W211 E320 Mudflap Fixings

[Razoo]

I was quite pleased that my 2004 E320 CDi came with a full set of MB mudflaps already fitted.

Unfortunately, one of my rear mudflaps is now doing just that - flapping!

I can see that it has lost its lower fixing, which is the fixing just below the two 'U'-shaped knock-on clips. What I can't establish is the type of fixing device this should be. It's not a screw (hole is too big), and the equivalent fixing on the other rear mudflap looks like a nail through a washer. Maybe it's one of those plastic expanding rivets that you push into the hole and then drive a plastic pin flush to expand it.

Needless to say, my MB dealer can't provide any information and the fixings are not available separately.

Has anyone fitted mudflaps to their E-Class who can remember what this fixing was like?

Thanks,

Razoo

 

[Xtractorfan]

Its a plastic expanding clip as you say, any garage will have one in stock to fit your needs..

 

[television]

Razoo, all MB dealers keep all of the plastic clips, so why not look at the other side and you will see what it should be

 

[Razoo]

Razoo, all MB dealers keep all of the plastic clips, so why not look at the other side and you will see what it should be

Hi TV,

I did look at the other side. That's why I wrote: "the equivalent fixing on the other rear mudflap looks like a nail through a washer. Maybe it's one of those plastic expanding rivets that you push into the hole and then drive a plastic pin flush to expand it."

It was covered in muck and it was getting dark, so I didn't try to remove it to see what it was. Easier to ask on the forum, I thought. However, it seems that to stand any chance of getting the right part out of Mercedes, I'm going to have to show them a sample. I don't know what possessed me to think MB would simply look up the fixing on their parts 'puter and sell me one!

Anyway, considering the hammering a mudflap takes, those expanding plastic rivets are a pretty inadequate choice of fixing, as confirmed by the fact that one of mine has fallen out.

Razoo

 

[television]

Can you measure the Ø of the hole, as my car uses loads of these things, and maybe we can find one this way, the problem for the dealers is that the mudflaps are not listed anywhere

 

[Razoo]

Can you measure the Ø of the hole, as my car uses loads of these things, and maybe we can find one this way, the problem for the dealers is that the mudflaps are not listed anywhere

Hi TV,

Yes, I intend taking the mudflap off this weekend, mainly to remove the crud that has accumulated behind it.

I'll see if the hole lends itself to a better fixing method, and if it doesn't, I'll try to establish what diameter and length of plastic rivet would be appropriate.

Regards,

Razoo

 

[television]

Very hard to find something else in these blind holes , its hard to make a large rawplug stay in place

 

[Razoo]

Very hard to find something else in these blind holes , its hard to make a large rawplug stay in place

Yes, I know what you mean. Stupid, cheap design, IMO. I would much prefer a screw fixing.

I figured the hole would be blind, which means I can't remove the rivet in the other mudflap to measure it, without loosing the locking pin inside the hollow section when I knock it through to release the rivet. Then I'll have to buy two new rivets

If I can find them, I have some blind rubber fixings. They are a parallel rubber dowel with a lip one end, and they have an embedded nut inside. They are pushed into a blind hole, and when the screw is tightened, the nut is pulled forward, expanding the rubber body and locking the fixing in place.

They're quite clever, and they form a watertight seal. They also have anti-vibration properties, not that mudflaps need anti-vibration fixings.

RS Components (and probably Farnell) sell them.

Razoo

 

[television]

I have loads of rubber grommets in stock,, let me know the size and I will put some in the post for you

 

[Xtractorfan]

I have to say these plastic fixings with the centre locking pin are one of the most secure and safe fixing method around ..I would defy anyone to remove one of these without first punching out the centre locking pin, you will probably find that someone has had that mudflap off and didnt fully locate the outer fixing before pushing the pin home.. They are about 10p each to buy and practically every garage keeps them..some motor factors as well

 

[Razoo]

I have to say these plastic fixings with the centre locking pin are one of the most secure and safe fixing method around...

I can't stay I share your enthusiasm for these fixings. Much depends on what type(s) of material they are being used in. In soft materials (such as plastic mudflaps), they pop out all too readily. Agreed they generally hold well in metal.

I would defy anyone to remove one of these without first punching out the centre locking pin, you will probably find that someone has had that mudflap off and didn't fully locate the outer fixing before pushing the pin home

Again, it depends on the material. And if someone had the mudflap off, they probably lost the expansion pin down inside the hollow section

Razoo

 

[Razoo]

I have loads of rubber grommets in stock,, let me know the size and I will put some in the post for you

Thanks TV, I'll see how I get on re-fixing the mudflap at the weekend.

Regards,

Razoo

 

[Razoo]

Well, I haven't lost the plastic rivet that holds the rear mudflap on. The flimsey rivet head has simply pulled through the rather large hole in the mudflap, leaving the rivet stuck in the bodywork.

The fixing needs to be something stronger. I notice the front mudflaps have decent screws holding them in place. Wonder if the screw system can be used on the rear mudflaps? Something else to check out at the weekend.

Razoo

 

[television]

A penny washer under the peg head

 

[Razoo]

A penny washer under the peg head

Absolutely, and stainless steel at that - always assuming the rivet is long enough to handle the extra thickness.

Razoo