Help identifying this wheel part please!

Hi guys,

Recently a very high pitched squeek (metal on metal sounding) came from my front nearside wheel on my Mk1 1.8 GLi, when kicking the wheel (as a test) a rusty sounding vibration could be heard from inside the alloy. I took the wheel off and believe I found the problem- a very rusty, thin and seemingly fragile thing that I dont know what is called. I drew a picture - sorry should have taken a pic but didnt have a camera - which is below:



(the red bit)

Sorry this is so vague - i am booking myself on a mechanics evening class in the summer!

Cheers - Charlie

I like the pic :wink:
I think your onabout the back plate behind the disc? To be honest they all go rusty. If u want a new one they can be purchased from Crazy Quiffs (Link on the left) for not too much money at all.

Hope this has been some help.

Thanks
Joe

Yep, that's technically known as a "red blob".

No but seriously, I think its the disc backing plate, its a piece of steel and they invariably rust over time. Unsure but I still think they're available from VW, but you need to disassemble the hub to fit it. In theory they protect the brakes from debris, dirt and chucked up stones, etc so you could run the car without but I'd recommend having them fitted.

Spot on, thanks guys you're right, checked out the back plate Quiffs are selling and thats definitely it!

Is it a hard job to replace these? I am an amateur but have a good technical mate who will no doubt help me out!