Re: Early 4k F disc brake splash shields

[Jerry Croucher <croucher@eos.net>]

Alan,

On one of my cars, a 1982 VW Rabbit diesel, the splash shields were
missing when I bought the car.  I was going to replace them until I
found that to do that the hubs have to be pressed out (!).  I have
noticed that if you splash through any amount of water the brakes
require more pressure to stop.  I would not drive too long without
the shield.

Jerry

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.