SLine78

On Van Steel's exploded view of the rear bearing assembly, they show a "deflector flange" (part #17) going between the dust shield and the spindle flange. What is the purpose of the deflector flange? How critical is it?

My bearing assembly did not have this part, at least not the passenger side. I have not removed the driver's side yet.

I looked at Zwede's trailing arm rebuild page and I did not see a deflector flange in any of his pictures either.

Thanks,

NHvette

The deflector flange (17) is lightly pressed onto the bearing side of the
spindle flange (16). They pry off easily for replacement.
If you really don't have them, then buy a couple. They are cheap
and they keep dirt/sand/water from getting to the dust shield/seal.

SLine78

Thanks,
I took another look at mine. The "bowl shaped" piece does look like it is pressed onto the spindle flange. I thought it was machined as part of the flange itself, and not a seperate replaceble part. If this is the deflector flange, mine is there afterall.