on moving parts and cause strange noises...

They are quite cheap to replace - though some people advocate a bending it out of the way solution.

shertex · #5 04-09-2011, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

Yep that's it.

Is it rusty? These sometimes rub on moving parts and cause strange noises...

They are quite cheap to replace - though some people advocate a bending it out of the way solution.

Interesting....as you know from my other post, I am having a strange sound when braking. I wonder if the emergence of the sound coincides with getting my tires rotated recently...timing would be about right.

I also wonder if I should just get rid of them altogether.

shertex · #6 04-09-2011, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

Yep that's it.

Is it rusty? These sometimes rub on moving parts and cause strange noises...

They are quite cheap to replace - though some people advocate a bending it out of the way solution.

When they rub on moving parts, is it while braking or not?

Stretch · #7 04-09-2011, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shertex

When they rub on moving parts, is it while braking or not?

Probably not just when you are braking - but like I said in your other thread - take a look if you can. Jack up the front of the car and remove the wheels. Spinning them would help you see if the dust shields were rubbing / too close.

Whilst you have the wheels off the ground hold the front wheel at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions and see if you can feel any play in the wheel bearings.

EDIT:-

Oh yes MB fitted them for a reason - if you remove them you stand a greater chance of muck getting stuck between the disc and the pads - this can cause strange noises but it is most likely going to cause scoring on the disc - which then can promote uneven braking which is seen by most as a dangerous thing!

babymog · #8 04-11-2011, 08:46 AM

If they are brake dust shields (between the wheel and rotor), M=B did not supply them, they are an aftermarket accessory and I'd dump them.

Stretch · #9 04-11-2011, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

If they are brake dust shields (between the wheel and rotor), M=B did not supply them, they are an aftermarket accessory and I'd dump them.

Well done - we discovered that in another thread:-

Wheel Rim Dust Shields: More Trouble Than They're Worth?

I thought the question was about the shields behind the wheels - I was wrong

babymog · #10 04-11-2011, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

<>I was wrong

I didn't think it possible! Now I know that we're all flawed, my bubble has burst.

;~)

vstech · #11 04-11-2011, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

Well done - we discovered that in another thread:-

Wheel Rim Dust Shields: More Trouble Than They're Worth?

I thought the question was about the shields behind the wheels - I was wrong

no, you thought it was about the shields behind the ROTOR... it IS the shield behind the wheels...