RE: O.S. .46 AX Replacement Bearings - remove shields?
IMHO the shields would keep the cages IN the bearing if failure occurs,I say this because I have a 46fx that digested a front cage and its not pretty. (scored crank,grooved block)
this is not to say that with the shield it would be bullit proof but maybe it would give you some hint of trouble before breaking loose.
rubber seals are different than shields.