How Important Is Brake Backing Plate?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The function of backing plates is

to hold the braking system together so it can work properly

. With drum brake systems, each wheel has two curved brake shoes mounted on the stationary backing plate. … When the driver pushes down on the brake pedal, this places pressure on the hydraulic fluid in the brake lines.

Can I drive without brake dust shield?


You don’t need them

. The only thing they do is shield a bit of road dust and debris from reaching the disc pad interface. Remove them and your brake cooling will improve considerably while your inner pad will wear slightly faster.

Do I really need a brake dust shield?

The brake dust shield is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part that helps protect brake system components and other suspension parts from the excessive collection of brake dust. … Unless you have a disc brake system, which cleans itself, the brake dust shield

is important to protect the entire system

.

What does a dust shield do?

A brake dust shield

keeps heat generated from the braking system away from suspension and drivetrain components

. At the same time, it protects brake rotors, calipers and pads from water and debris intrusion.

Can brake dust shield make noise?

Brake dust, as well as other road contaminants,

can cause uneven brake applications

– which in turn results in noise. This most commonly occurs on drum brakes as the brake dust gets trapped within the drum itself.

How much does it cost to replace backing plates?

How much does it cost to replace backing plates? The cost of brake backing plates may vary depending on inclusions and the vehicle model. Prices for an individual piece or a set may range from

$34 to $197.

Are brake backing plates necessary for MoT?

When it comes to steering & suspension, without the brake shield, these components would become caked with brake dust, which is a significant cause of corrosion. … Disc brake shields/plates on the other hand,

are not affected by the MoT unless they are hindering braking performance

.

How does brake dust happen?

When your brake pads heat up, their metallic particles get a static charge as they wear off the surface of the pad. … Brake dust is also caused by

brake rotors containing cast iron

. When your rotors wear down, the iron particles also get a static charge as they wear off the rotors and cling to surfaces like your wheels.

How do you clean brake dust?

  1. Make Sure Wheels/Brakes Are Cool To Touch & Out of Direct Sunlight. …
  2. Rinse Wheels To Remove Heavy Dirt/Contaminants. …
  3. Choose The Correct Brake Dust Cleaner. …
  4. Spray Your Wheels With Brake Dust Cleaner And Wait. …
  5. Gently Scrub Wheel With Soft-Bristle Brush.

What is the plate behind the rotor called?

What are Backing Plates? Backing plates are often referred to as ‘

brake plates’

and can be found behind the brake shoes. Backing plates are metal plates that function as the solid foundation for drum brake. Made of steel, these plates have the wheel cylinder mounted on them to which the brake shoes are then attached.

How do you remove brake dust shield?

While it might be tempting to remove the brake dust shield to avoid the extra step during brake pad replacement jobs,

the risks simply outweigh any perceived benefits

.

How do you cut a brake dust shield?

  1. Loosen lug nuts. …
  2. Remove two 17mm bolts holding caliper and mouting bracket to the rotor. …
  3. Remove rotor by jiggling and pulling it off.
  4. Now you should see three Torx bolts holding the dust shield to the steering knuckle. …
  5. Now the dust shield should be loose.

Why is my wheel making a scraping noise?

If your wheel bearings are worn, it can cause a grinding noise while turning the vehicle.

Poor steering and handling and uneven tire wear

are just some of the effects of failing wheel bearings.

How does a backing plate get bent?

The backing plate could have bent for a number of reasons.

The plate could have failed because it was hung up in the bracket

, or the friction material was worn down enough it hurt the integrity of the backing plate.

How much does it cost to get your brakes fixed?

A complete brake repair — one that includes pads, rotor and caliper replacement — typically averages

between $300 and $800

. However, depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you can easily spend more than $1,000 on a complete brake job.

What does a brake shoe do?

Brake shoes

stop the car by pushing outward

, while brake pads stop it by moving closer together. Instead of sitting inside a brake drum, brake pads are positioned around a disc called a rotor.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.