Dust Shields/backing plate - front hubs

[psa55]

The scraping noises up front are getting to be a bit much. My front left drivers side is ungodly.. but it may be coming from both sides. 99% sure it's the backing plates. The noise has been spotty for years, but now it's bad.

Just confirming, these can be cut away without replacing on the front? They serve no purpose?

If so, I'm going to break them off, as i don't want to unbolt my wheel bearings till it's replacement time.

 

[Matt]

Yes, they can be cut off and completely removed. They serve no useful purpose.

 

[Mooseman]

Agreed. The fronts are useless. The rears however are part of the backing plates that hold the parking brake assembly and protect the shoes.