What this bit do. . . ?

Just finished doing the front swivel joint and brakes on my other half's disco, and after blooming hours putting it all back together, I found this on the side. Do'h! It looks like some sort of spacer, but is it necessary? I've already taken the car for a test run, and it drives lovely now, I really don't fancy taking it all apart to re-fit this one piece. This is a photo of the other side, with the disk still attached. If any one can tell me what it is and if its needed, I'd be grateful.

I think what you're referring to is called a mudshield. It fits snugly when the disc's fitted and is supposed to stop mud and other crud getting into the oil seal and bearings.

it also acts as locking plate/washer for bolts you can get them with rubber skirt on the outer rim

i had the same bit left when i did my cv last week... i took it all apart again n put it back....

Ok cheers guys. I guess i'll busy tonight then. Damn!

we arent referring to the old bearing race here are we? :??:

Part no 2 is the mud shield. The disc shaped ring the OP refers to is a spacer. I believe it is there to widen the track.

There is no mud shield in the OP's picture of the completed side.

there is no spacer fitted or can be fitted to stub axle ,there is what looks like old bearing race on stub ,and plate is a mudshield/locking ring

jamesmartin said:

there is no spacer fitted or can be fitted to stub axle ,there is what looks like old bearing race on stub ,and plate is a mudshield/locking ring

Click to expand...

I reckon we must be talking about 2 different mud shields then as the diagram clearly shows the brake disc mud shield, which is a different looking item altogether.

yes there are 2 ,plate in photo helps keep inner of disc clean ,abs models have rubber skirt to keep reluctor ring clean

Two entirely different components, yes.

Right after just over an hours mucking about, its back on! So thanks guys, and yes I was referring to the mud shield/locking ring, not the brake disc mud shield. Thanks all!