Mounting

Fastening materials for rear axle mudguards determine whether the mudguard assembly remains securely mounted, vibration-resistant and within legal vehicle dimensions, even under demanding operating conditions. These components include mounting brackets, clamps, bolt and nut connections, spacer bushes, retaining clips and plastic or rubber vibration dampers. They are used on MAN F8, F90, F2000, TGL, TGM, TGA, TGS, TGX and TG3, Mercedes LN, SK, Atego, Axor, Actros, Arocs and Econic, as well as TGE, Sprinter and Vito vans, MAN and Mercedes buses and Neoplan coaches. The correct part must always be identified using the chassis number; visual comparison or selection based solely on the model name is never sufficient.

Rear axle mudguards are generally connected to the chassis by mounting brackets, support arms, clamps or specific mounting points. The fastening set must be matched to the mudguard version, chassis rail, vehicle application and mounting position. For example, a tractor unit with twin rear axles uses different supports, lengths and mounting points than a rigid truck, tipper, bus or van with a single rear axle.

Steel mudguard brackets are often galvanised, coated or made from stainless steel to limit corrosion. Plastic clamps and spacers prevent point loading and damage to components around the rear axle. Rubber silent blocks or elastomer bushes isolate vibrations between the chassis and the mudguard assembly. A mudguard assembly mounted too rigidly may be damaged around the mounting points due to torsion of the chassis or rear axle. Conversely, excessive play causes rattling, elongated holes and increased load on bolted connections.

Always check the bolt diameter, thread pitch, strength class, tightening torque and presence of locking devices. Self-locking nuts, locking plates or thread-locking compound are required where specified by the manufacturer. Do not use random bodywork bolts where a flange bolt, spacer bush or shaped mounting plate is specified: contact pressure and fit are essential for durability. Also maintain sufficient clearance between the rear axle mudguard, tyre, air springs, brake lines and EBS (Electronic Braking System) wiring, both in the unloaded and fully compressed suspension conditions.

Common failure modes include broken brackets after impacts with loading bays, bolts shaken loose, corrosion around chassis supports, worn mounting holes and cracked rubber bushes around the mounting points. On vehicles used in earthmoving, waste transport or winter service, mud, road salt and stone chips accelerate deterioration. A misaligned rear axle mudguard, visible tyre marks on the inside or rattling noises on uneven roads indicate a defective fastener, worn bush or incorrect mounting position.

Start the diagnosis with a visual inspection of all mounting points and compare the left and right sides for height, angle and play. Move the rear axle mudguard manually in both transverse and longitudinal directions; excessive movement indicates worn rubber bushes, missing spacer rings or deformed supports. Then use a lamp to check for hairline cracks around drilled holes and inspect the chassis rail for corrosion, cracked welds or stripped threaded holes. If in doubt, measure the distance between the tyre sidewall and the mudguard assembly at several points, with the vehicle at ride height and, where possible, under load.

Do not replace only the visibly broken clamp if the support plate is bent or the mounting area is worn. Reusing corroded bolts or compressed spacer bushes often leads to the assembly coming loose again quickly. Clean the contact surfaces, repair damaged threaded connections according to specifications and install fastening materials using the specified tightening torque. Correct fitment and technical support during installation help minimise vehicle downtime and prevent the rear axle mudguard from coming into contact with tyres or chassis components again.