Brake dust shield

The front brake dust shields on my 2009 Toyota 4 runner are rusted away. My mechanic says they would remove them but not replace them as they don't recommend putting new ones on. Is this true? They have been really good mechanics up to this point .

 

If you’re running good pads like akebono or similar, I agree with the mechanic. No need for them.

 

The dust shields shield the brakes from splashing water and debris. It's likely your mechanic recommended against replacing them because it's a labour-intensive job that can open a can-o'-worms on a rusty old 4Runner -- the hubs and wheel bearings need to come off.

 

my 2007 had both that went bad at 180k, i replaced them in my driveway. Easy and imo you need them