Front brake covers

Hi, after getting stuck in some deep mud the disco has been making a loud noise from the front wheels, increasing with speed (not revs).
It drove surprisingly well for my 300mile return trip other than the noise, last night I filled up the front diff oil and replace front hub bearings. It sounds much better now but I have realised that both front brake disc covers are grinding against the discs, Ive tried bending them whist on the car but am unable to stop all contact with the discs.
Question - are these really needed or can I just cut them off and do away with them? I bought these new a year or so ago and dont want to buy more to end up braking them next time I go offroad. Thanks

Bin them. You don't need them.
Was the first thing to go on mine.

Yep bin them

Ok thanks, will this have any negative affect on braking etc?

gR@HaM said:

Ok thanks, will this have any negative affect on braking etc?

Click to expand...

no

Thanks, got them off with tin snips no need to jack it up piece of cake