Guard plate

Mudguards are the protective panel sections of the wheel arch around the front wheels. They reduce the spray of water, mud, salt, gravel and stone chips towards other road users, the cab, the bodywork and underlying vehicle systems. On trucks, they protect brake discs, brake calipers, air springs, EBS (Electronic Braking System) wiring, sensors and chassis rails, among other components. On buses, properly fitting wheel protection is also important for protecting entry steps, air lines and bodywork components. On vans such as the MAN TGE and Mercedes Sprinter, mudguards prevent accelerated contamination and corrosion in the wheel arches.

Depending on the axle configuration and application, front-axle mudguards are available as flat panel sections, curved wheel arch segments, inner protective panels and parts for single-wheel fitments. Materials generally include impact-resistant polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), ABS plastic or glass-fibre-reinforced composite. Heavy-duty versions for construction vehicles may feature metal reinforcements or steel mounting profiles. The radius of curvature, panel width, clearance to the tyre and position in relation to the steering angle must correspond exactly to the original version. An excessively tight fit can cause rubbing at full suspension compression, steering lock or tyre deformation.

Mudguards differ considerably between MAN F2000, TGL, TGM, TGA, TGS, TGX and TG3, and between Mercedes Atego, Axor, Actros, Arocs, Antos and Econic. Specific versions are also available for Citaro, Intouro, Tourismo and Neoplan buses. Parts must therefore always be identified using the vehicle chassis number. Visual comparison or selection based solely on the model name is never sufficient, as wheelbase, axle load, tyre size, cab version and mudguard brackets determine the correct fit.

Common types of damage include cracks around mounting holes, worn mounting points, broken edge profiles, deformation caused by tyre contact and detached parts after collisions. Plastic mudguards can become brittle due to UV ageing, while metal mounting rails often corrode as a result of road salt and trapped moisture. On vehicles used for earthmoving, waste transport or distribution work, stone chips and caked-on mud place additional stress on the panel sections and their brackets.

First clean the wheel arch, then inspect the entire panel for hairline cracks, especially around bolt holes, clips and reinforcing ribs. Measure the clearance between the tyre and mudguard with the wheels in the straight-ahead position, and also check at maximum steering lock. On air-suspended vehicles, the inspection must be carried out at normal ride height as well as in the compressed position, as an apparently correct installation may otherwise still cause tyre contact. Check the mounting brackets for misalignment, corrosion and worn holes; replace deformed brackets rather than installing a new mudguard under tension. Also check that air lines, wiring harnesses, wheel speed sensors and brake components have not been damaged by a loose-hanging part.

During replacement, mounting surfaces must be derusted, cleaned and provided with corrosion protection where necessary. Use fasteners with the specified diameter, washers and locking devices; overtightened plastic parts may crack around the hole. Do not fit a universal panel where the original contour is required for sufficient wheel coverage or connection to adjacent mudguard sections. A correctly selected mudguard prevents repairs to brake and chassis components and helps minimise downtime. Thanks to its available parts stock and technical support, Braem can help determine the correct mounting configuration.