Used Backing Plate, Front

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Brake plates are, according to the automotive glossary at AutoZone.com, “Stamped steel plates upon which the wheel cylinder is mounted and the brake shoes are attached; metal plates that serve as the foundation for the brake shoes and other drum brake hardware”.

In other words, without the backing plates, the brakes would have nothing to hold on to. In order for friction to stop the vehicle, the brake shoes must be firmly fixed — that’s where this particular brake part comes in.

When the driver pushes down on the brake pedal, due to which this places pressure on the hydraulic fluid in the brake lines. At the top of the backing plate is a wheel cylinder containing two pistons, one at either end. The pressure from the brake fluid enters the wheel cylinder and forces the spring-loaded pistons to move outward from the wheel cylinder, pushing the brake shoes against the inside of the brake drum.

Such kinds of backing plate are found in drum brakes. Front drum brakes may be of either design in practice, but the twin leading design is more effective. This design uses two actuating cylinders arranged so that both shoes use the self-applying characteristic when the vehicle is moving forwards. The brake shoes pivot at opposite points to each other. This gives the maximum possible braking when moving forwards, but is not so effective when the vehicle is traveling in reverse.

Search for a junkyard that may have your Backing Plate, Front in stock! You can search in the USA by zip code for used auto salvage parts near you using our used parts request form.

About Used Front Brake Backing Plates

The front backing plate mounts behind the brake and shields it from road debris, and on drum brakes it holds the brake hardware. Rust or damage is a common reason to replace one, and a used plate is inexpensive.

What a Front Brake Backing Plate Does

The front brake backing plate is the metal plate mounted behind the brake at the front wheel. On disc brakes it is a dust shield that protects the rotor and caliper from road debris and helps direct cooling. On drum brakes it also mounts the shoes, wheel cylinder, and hardware.

Signs Your Front Brake Backing Plate Is Failing

Rust or corrosion, common on the shield
A bent or damaged plate rubbing the rotor and causing noise
Damage from a wheel or brake failure
On drum brakes, worn mounting points for the hardware

What to Check When Buying a Used Front Brake Backing Plate

Check the plate for rust, bends, and damage
Confirm it is the correct disc or drum type
On drum backing plates, check the hardware mounting points
Match the exact plate and side for your vehicle

Common Applications

Every wheel has a backing plate or dust shield. Rust and bending that causes rubbing are the common issues, and a used plate restores the shielding, or the drum hardware mounting, for little cost.

Related Parts

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the brake backing plate do?

On disc brakes it is a dust shield behind the rotor that keeps road debris off the brake and helps with cooling. On drum brakes it also mounts the shoes, wheel cylinder, and hardware. So the job depends on your brake type.

Why does my backing plate rub the rotor?

A bent or corroded plate can contact the rotor, causing a scraping or ringing noise. Straightening sometimes works, but a badly rusted or bent plate is best replaced.

Is the front plate different from the rear?

Yes, and it is side-specific too. Match the correct front plate and side, and the disc or drum type, for your vehicle.

Is a used backing plate a good buy?

Yes, when it is free of heavy rust and not bent, and matches your brake type and side. A used plate restores the shielding or drum hardware mounting inexpensively.