Brake disc shield removal

[Jad]

I am thinking about removing the brake disk shields. What are the pro's and con's of those things. Seem like they mostly add weight and heat, but there must be some pluses as well?

[pdy]

The only plus for your application would be if they had holes in them for big air ducts (they don't).

Lose 'em!

[martinreinhardt]

It was one of the first things I removed from my car (approx 1 pound), I think they are worthless here in california. purpose maybe to protect from snow, salt, water, mud and keep the brakes hot

Pros: Better cooling without them
Cons: n/a

[ttweed]

Mine are long gone, Jad, with no ill effects. I don't think they shield your brake discs from anything but perhaps big pebbles that might be thrown up and lodge between the caliper and disc. This has never happened to me, but then I don't do a lot of gravel or dirt road driving in my 911s.

TT

[Jad]

Thanks. I don't mind removing parts that I understand, but when I am not sure what the really do, it makes me nervous. Especially in the brake system.

[kary]

I have had mine off both front and back for some time. No issue at all. Looks cleaner as well and certainly allows heat to escape better.

[Dan Chambers]

Jad:

My shields/splash guards have been off for two years now with no noticeable negative effect. I was told it can alter the air flow if you have ducting, and that the newer shields have holes for air ducting, but I've had ducting and the air flow seems fine.

The only difference in the braking system after two years with ducting and no shields is, the inner pads appear to wear a little itty bitty bit slower than the outer pads. Perhaps due to cooling? And since I change out my race-to-street pads seasonally (Yes, I'm sick that way. No racing for 6 weeks, and I change my pads ) ... I can "flip" the outers to inners and get reasonable life out of the race pads/street pads.

I'm happy with my shields off, and with last season's higher-than-average rains, I had no problems.

My 2-cents.