Running Board Lubricant

[Mr Big]

So what should we be using to lubricate?

I routinely clean and spay with wd40. Never had an issue.

 

[GixxerJasen]

when we got into the -30c range.

Yea, that's a nope for me.

 

[19ExpMaxPlatYYC]

Say what you will, but every winter my power running boards would seize up here when we got into the -30c range. The cold mixed with the road pickle (a salt and sand mix they spray on the roads) would render them inoperable.

I followed this YouTube video, and they worked flawlessly all winter.

Edit: Oh hey there fellow Calgarian...

That's exactly the stuff I saw recommended and used. Worked for a short while...then dead...

 

[ccssid]

That's exactly the stuff I saw recommended and used. Worked for a short while...then dead...

I sent this video to a buddy of mine. He has a Toyota with power running boards. The dealer wanted approximately $1000.00 to repair. He followed the video. Voila. No more problems.

 

[5280tunage]

I use Boeshield T-9. Seems to work great for me. Generally, I would say stuff designed for aviation use probably works pretty well on cars. 2-3 times per year, I soak the "moving" parts with a penetrating oil, give them a few good sprays, scrub with a plastic bristle brush, spray em' down again (into an oil catcher of course), then finish off with Boeshield. I too liver where there is lots of stuff used on the roads, this so far has worked well.

 

[duneslider]

A little confused here, those bearings/bushings posted look like metal to me? Is the picture deceiving, or are they metal? Where is the PTFE bearing located, or are they pictures of a really shiny PTFE?

 

[19ExpMaxPlatYYC]

The PTFE is a coating on the inside of the bushing/bearings.

I have found some conflict on whether PTFE is compatible with hydrocarbon based lubricants, but it is clear that a PTFE lubricant is superior.

 

[duneslider]

The PTFE is a coating on the inside of the bushing/bearings.

I have found some conflict on whether PTFE is compatible with hydrocarbon based lubricants, but it is clear that a PTFE lubricant is superior.

So, typically, ptfe is used in areas that won't be lubed. My concern with what I see in those bushings is that the black stuff is the ptfe, a thin layer on the metal that is then in contact with metal and as soon as an abrasive gets in there it will strip the ptfe right off. This isn't like the whole bushing is ptfe and there could be swelling happening or something like that. I am also not sure if ptfe even swells when in contact with hydrocarbon based lubricants. But what I do know is if I rub metal on my teflon pan the teflon comes off. I am guessing that it won't matter what lube you use, the ptfe is gonna get worn off and things will start getting stuck.

 

[JohnT]

Another Albertan here, once it gets to constant below freezing I set the running boards to "out" and leave them like that for winter. As stated above once the ice builds up around the hinges its immobile anyway. I have a good set of mudflaps and so far after 5 years and 190K no visible damage on the running boards from gravel.

And there is a bit of a sequence to getting the boards to stay out, while sitting inside with the door closed, set the boards to "out" first, then to "off" if you just set them to out they will go back in first time you open and close a door.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

I do note from driving loaner Expedition 4Gs, the power running boards in 'out' position are quite a bit lower than the fixed running boards, hence easier to catch on rocks and such when out in the wilds. My wife, who has short legs and bad knees, finds it much easier to get in and out of a power running board vehicle than the fixed boards.

I'm digging through the service manual that someone here uploaded awhile back. and learned a few things. You're supposed to disable the PRB in the 'retract' position before jacking the car. there's no lubrication listed at all, if the boards are crunchy, manually extend them, and clean any debris, they say you can use a power washer but avoid directly blasting the motor.