Side steps repair

[bgreeni Member Find all posts View Profile Close bgreeni]

Searched for this but cannot find any info.

Last weekend at Hervey dam i managed to end up with one sidestep coming completly off. Nuts pulled completly through the aluminium and the attachment brackets bent.

I have managed to straighten the brackets and recon I can reattach the step using new bolts and big washers. I have partially removed the plastic top from the step by unclipping the plastic but it still seems to be attached to the aluminium along the outside edge where it curves over the aluminium.

QUESTION

Does anyone now if there are any more clips or other attachment along the outside and if so, how do I undo it? It will be much easier to attach the aluminium to the brackets if the plastic is removed and then reattached after bolting the aluminium on.

Any assistance/advise appreciated.

[GeoffO Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close GeoffO]

Re: Side steps repair

I have panel beaten mine a few times before replacing them with sliders. From memory they are in 3 parts. Aluminium base, platic trim and plastic tread. The clips on the tread pass through holes in the plastic trim and clip onto the aluminium base. Mine are on the shelf at home. I'll have a look a see if there is anymore to them.

Geoff...

[LiveFreeAndRoam Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close LiveFreeAndRoam]

Re: Side steps repair

Perhaps this post will help: Sidesteps Recondition.

Cheers,
LFaR.

[bgreeni Member Find all posts View Profile Close bgreeni]

Re: Side steps repair

Thanks for the info. I did not manage to get the plastic completly free from the aluminium - not sure why. I managed to replace the bolts and "nuts" with new bolts with a larger washer each side. Also needed to "adjust" the holding brackets to get it all lined up.

I can see a need to replace the steps however, as they will only suffer the same damage again I would think. Can alternatives be fitted with side air bags?

[Wilson Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Wilson]

Re: Side steps repair

GDay bgreeni,

I'm just going through the replacement of my side steps and after hunting around and asking aftermarket suppliers there aren't many that do side steps for the Prado. The most common reason/excuse from the aftermarket guys is the fact there are side air bags on certain models so there not prepared to manufacture steps in the event they sell the steps and he/she fits them up to a Prado with side air bags and hence don't work in a accident. All to do with legal liability i suppose?? :?
That's what I have learnt anyhow, so I have ordered up a set from AutoCraft and are in transit as we speak. These will be 100% improvement on the original units.(I don't have the side air bags) And I'm sure these fitup to an airbag'd Prado, you just may run the risk of maloperation of the airbags in a side impact collision???

Cheers,
Wilson.

[OldGreyGuy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close OldGreyGuy]

Re: Side steps repair

That's what I have learnt anyhow, so I have ordered up a set from AutoCraft and are in transit as we speak. These will be 100% improvement on the original units.

Love to see some photos when you get them fitted mate.

Cheers
OldGreyGuy

[Wilson Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Wilson]

Re: Side steps repair

GDay OldGreyGuy,

I must admit I'm not too savvy on all this posting pics etc here but I'll give it a shot when I have the steps on. :?
Frustratingly they are still in transit due to public holiday in the east etc but should be on the road now I'd say. :wink:

Cheers,
Wilson.
Perth.

[charlie Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close charlie]

Re: Side steps repair

how did you get on?

[germar74 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close germar74]

Re: Side steps repair

I priced genuine toyota side steps - cost $1000 a side
better off getting steel made up for around the $800 mark