Do I need my brake backing plates?
 

I just had new rotors installed and the shop removed the backing plates, saying it will help with cooling. I don't mind, as long as there's no good reason to leave them on. What purpose are they supposed to serve?

Carefull..."backing plates" are usually meant to be the stick-on thingies that are on the backside of brake pads...or they imply the metal "non-pad" portion thereof, too....

I think you mean the rock guards that cover the inside surface of the disc brakes. They can usually go unless you drive on gravel all the time. Look how sparse the design has become with the 986/996 cars...a mere square or triangle of a piece.....

Wil

Thanks Wil. The Bentley manual calls them backing plates. Or maybe it was back plates, or something like that. I'll look again. I assumed they were meant to be dust shields and not really required.

Dave, they are called backing plates. Most track cars do not run them. You will be fine

Eric Hood

When I hear "backing plates" I think of the metal plate that the disc pad *material* is bonded too....part of the brake *pad*

Like here--->
http://www.supercircle.com/prod09.htm

Wil

PS- with this defintion , I can at least understand what "backing" means...as in a "backing" to the pad material. In the other definition for a dust/rock shield...what is the significance of the word "backing" ??

Possibly a holdover from drum brake days.

A british book about a German car. Got a spanner under that bonnet?

As in the tin plates missing here?
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1111608899.jpg
For winter use or driving through standing water or muddy roads they are useful otherwise leave them off for better cooling.

Or do you mean antisqueal pads
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1111609145.jpg

leave them off as well

I guess my point was that I call the host metal "plate" that the disc pad material is bonded onto...... a "backing plate". Makes sense in this context too, as to why it's called that.

Yeah...the sheet metal dust shields ( aka "tin plates") is where I think this whole thread started....the "dirt shields" or whatever that protects the inside surface of the brake disc....

Wil

Will your version of a backing plate cannot be left off, no way no how;)

Bill, yes that's it. The big round dishes that mount to the hub and protect the inboard side of the brake rotors is what I'm speaking of. Bentley calls it a backing plate, but the Porsche parts catalog says "protective plate". At any rate, they're staying off. Thanks.

Glad we got through all that.... :)

By the way...for those that have recently done this....I presume the rears can be removed in situ...but the front requires taking the bearings off first...right? ( speaking of a ...say... 3.2 Carrera)?

Wil

Yes, the rears are C shaped the fronts are topologically, a donut w/ some extra holes
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1111706989.jpg



correct again you need to take it down to this point


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1111707047.jpg

Bill officially has pictures for everything.

What's the correct factory finish for the brake rotor backing plates on an SC? Thanks.

Have had my front backing plates removed for years on my 944 turbo with no ill affects and I drive the car in the rain often as well and no loss in braking or warped rotors.

Asking because I've sen them plated, but the new ones from Porsche appear satin black? Thanks and have a great Holiday.

Yellow zinc plating.

Thanks!

Wait...Bill probably has a pic for that too.