Leaving running boards deployed - pros and cons

[chrissbu]

Hi, everyone...
We're about two weeks into Expedition ownership, and one of the concerns we have is just the constant in and out of the running boards. I have little ones, so leaving them "in" isn't a great option, and I wanted to see if there are any concerns or issues with leaving them deployed out. Thanks in advance for any insights or experiences y'all can share!

 

[duneslider]

I wouldn't worry about them going in an out all the time, that isn't what hurts them. I think having them not moving is more of a problem. Just make sure you keep all the moving areas lubed in the winter and I would recommend deploying them when washing so you can clean the linkage good. I think most issues stem from not cleaning them good and not lubing them.

I too have only had mine for about 4 weeks and at first I was concerned with how often they were going in and out. I really think it isn't anything to worry about though if you take care of them.

 

[chrissbu]

One of the complaints my teenager has is the delay in them deploying...he's still trying to get used to having to wait for them to deploy before jumping out, as the first or second time I dropped him off at school the running board was still moving as he got out and it tripped him up

Any particular lubes that people recommend? Just simple WD40, or go with silicone, or a dry-based lube (graphite, teflon)?

 

[GixxerJasen]

I'm the one who usually hits the running board on it's way down. My teenager is like "oh, what? we are here? already? let me put my stuff away"
All while I'm standing outside ready to tap the handle to lock the doors.

 

[2020-MAX-Limited]

I haven't verified yet in the 4th Gen, but our 3rd Gen would not keep the boards deployed beyond one engine on/off cycle. You could deploy them while the car is running and they would stay out after shutdown, but would retract again on the next start. Perhaps 4th Gen behaves differently.

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

I wouldn't keep them down as they will take a lot of abuse and could get caught up pretty easily. If they snag on something things can get ugly fast. If you want to go that route I would swap them out for fixed running boards that don't hang down so low.

As for lube, standard WD40 is a terrible lubricant. It's good for rust removal/protection and that's about it. However, I do like the WD Specialist white lithium grease and have used that on the running boards. No matter what you do, they are very likely to fail. I am on my 3rd set now I think and gave up replacing them. I unplugged the driver side and for now the passenger side continues to function.

 

[sjwelds]

I'm the one who usually hits the running board on it's way down. My teenager is like "oh, what? we are here? already? let me put my stuff away"
All while I'm standing outside ready to tap the handle to lock the doors.

GAH!!! I was hoping my kids would be done with that by the time they're teenagers!!!!!

 

[m3olsen]

Any particular lubes that people recommend? Just simple WD40, or go with silicone, or a dry-based lube (graphite, teflon)?

As for lube, standard WD40 is a terrible lubricant. It's good for rust removal/protection and that's about it. However, I do like the WD Specialist white lithium grease and have used that on the running boards.

I was thinking white lithium grease would be a good idea as well. I'm so disappointed at no grease fittings. Are people just spraying as best they can into the pivoting points, between the inboard and outboard arm (it's been awhile - I need to take a look at the mechanism)?

 

[GixxerJasen]

GAH!!! I was hoping my kids would be done with that by the time they're teenagers!!!!!

While I'm delivering bad news, there's a lot of other stuff you think they'll be done with by that time that they won't. A lot of it gets worse.

 

[SyndicateZ]

Ford Quick Tips #86: How to Fix Stuck Power Running Boards for Good!

In this video we show you how to fix the most common cause for sticking power running boards on Ford vehicles.These are the Lubricants I Recommend:Rust Penet...

youtu.be