Disk Brake Dust Covers

[Monark192]

I'm installing the rebuilt a-arms etc from Eric Jones to convert my 62 to disk brakes. The dust covers that came with the original conversion parts from Ebay are rusty and bent. Are these parts necessary? At the risk of asking an obvious question - what do they do?

 

[mccalebr]

Great question, Simon!

I'm doing the same on my '62 Sprite (disc brake conversion)and have the same question. I will have the opportunity to put the car on a lift regularly to clean and inspect the running gear that is so often neglected. I'm leaning toward not reinstalling the covers. I know the racers don't use them (maybe not all) and while their situation is different, the premise is similar...much more scrutiny for limited use.

I'm interested as well to see what the experts say.

Ray

 

[Bob Claffie]

My new (VERY EARLY)1959 AH 3000 didn't come with the brake shields from the factory. Pad mileage varied from 900 to 1500 depending on the weather and the season. Later 3000's had the shields for obvious reasons. Yes, you do need them. Bob

 

[spritenut]

All my Sprites do NOT have those dust shields.
They all came with them but they do not serve any noticable purpose.
And now I have a milk crate full of them.

 

[TexasSprite]

What do they look like? My 59 must be missing them too.

 

[Monark192]

They look like part # 8 below

 

[Monark192]

Hmm - one yes, one no. I am thinking of leaving them off - well, not ordering new ones to install I guess - and keeping a close eye on pad wear.

 

[Bob Claffie]

I have to add some info to my rant above on the lousy performance of the shieldless disc brake pads on my AH3000. Firstly the Healey had terribly small brake pads to start with considering the weight and performance of the car. Secondly I drove the car all winter in snow, sand, and salt. Also it was driven hard and autocrossed every opportunity I had. My point above was that it only took the factory a few months to recognize their mistake and add the shields to the 1960 models. A Spridget driven sanely, in good weather, and moderate annual distances MAY not need the shields. Bob

 

[WALTER]

Sweet...two less parts to strip and paint. It must be disk brake conversion season. I'm in the middle of converting my '62'.