Is there a tool or trick to removing these? They are behind the hub so a screwdriver doesn't have enough line of sight to undo the three little screws. I tried a socket but it still doesn't fit. I have no problem cutting but the screws are still in the way.

 

im not 100% sure but i think if you remove the rotor the hub has an acess hole drilled in it. You should be able to remove one screw, spin the hub and remove all until you get the dust sheild off.

 

I thought about removing the dust shield one time on my dad's Accord when a shop cross threaded the lugs onto the wheel studs. I was able to bend the shield and sneak the new stud onto the hub luckily.

If you do plan to remove the dust shield I believe you need to press the hub out of the knuckle. Another thing you could try is what I sometimes do for the screws on the rotor to the hub. Use a 1/4" ratchet w/ a socket for a phillips bit as a short driver. However, make sure the bit seats firmly with the head as you apply torque to avoid rounding the head.

 

Yeah but even if you cut them with the screws on, are you going to leave the screws in there?

 

Why do you need to remove the screws or the dust shield? Helps keep the brake dust off the ball joints.