A-Arm dust shield....do they work??
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 142
From: Green Valley Arizona
A-Arm dust shield....do they work??
Was thinking about getting a pair of those aftermaket A-arm or inner fender dust shields, the ones that have slots in them for the upper A-arms. Do these work? Or do they get torn up from A-arm travel? Anyone have experience with these?
Thanks
Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,182
Likes: 14
From: POINT PLEASANT NEW JERSEY
Originally Posted by LannyL81
Was thinking about getting a pair of those aftermaket A-arm or inner fender dust shields, the ones that have slots in them for the upper A-arms. Do these work? Or do they get torn up from A-arm travel? Anyone have experience with these?
Thanks
Thanks
I put a set on my 87....I don't drive in rain or snow....so they are not really put to the test. But they do seal off the area nicely. Also they make the compartment look "cleaner" ..more complete. Very cheap and easy to install. There are two types.....I got the cheaper "rubber" types offered. I forget what the other material was. -
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,182
Likes: 14
From: POINT PLEASANT NEW JERSEY
Originally Posted by Wayne88
I may be wrong, but they look like they keep heat from escaping the engine compartment.
I considered that...but there seems to be plenty of airflow going on under there...I have not had any increase in engine or coolant temps...so if it does restrict the airflow...it must be minimal.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
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From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
I have a set and like them. Keeps the road grime out of the engine compartment and vice versa. As for heat, it appears that Wayne88 has a point. However I've not seen any temp changes after installig them.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 221
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From: Oshkosh WI
I have the rubber ones on my '90. They keep the engine compartment clean even when driving in the rain. I like them better than the hard plastic ones. I tried the hard ones, but didn't like how they fit. I have had the rubber ones for about four years now and they still look good when they are clean.
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CF JASOC Member
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From: Downtown Annapolis, MD. The Future is where we all have to live. Let's not screw it up.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
I have them on my '88 Z52 coupe and they work well with no perceptible increase in engine compartment temperature. I drive around 13k miles per year, and it made a big difference keeping things clean.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 630
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From: BEMIDJI MN
Originally Posted by JrRifleCoach
I have a set and like them. Keeps the road grime out of the engine compartment and vice versa. As for heat, it appears that Wayne88 has a point. However I've not seen any temp changes after installig them.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Engine compartment heat is the enemy of underhood accessories like alternators. Because the alternator sits on top of the motor and doesn't get a lot of airflow from the radiator, the early alternators have a tendency to burn up internally because of excess underhood temps.
Most of the airflow thru the radiator goes downwards or out the holes where the upper A-arms are. If you block those holes, you are risking heat damage to the alternator. Not too sure how the A/C compressor would hold up as it isn't always working.
Most of the airflow thru the radiator goes downwards or out the holes where the upper A-arms are. If you block those holes, you are risking heat damage to the alternator. Not too sure how the A/C compressor would hold up as it isn't always working.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Originally Posted by c4cruiser
Most of the airflow thru the radiator goes downwards or out the holes where the upper A-arms are. If you block those holes, you are risking heat damage to the alternator.
Not a problem yet. I'm convinced that these covers will provide a good debris barrier between the wheel wells and engine compartment. IMHO if you want to keep your engine clean, BUY 'EM!
