Car brake dust shields

[seville009]

Swapped out tires on my 2019 Ford Explorer today.

Noticed that the two rear brakes did not have the dust shields on them, but both front dust shields were installed.

I had all four wheel bearings replaced about a month ago.

Prior to the new wheel bearings getting installed, I know that both rears did have dust shields.

So…..evidently the rear dust shields were not re-installed when the new wheel bearings were installed. I don’t know if that was intentional or not.

I just discovered this today, so haven’t had a chance yet to contact the shop that replaced the bearing to ask them about it. .

Is there any harm in not having the dust shields installed? I’m in the Northeast - road salt season has started…..

 

[dodge man]

I’ve always noticed them on my vehicles but I never really thought about what the function of them is.

 

[seville009]

I’ve always noticed them on my vehicles but I never really thought about what the function of them is.

I had done a quick internet search before I posted this, and the general consensus seems to be that the shields just help keep the brake components in better shape a little longer. I can’t see how it protects them all that much better though.

I just thought it was odd that they did not install them on both sides, and just the rears (vs maybe just forgetting to install the shield on just one side)

 

[skipmarcy]

When I saw the thread title I was thinking about the aftermarket dust shields you put between the wheel and hub to help keep brake dust off your wheels - I used to use them on a couple of new vehicles I bought years ago. It seems the OP is referring to the factory shields behind the rotors. They mainly help keep debris and heavy water from getting to the rotor and also aid in airflow for cooling - they really should be installed, they're not just for brake dust.