Re: Early 4k F disc brake splash shields

[Alan Kramer <ackramer@hotmail.com>]

Thanks to the 10 of you that responded to my question.  I wound up using a big
a** screwdriver to 'reshape' the accordian pleat caused by the stray tire
chain that was caused the shield to rub against the rotor and wheel rim.  It's
by no means straight, but good enough so it doesn't hit anything anymore.  For
future reference, you do have to remove at least the wheel, to get at the
bolts holding the shield on.  As for the rotor, it would make the job easier,
but you probably don't have to take it off...  The bolts should be short
enough to clear.  You'd have to use a long 10mm wrench.

Thanks all!
Alan

'81 4k/4E  300k mi.
'83 CGT  180k mi.

tm2@earthlink.net wrote:

> Alan Kramer wrote:
> >
> > Hi all,
> >     Today driving my 4k in a lovely ice storm Maryland was hit with this
> > morning, someone's abandoned tire chain decided to wrap itself somehow
> > (I'm still trying to figure that out...) around my RF tie rod and in the
> > process seriously disfigured the brake "splash shield," causing it to
> > rub in places against the disc.  Can this be removed easily w/o removing
> > the disc?  As I was un-wrapping the chain while laying on my back on the
> > side of the road in slush, I didn't look for the mounting bolts...
> > ...and I'm not too enthusiastic to spend too much time out in the ice
> > trying to figure it out, 'cause I'm not lucky enough to have a garage!
> >
> > Also, do you think would the removal of the shield affect brake
> > performance that much???
> >
> > If anyone knows, I'd greatly appreciate it!
> >
> > TIA,
> > Alan
> >
> > '81 4k/4E  300k mi.
> > '83 CGT  180k mi.
> Alan
>
> If the A4 is like the 5000 series then there are 3 10mm bolts that hold
> the slash guard on. I think they are bolted on outere side of the
> strut.  Hard to get of without removing the disks.
> On my sons Eagle Premier there are no spash guards and the disk brakes
> do heat up easy.  Of course that isn't saying much because the Premier's
> system is a piece of SH** anyway. So I assume the running without guards
> will subject your disks to heat and foreign objects on the road.
>
> Pat Korach
> Kirkland, WA