Backing plate rusted off

[ReddBoots79]

I heard a horrible grinding noise while driving, so I went back home then it disappeared for a few minutes. To spare you the rest of the story involving the quickest reverse parking I've done, I found half of the backing plate from the front right wheel on the street. It was rusted and broke off.


How urgent is this to replace? It's funny that this happened because I'm planning to drive out of town for rust proofing.

[tpollauf]

It's funny that this happened because I'm planning to drive out of town for rust proofing.

Not sure on the priority of those plates BUT I too travel an hour & then some to the closest "Rust Chek" dealer for rust protection. Where are you located and where will you be taking it? In Canada, Krown & Rust Chek are the two big boys when it comes to rust protection. Here in the states there aren't many around.

[ReddBoots79]

I'm in Indiana currently, though I'm originally from Canada. I'm taking it to Grabil for Krown costing, its a little north of Fort Wayne. The garage has a great reputation even though it's a longer drive. Plus, he's asking $159, which is the most reasonable price I've found.

I was going to take it today but I rebooked it to get some squeaking issue from the front left wheel fixed. And I'm getting two new front tires. The guy is super busy and the next available appointment was Sept 10. The weather isn't cooling off enough to hinder the efficacy by then.

For the record, there is another Krown location in Kokomo and there Rust Chek ones in Indy. Corrosion Free has some presence in Ohio too.

The car's got rust but I've had it inspected and it's all surface and the frame is relatively spotless. I was contemplating going the Fluid Film route but I don't have access to a lift.

[joatmon]

Now that you've got the time, I'd say replace the backing plates. They help keep stuff from getting up amongst the rotor/caliper/pads.

I looked on RockAuto, and couldn't find backing plates for an 09 Vibe, but they did have sets of both front backing plates for an 09 Matrix, which should be the same as your Vibe, not nearly as expensive as I thought they might be. I've never dealt with RockAuto, but a number of folks here have had good things to say about them.

[ReddBoots79]

Thanks. Yeah, I've been looking at Matrix parts since they're plentiful, especially from Canadian sellers on eBay.

[ReddBoots79]

Little update. I need the left front bearing replaced, and the mechanic said that none of the wheels have the backing plates.

The brakes are new from April, and since the bearing is a priority, I'll get the plates replaced a bit later since I don't have the money for them now.