Support

Front axle mudguard brackets secure the mudguards to the chassis, cab structure or specific mounting points around the front axle in a stable, vibration-resistant manner. For MAN trucks from the F2000, TGL, TGM, TGS, TGX and TG3 series, Mercedes Atego, Axor, Actros and Arocs, as well as buses such as the MAN Lion’s City, Mercedes Citaro and Neoplan coaches, the design varies considerably depending on the front axle configuration, wheel size and vehicle body. MAN TGE and Mercedes Sprinter vans also use specific mounting brackets. Parts must therefore always be identified using the vehicle chassis number; visual comparison or selection based solely on the model name is never sufficient.

Front axle mudguard brackets are generally made from hot-dip galvanised steel, painted steel, aluminium or glass-fibre-reinforced plastic. Steel versions are suitable for high mechanical loads and construction site use, while plastic or composite brackets are corrosion-resistant and transmit fewer vibrations to the mudguards. Depending on the design, these may be fixed mounting brackets, adjustable support arms, tube brackets, angle brackets or clamp assemblies around a chassis or front axle component.

The correct bracket is determined not only by the vehicle series, but also by the front axle version, wheel size, suspension height and the shape of the attached mudguard. A bracket with a different centre-to-centre distance, tube diameter or angle places stress on the front axle mudguard. This can cause cracks around the mounting holes. Also check whether the bracket is designed for an integrated marker lamp, reflective contour marking or side guard.

The most common types of damage are bent brackets following contact with bollards or tyres, corrosion around chassis mountings, worn mounting holes and cracking at weld seams. On vehicles used in construction, waste collection or winter service, moisture, road salt and stone chips accelerate deterioration. Loose brackets cause rattling mudguards, a changed mudguard position around the front axle and sometimes rubbing at full suspension compression or steering lock. This can damage the mudguard, tyre sidewall or connected lighting.

Park the vehicle on level ground, secure it against rolling away and, if necessary, relieve the load on the air suspension. Then clean the bracket, mounting points and surrounding chassis area. Visually inspect for corrosion, hairline cracks, deformation and missing fasteners. Measure the mudguard position on the left and right, both at normal ride height and – for air suspension – during controlled raising and lowering. Compare the centre distance of the mounting holes, the diameter of bolts or clamps and the bracket position with the opposite side. Watch for oval holes: these indicate relative movement and generally require replacement of both the bracket and the fastening material.

Always replace a structurally bent or cracked front axle mudguard bracket; straightening may leave hidden material fatigue in steel or glass-fibre-reinforced plastic. During removal, also inspect the mudguard, rubber vibration dampers, spacer bushes and body washers. Use mounting bolts with the specified strength class, self-locking nuts or thread locking compound in accordance with factory specifications. Tighten connections using a calibrated torque wrench: insufficient tightening torque leads to loosening, while excessive tightening deforms plastic components and bush connections.

In cases of recurring tearing, the cause is often not a defective bracket alone, but a misaligned mudguard, missing dampers or a damaged chassis mounting point. First restore the fit and ensure that the mudguard sits without stress before tightening the bolts fully. Correct fitment and rapid availability of suitable front axle mudguard brackets help minimise downtime for professional vehicles.