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Side steps fitting

16K views 15 replies 9 participants last post by  Jack B 
#1 ·
Hi everyone
Just bought a set of sidesteps from ebay. The instructions are poor. I get the general gist but, the picture diagrams shows the mounting brackets are marked FL RL FR & RR. The brackets are not marked at all, there are 2 the same and the other 2 similar but slightly different. Does any one know which is which? Not sure if 2 of the same for one side, and the other pair for the other side or one front and 1 rear of different bracket. It may become obvious when I start the job but has anyone done this job. I can supply photos of the brackets if needed.
Thanks Kev
 
#3 ·
Thanks Highlander

Can I pick your brain further,
On removal of the plastic side trim are the 3 holes for each of the mounting brackets already drilled in the correct position in the bodywork 2 on side 1 underneath? The rivnut threaded inserts supplied M8 and M6 are hexagonal shaped, did you use the ones supplied or use your own. Any other tips to watch for?
Cheers Kev
 
#4 ·
The hexagonal holes for the LR rivnuts are already there, under the plastic sill trims. From memory, they have circular plastic stickers on that you simply peel off, insert the Rivnut attached to the tool and squeeze hard. So long as you've got a reasonably robust Rivnut tool, it's easy. I had one that was just the distance between the ground and the underneath of the car or I'd have had to jack it up. Any less and it would have been difficult to squeeze the handle together to compress the Rivnut.

The only other tip is make sure you have a trim removal tool. The little plastic trim clips are about £4 each if you beak them. Whilst you can do without the odd one, a whole row replaced would be expensive.

A torque wrench would also be good, I've got a digital one, but don't sweat it if you haven't got it. It's not life critical.
 
#5 ·
Thanks
I have all the tools I should need, my lad works in a Merc dealer body shop, he has all the tools for this job. i have fitted lots of body kits before on various cars but the instructions that came with these side steps were poor to say the least. Just wanted to make sure before I started the job on Monday. I have looked on the underside of the car, cant see any hexagonal holes underneath, there are 2 round 8mm looking holes that look in roughly the right area. If you say the ones under the plastic trim are hexagonal they should be easy to find, and the third hole should be in line on underside of the car.
Thanks Kev
 
#6 ·
The genuine LR side step kit are all hexagonal rivnuts. They need to be to keep from turning when a bolt is put into them. If they were round, they'd just keep turning unless the Rivnut had compressed enough to hold it in position without that if you see what I mean.

I can't remember if the plastic trim that goes on the side and also underneath actually covers the holes. Take a look of Topix, it will let you print off the instructions for fitting.

Here's the link.

https://topix.landrover.jlrext.com/topix/content/document/view?id=510020&groupId=1660

And a photo, can't do much more for you unless I do it myself.

View attachment 1279
 
#7 ·
Hi, just bought a set of side steps from eBay and the hexagonal Rivnuts are missing. Probably still in the original car!

Can you please recommend which Rivnuts I should purchase, eg plastic or metal and which size. I have checked out Rivnuts on eBay, but I'm not sure which one to get.

Thanks M
 
#10 ·
The Highlander said:
The originals are metal, a sort of hexagonal green coated soft alloy. I'd be surprised if you couldn't order a set from your dealer.
If it's anything like the original LR Cargo Barrier, which was missing one poxy bracket when I bought it, then the answer is no. Crazy as it seems, you have to buy the whole system again to get the missing bracket, so I have no doubt that this will be just as much ball-ache.
 
#12 ·
I've also bought a set of steps off eBay and the brackets aren't marked. So I can't tell which is front-left, rear-left, front-right or rear-right.

Two of the brackets have oval holes for a bolt and two have a bigger cut out. See attached photo and the two different bits facing each other. Presumably one is for the front (left or right) and the other is rear (left or right). Anybody fitted the same?

Thanks
 

Attachments

#14 ·
Is there an easy way of telling which is left and right prior to fitment? I want to make sure I have the right ones before I start stripping my car down!

Thanks
 
#15 ·
Hey folks,

I think I do have the same side steps.
Mine are on the car since last year and they are rusty aready as hell. :(

What about yours?

Greets,
Hauser
 
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