AU Futura 15" Mags Backing Plate - Can it be removed?

[OrangeOne]

I just bought an AU Futura Wagon - Series 1, and it came with the factory 15" mags. A mate was looking at it and wondered if the "plasticy" backing plate can be removed from the back of the mags?

I figure it's there for a reason, but out of curiousity I've googled and searched these forums with no luck. I figure it's the sort of thing that's probably been asked a 100 times, so yeah, if anyone knows / wants to point me to a thread, I'd appreciate it!

[ClassicAU]

Thats a brake dust protector for the alloys. I used to have them on my old EA wagon. I had EF Ghia rims on it. All I did to remove them was basically bash them from the outside with the back of a screwdriver. They should just pop off.
If you want to be kind to them, then you can look on the inside of the wheel and find the tabs in the centre holding them in. Either way you need to remove the wheel from the car first.

Evan

[OrangeOne]

Originally Posted by ClassicAU

Thats a brake dust protector for the alloys. I used to have them on my old EA wagon. I had EF Ghia rims on it. All I did to remove them was basically bash them from the outside with the back of a screwdriver. They should just pop off.
If you want to be kind to them, then you can look on the inside of the wheel and find the tabs in the centre holding them in. Either way you need to remove the wheel from the car first.

Evan

Thanks for the amazingly fast reply. Do I take it that it goes without saying there were / are no negative impacts from removing them other than more brake dust?

My mate's line of thinking was that the wheels would look a bit better without the protectors, and I think I agree...

[Werd.]

Originally Posted by OrangeOne

Thanks for the amazingly fast reply. Do I take it that it goes without saying there were / are no negative impacts from removing them other than more brake dust?

My mate's line of thinking was that the wheels would look a bit better without the protectors, and I think I agree...

Yup more brake dust is the only down side.
Looks heaps better without them. Probably more air flow to the brakes as well.

[OrangeOne]

Thanks Werd. & ClassicAU, looks like it's time for me to go jack it up and bash those plates off!

[FGII-XR6]

just be prepared to clean your wheels a couple of times a week if you do a few Ks

[AU2PWR]

they make awesome frisbees ...