2020 Expedition Max - Power Running Board Issue - Easy Swap to Fixed?

[goodguy2k]

Good morning all - I've posted on this before but coming back looking for some guidance. Wife's 2020 Max has the issue with driver side power running board - barks like a seal when you open/close the door then freezes. I'm aware that the bearings/hinges are the likely culprit and I've power washed, wire brushed and pumped multiple cans of PB Blaster and Penetro onto the darn things - no dice.

For Xmas my wife has asked me to solve this issue once and for all. Our local mechanic says the issue is the motor but, given it tries going up and down, that seems unlikely and I'm aware others have had the motors replaced but didn't fix the problem.

I've convinced her to look at fixed boards and my question is whether there are any direct swaps - perhaps an F-150 Supercrew Cab or similar? Seems the aftermarket suppliers don't make them for the EL/Max outside of a simple step.

 

[Fizzy]

I had the same thing happen. Exacerbated by the frigid arctic temps we have here.

I did exactly as this video explained. Included the exact products he used. And my running boards have worked flawlessly for 2 years.

 

[goodguy2k]

Thanks Fizzy - appreciate the link and procedure. I've followed exactly - including the specific products and still no dice. Neighbors are calling PETA bc they think I've got a seal locked in my garage....

I've resigned to replacing the motor and bracket and lots of guides for that but needless to say, the OEM part for the MAX is insanely expensive https://parts.lakelandford.com/p/Ford__Expedition/BRACKET-Motor-AND-drive/120573069/JL1Z16A507K.html. I understand that neither the 4th Gen non-MAX nor the 3rd Gen front motor/bracket are compatible but would the entire 3rd Gen assembly (front motor/bracket, rear bracket and drive shaft) be compatible? The entire assembly can be had for $300 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQXBFG5S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share&tag=expeditionforum-20&th=1.

Wheelbase is the same 131.6"...

 

[Ugh_J]

On mine, it was the front motor/hinge on the driver's side. They replaced that part and it's been fine for the last 8 months since.

That said, I still don't understand how we went from $1250 for the PAIR of running boards including all the motors, floorboards, wiring, brackets, etc. for a 2015 or 2019 F-150 to $2500 EACH on an expedition.

 

[goodguy2k]

I completely agree - seems insane that the EXACT part for a 3rd Gen can be had for $150-$300 but costs $600+ for 4th Gen. Still don't understand why these aren't compatible. Is it the shape of the plug/wiring harness connection or something to do with the drive shaft (not the right term, I know) between the F/R brackets?

I've verified that my bracket/hinges move freely so I'm also aware that replacing just the motor (which seems my problem) can be done. But apparently its a major PIA to remove/re-use the existing hinge/bracket and juice isn't worth the squeeze.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

i drove a rental Expedition (non Max) XLT with the factory fixed running boards... They are not as low as the automatic steps are when they are out/down, my wife, who has short legs and bad knees had a really hard time getting in and out of that XLT and really appreciates the power steps on our Limited Stealth

 

[Mr Big]

Mine were totally stuck. I first sprayed them with super clean and then totally awesome, to loosen up the grime. Then I hit them with my pressure cleaner. I then soaked the hinges and all moving parts with blaster. I let them sit overnight. The next day I opened the doors and the steps came out and closed when I shut the doors. I opened and shut the doors several times. I wiped them down to get all the blaster drippings cleaned up. I sprayed them with WD-40 and they work perfectly. I haven't had any problems since, especially since I go to the car wash every week. I do lubricate them every time my oil change is due.

 

[rslynes]

Once you get them clean, lubed and working, I'd spray mine down with a lanolin-based corrosion preventive and lubricant like Fluid Film.

Keeps the hinges in pretty good condition where they salt the roads (like here in Wisconsin).

 

[Left Coast Geek]

I've squirted a little Triflow onto the moving bits of my ramps when they started acting a bit sticky. lasts a lot longer than WD40

 

[goodguy2k]

Hey all - just wanted to give an update on the situation. As I mentioned previously - I followed all the suggestions regarding PB blasting, pressure washing, lubrication etc to no avail. I finally pulled the running board off, removed all the brackets and separated the motor. I reconnected the motor (now totally isolated w/o bracket) and cycled through door opening/closing and it was clear something the motor was shot.

As suggested, I went to this website: https://www.runningboardmotor.com, purchased a new replacement, reassembled and buttoned everything back up. I did use the recommended grease on all the bearings etc on both sides. Running board works good as new now.