What are the consequences of removing the brake rotor dust shields on a daily driver? Mine are fairly flimsy and corroded, and are rattling around like crazy.

I can't see that it would cause too much trouble to take them off...with the only exception being that road grit would get in the back of the hub and damage the inner bearings. However, shouldn’t the seal prevent that from happening?

If the consensus is to keep them on..then what do people do to reinforce them? Or do you just buy new ones?

 

your inboard brake pads will wear faster, thats about it

 

And gravel and sand will get into the pads and cause them to start squeaking.

 

I cant imagine them being too expensive- I would just replace them. Brakes are too important to oversee.
good luck,
Shin