is it safe to remove the slash shield from behind the rotors? i'm not really sure what purpose they serve, except to maybe keep water from splashing on the rotors and warping them. the main reason i want to take them off is to make inspecting the inside brakepads easier.

 

Take them off!! there is no reason I know of them being there, I always thought they were dust shields for brake dust, but who know, they just get in the damn way!