Brake Dust - It's driving me nuts!!!!

[Sox]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Whether it's true or not, I wouldn't want to be the one to be the test pilot to prove or disprove the point.

The way I see it, dust covers are there to 'contain' dust particles getting onto the rims. As for them contributing to additional heat containment for braking efficiency, air flow is crucial for brakes to rid built up heat from the brake calipers and to maintain their performance power under duress.

When the car is moving, the air is directed from front to rear, effectively pushing air flow in this direction most of the time. In its moving state, the dust protectors do just that, protect against brake dust getting onto your rims during the cars movement.

Only when the car is stationary will there be a significant increase in heat with dust protectors on after the car has had it's braking capabilities measured. This additional heat could be considered insignificant of the car is left stationary for a long period of time. However if the car is used shortly after a run, the added heat will be there but unless you are doing a lot of brake work towing straight away after a prolonged stop, it will be insignificant also.

Again, this is what I think using my limited logic of reason and by no means is this to be taken as gospel. I am happy to be corrected.

The fact that dust shields reduce air flow to the brake system is just that, fact.
This has been understood for as long as I can remember.

I'm not quite sure why Ronwest is questioning this.

I will also go on to say that there will be differences when the car is moving to. The biggest differences IMO.
Think of it this way, the shield is restricting air flow through the wheel. Much of the cool air the brakes rely on will come from airflow through the wheel.
If this is reduced when using shields, then naturally brake cooling is reduced.

This is really basic stuff.

Also, as I've repeatedly pointed out, it may not effect 95% of users, however it will effect some. That's a fact.

What happens when you reduce the airflow through the radiator?
Then engine may overheat under some more extreme conditions.