Front Disc Brakes ... backing plate?

[BlueNova]

Quick question ... I assembled my front end a while back without the backing plates for the brakes because I felt they looked 'clumsy'. Maybe daft, coz who's going to see them other than the MOT man?

However, that got me thinking that VW must have put them there for a reason, and more importantly, is it an MOT fail if they're not there?

So, have any of your Novas (or Eagles, Avantes, etc) passed an MOT without them?

Thanks in advance,

Alistair

[Alzax3]

I've never had any on mine.... hasn't been a problem with any MOT it;s been through since 2006.

[BlueNova]

I've never had any on mine.... hasn't been a problem with any MOT it;s been through since 2006.

Excellent Alex ... many thanks!

[Peter]

Nor me, never been there, I too think they are clumsy.

[BlueNova]

Nor me, never been there, I too think they are clumsy.

If it’s good enough for the ‘Grumpy Old Mechanic’ it’s good enough for me

[Phill]

I don't have them on mine either and whilst I never had my car MOT'd it was checked over by an MOT inspector who declared the car fit and never said anything about the lack of backing plates. But like you, I too wonder why VW fit them if it isn't really necessary

[BlueNova]

I don't have them on mine either and whilst I never had my car MOT'd it was checked over by an MOT inspector who declared the car fit and never said anything about the lack of backing plates. But like you, I too wonder why VW fit them if it isn't really necessary

Cheers Phill, I also had a look at front disc conversion kits available on the market to see if they're included. Only about 50% of those I found actually come with backing plates, which some call 'splash shields' which maybe explains why VW fitted them in the 1st place.

.... so I'll just be leaving mine off

[Mikemrb]

The plates are mainly to help reduce the amount of brake dust getting all over the suspension components but more importantly to protect from radiated heat getting to the ball joint rubbers when you park up and the air flow stops

[BlueNova]

The plates are mainly to help reduce the amount of brake dust getting all over the suspension components but more importantly to protect from radiated heat getting to the ball joint rubbers when you park up and the air flow stops

Thanks Mike, that makes sense ... so I take it you're minded to fit backing plates to your own Nova?

[Mikemrb]

Thanks Mike, that makes sense ... so I take it you're minded to fit backing plates to your own Nova?

Yes I'll probably make some out of stainless, it's fine to run without them if you don't mind the dust and make some small shields for the ball joints or you could use the ones fitted to the lower joints on a Peugeot (307) etc they fit under the joint nut or some are a push fit over the nut and bend down over the rubber