[s-cars] rear splash guards? go without?

[yo-cello at comcast.net]

S-heads, 


I'm in the midst of doing a long list of maintenance on the Avant, and part of the list is doing the rear brakes. Upon removal of the rear rotors, it's evident that the splash/dust shields behind the rotors are complete toast. The only sources for these, online anyway, want about $65 a side for these (didn't even bother to try the dealer) pieces of stamped cheap metal. Are they even necessary? Any reason to replace them? 


Though this is probably the least of my worries. I've got one caliper that's shot (leaking and the spring on the e-brake cam is broken) and one of my H&R front springs has snapped...(replaced the other side about a year ago). Oh well. 


Paul 
95.5 S6A