Replacing Dust Shield (Do I need to remove the wheel hub?)

[arjun90]

I think my dust shield is making contact with my rotors; when backing out of the driveway and accelerating on the road (usually after starting the car for the first time of the day), I hear something making contact with the rotors (metallic sound of two metals coming together). The sound is more prominent when making turns (not a CV axle noise). At one point I even changed the power steering fluid just for the added peace of mind. Albeit this probably isn't related. I tried angling the dust shield away from the rotors, there may be something that came in contact with the rotor and is lodged between the dust shield and rotor itself. There is a groove in the rotors now; pads have not completely thinned out; they do seem to be wearing out equally, the rotors themselves have a rusted lip; the Akebono Ceramic pads do make a noise (not a squeal; but its the sound of worn out brakes) when I have the car roll a little at a red light. These are Brembo discs by the way. My driving pattern changed after acquiring a Q5; just seem to be a little more aggressive now with the A6 (Even trying out S-mode occasionally in open areas), the motor is a gem.

[AudiNike12]

Yes, you can remove it without removing the wheel hub. Remove the screws and just pull it. I did it when I changed the lower control arm bushings. Altough mine was the rear. Don't know if it's the same in the front

[quattrosnrabbit]

Yes, front and rear can be removed without removing hubs. Rotors will need to be removed to access the 10mm bolts. If you think they are rubbing, that should be evident by spinning the wheel with that corner (or car) off the ground. You should be able to bend shield away by hand or prybar if there is rubbing without removing anything but the wheel, and possibly not even that depending on access (pushing prybar through a wheel spoke opening etc).

Also keep in mind there are heat shields underneath along the prop shaft. Those can become loose and rub as well.

[arjun90]

Well this is odd, its been several months with the dust shield issue, but yesterday mt ABS and traction control light lit on my dash board intermittently; turned off the car, started it back up, no light. I suspect the brake light switch or one of the angle sensors need to be changed or cleaned out.