Running Boards

[Quent]

We have a 2012 Expedition. We are original owners, just yesterday the passenger side running boards failed. Ive tried the lubrication route but with no success. The motor runs but it sounds like a walrus wailing. Ive tried to turn the shaft to see if i could manually move but to no avail. Yesterday i the board could be ‘lifted’ up to close and it would move out easily. But now it doesnt move at all and i cannot manually close. Anyone have any ideas before i yank it off tge vehicle. Really dint want to pay 1200 for the motor.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

We have a 2012 Expedition. We are original owners, just yesterday the passenger side running boards failed. Ive tried the lubrication route but with no success. The motor runs but it sounds like a walrus wailing. Ive tried to turn the shaft to see if i could manually move but to no avail. Yesterday i the board could be ‘lifted’ up to close and it would move out easily. But now it doesnt move at all and i cannot manually close. Anyone have any ideas before i yank it off tge vehicle. Really dint want to pay 1200 for the motor.

The Ford and Lincoln list price for the motor is significantly less than $1,200. How did you determine the motor costs $1,200?

 

[Quent]

That was for the entire assembly including shaft

 

[riphip]

Get these from a member: https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/el-non-motorized-running-boards.46254/

$50 + shipping until you can figure the problem with yours

 

[Lee Winter]

I went through this with an F-150 last week. I know you mentioned you tried lubricating with no success. Did you first spray on some liquid wrench? The way I fixed mine was:
1: cleaned all rotating points with a wire brush
2: applied liquid wrench and allowed to soak in for about 15 minutes
3: applied white lithium grease to all rotating points.
4: start the engine and exercise the running boards. Assist as necessary. After a couple cycles, they were as good as new

 

[Trainmaster]

If you're fed up and need a set of the stationary ones, I have a set in New York too.

 

[Quent]

Tried to lube and lube and lube....yall get the point. The board is frozen to about a half-inch to fully closed and will not go further. Im just going to take it to the ford dealer, maybe they can give me a tip or just close all the way and wait until trade in

 

[MARTIN PSENICKA]

I just bought one with the same issue, if i can't get them to work as Lee suggested, i'm going to remove them.

 

[Quent]

Good luck. I tried the lubrication and had no luck. I believe it is an issue internally to the motor or gears (if thats what they are called). I have them unplugged for now and in up position.

 

[Gary Waugh]

my 2008 had a similar issue on the drivers door side, the step came out but would only go part way back in, if I helped it it would close fully, I sprayed it with penetrating oil, but it didn't make any difference and eventually the step stopped working completely.. I bought a replacement motor unit form eBay ($60) and fitted it, that was 2 years ago and it's still working perfectly.. for $60 I would suggest replacing the motor unit..

 

[sthamlyn]

I have the same problem on my Expedition. I ordered a new motor and gearbox assembly and started to replace it but the hinge pin on the motor or control end didn't have the protrusion for connecting the torsion rod that goes to the rear bracket. I asked on this forum if that torsion rod is even necessary. If it is, I will have to return the motor and try to find one with the hinge pin extension. Any input would be appreciated. By the way, the entire motor / gearbox assembly was only $136 with free shipping through Amazon Prime.