Loose running board

[Sharon]

While trying to investigate a leaky passenger side cab leak (another story), I notice the passenger running board was loose at the front mounting bolt (bracket to running board connection). I tried to tighten it with a 3/8" ratchet. Wouldn't budge. I'm guessing it's rusted. If I use a 1/2" drive or a breaker bar I'm afraid I might break something other than just twisting off the bolt. Suggestions from those who've been there done that?

 

[Blackdodge2010]

Chances are it will snap, the best you can do is keep soaking it in penetrating oil, if it wont break free get ready to crack out the tap and die set.

 

[Sharon]

Thanks. Any idea why it would be loose in the first place? I don't think that it backed out.

 

[Blackdodge2010]

I believe that the bolt goes into a plate welded on the inside of the tube, this has a threaded hole in it that the bolt goes into, maybe its possible that welded plate has broken free?

 

[mos061500]

I busted that bolt in the fall, whilst trying to install my new steps. I am still looking for someone to replace that body mount bolt. You really dont want to snap it, but question is, why or how would your body mount bolt loosen, if it was installed properly. If you want to see the bolt being removed after it snaps, there's a you tube video on replacing it - they do it from the interior after cutting a hole to access it. Best of luck to you in your repair.

 

[Blackdodge2010]

I busted that bolt in the fall, whilst trying to install my new steps. I am still looking for someone to replace that body mount bolt. You really dont want to snap it, but question is, why or how would your body mount bolt loosen, if it was installed properly. If you want to see the bolt being removed after it snaps, there's a you tube video on replacing it - they do it from the interior after cutting a hole to access it. Best of luck to you in your repair.

He is referring to the bolt that connects the step bar to the step bar mounting bracket. Not the body mount bolts.