How to Hide Disc Brakes With Backing Plates

Concealing the disc brakes with the use of a backing plate or, more correctly, a disc brake dust cover, keeps the asbestos dust from collecting on the wheels. These covers are not expensive, although they are vehicle specific in wheel size and bolt pattern. Some are slotted for different bolt patterns but still need to be the right size for the wheel. The installation of dust covers is a simple procedure for the do-it-yourselfer.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels one complete turn counterclockwise using the lug wrench. Raise the front of the vehicle and place jack stands under the sub-frame. Lower the vehicle so it rests on the stands. Continue removing the lug nuts and the wheel.

2

Place the dust cover (backing plate) over the wheel studs with the concave side facing in toward the engine. Install the wheel and tighten the lug nuts sufficiently to secure the wheel when the vehicle is lowered.

3

Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts to factory specifications. The proper torque for the lug nuts can be found in the owners manual or in a service manual for the vehicle.