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Do i really need disc brake backing plates on front?
bajachris88 - November 30th, 2010 at 02:45 PM

Hi,

Just fitting the thing arms and spindles...

They are drum brake but have the caliper adapters to suit to fit stock bug disc brakes. Unfortunately the brake backing plate bolt pattern for the drums is different to the original disc brake backing plate bolt pattern. Even the ID of the back of the spindle into the backing plate is different.

Can i just leave it out?
Do i really need backing plates for disks on the front?

only risk is slight premature wear due to contaminants getting between disc and brake pad?

Thanks guys,
Chris.

Sides - November 30th, 2010 at 03:29 PM

I don't run backing plates on either my front or rear discs... hasn't caused me any issues so far.

68AutoBug - November 30th, 2010 at 05:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajachris88
Hi,

Just fitting the thing arms and spindles...

They are drum brake but have the caliper adapters to suit to fit stock bug disc brakes. Unfortunately the brake backing plate bolt pattern for the drums is different to the original disc brake backing plate bolt pattern. Even the ID of the back of the spindle into the backing plate is different.

Can i just leave it out?
Do i really need backing plates for disks on the front?

only risk is slight premature wear due to contaminants getting between disc and brake pad?

Thanks guys,
Chris.


Hi Chris,

I don't think they are a necessity ...
but depends on whether the Guy inspecting Your car might??

Lee

helbus - November 30th, 2010 at 05:55 PM

No requirement to have backing plates fitted to discs if they are only dust covers.

Joel - November 30th, 2010 at 08:15 PM

I took mine off over 10 years ago cos they rubbed on 14" rims.

They're supposed to be a slash gaurd, I've driven through plenty of torrential rain and never had a drama

colonel mustard - November 30th, 2010 at 09:10 PM

mine were left off on the overhaul last month... :)

Aussie Dubbin - November 30th, 2010 at 09:29 PM

Arent they meant to keep water out so that you dont brake and feel very little pad on rotor? Looks better without them

matberry - December 1st, 2010 at 07:09 AM

They make a big difference in keeping water off the disc rotors. My old baja had none and I definately noticed the difference in wet weather, puddles effected the brakes more withot the covers.

Having said that, my thing stubs also have none. No plans to bother either, but I noticed Mike Sharp fitted some to thing stubs, so it can be done.

bajachris88 - December 1st, 2010 at 08:31 PM

Thanks guys :tu:

yea will do without for the moment... trying to smash this beast quickly for straddie @ new yrs. :)