I have a 2002 Volvo s40. I am going to replace brake pads and rotors
on this car for all 4 wheels. I thought that since I am already in there, I might as well replace the splash guards on all four wheels.


That seemed like a good idea, however, I also noticed that Mitsubishi makes the same splash guards (logical since a lot of this car (2002 Volvo s40) was built by Mitsubishi). Their part numbers are


MB928790
M814870


I assume that you need to buy two of each.


The Mitsubishi plates are the same as the Volvo ones, but they cost much less. Hence, why not use those instead off the Volvo parts?


After calling several Mitsubishi parts suppliers, I found out that the parts have been discontinued. That is strangle since the Volvo parts are still available.


However, I still am hoping that I can find them if I keep trying. I just need some place to check to se if they have the parts.


I could go with the Volvo parts, but why pay more?


Any help appreciated. Thanks in advance.


Respectfully,


Newport_j

 

you've just discovered the world of OEM in the parts catalog! There are three kinds of parts you can buy - genuine Volvo - which may have a Volvo logo on the box but most of the car is sourced from a supplier like Bosch, Mitsubishi, Sachs etc (fyi, the turbo in your car is a Mitsubishi). Then you have OEM, which is the same part minus the Volvo logo and part number - no dealer part warranty, no dealer guarantee for correct match/fit but the same part. Finally there's aftermarket. That's where a supplier manufactures a part for generalized specifications but there's no guarantee on quality. The caveot emptor is about knowing which parts need that extra quality and that guaranteed fit and performance.

 

Okay, where can I get an aftermarket splash guard for the wheels of my 2002 Volvo s40? Any help appreciated thanks in advance.

Respectfully,

Lou Reed

 

Considering the backing plates are the same as some Mitsubishi car models, I went to Mitsubishi Auto Parts, Up to 70 % off Discount OEM Mitsubishi Parts Factory Direct Wholesale and found them listed by the MB part number ($30 each vs $63 for Volvo dealer sites). Post up if they match up!

 

Wait, that is the website that I used. They are in Deland, Florida and they told me the Mitsubishi parts MB928790 is a discontinued part. Any other site that can offer the parts?

Respectfully,


Lou Reed

 

I'm sure your Google skills are as good as mine - A quick search and multiple dealer sites come up. Usually if a part is not available, there's a new number that supercedes it. With that said, when I found a hit, the site says that part number is from a 94 Mirage - but when I searched for backing plates on that model, I got a different part number. The red flag I noted was the 94 Mirage has rear drum brakes so I'd wonder if the part number is correct for S40s with rear discs. You can try eBay as well or call a dealer to see what replacement numbers might exist, but I'd really question if this is worth is to save $25-30 (OEMs can be had for $63 from Tasca Parts) on a part that probably doesn't need to be replaced unless they are falling off.

 

I see your point. The price you say is 63 dollars from Tasca? Do they have them for both the front and the back wheels.

Respectfully,

Newport_j

 

i also know that these are made for a 90's car by Plymouth. A name from the past.

It just seems that they go on many cars. I would not mind buying the ones from Plymouth. It seems that since we are already i changing the brake rotors and pads we might as well do the brake dust shields. However, it is not known at this point if that is even necessary.

We will not know until we get the brake rotors off. I just thought it is better to be prepared.

However, if what you say is true that brake dust shields last then maybe we do not need them. It us better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them.

I can always return them if do not need them.

Is there a good chance that the brake dust shields are not corroded and how to I check them without taking the rotors off first?

Any help appreciated. Thanks in advance

Respectfully,

Newport_j

 

the backing plates are held on by 4? bolts to the hub and with the wheel off you can feel if the top seems loose and inspect from the back side. Removing the caliper and rotor should give you access to the bolts. I've never had to replace the backing plates on my 95 850T which I've owned since new - and they've survived 21 Connecticut winters :-)

 

Thanks for your help. I live in Massachusetts. Should I be worried?

Respectfully,

Newport_j

 

I doubt you need them. But you can jack up the car and get under and look at them from the back.