Ford Nerf Bars

FAQs—Ford Nerf Bars

This is a common installation problem for newbies. When the brackets don’t line up, there’s probably a bracket that’s not mounted at the right spot. Check the position of the brackets on the truck. It could also be that the nerf bars aren’t at the right position. They should then be switched.

There’s a slight different between running boards and nerf bars, and this lies in the stepping area. While the nerf bars have separate stepping pads at various entry points into the vehicle’s cabin, running boards are designed with step pads that cover the entire length of these boards. These accessories provide basically the same benefits. It’s up to you which design you prefer more. If you want more stable steps and bigger coverage for the step pads, running boards may be the one you’re looking for. But if you need side steps but are not into running boards, nerf bars are the best laternative.

To remove rust on the nerf bars, you need a naval jelly or rust dissolver and some baking soda. You, of course, have to disconnect the nerf bars and clean them first using a wire brush. The rust can be scrubbed off easily by using some naval jelly on the bars. Once the rust is already dissolved, you’ll have to add some baking soda on the jelly. After rinsing off the neutralized jelly and letting the nerf bars dry completely, repainting would be the final step.

Check the bolt holes. If it’s filled with dirt or have accumulated rust, then that would explain why the new bolts don’t fit. In this case, you have to clean the treads to seal in the new bolts. Another common reason for this is the plastic grommet or cover on the bolt holes. See if you can adjust these. One more thing you can do is use the factory-body bolts to put in the main brackets. If any of these doesn’t work, then you have to return the product and ask for a set of nerf bars that matches the specs of your Ford truck.

Check if the bars are on the right spots in the truck—you may have interchanged them. When pads don’t line up, this is the usual cause. You have to switch up the bars. You should also check the brackets to see if they’re mounted at the right place or hole. Do the necessary adjustments until the step pads finally line up. If not, then you’ll have to read the manual for instructions and take note of the parts list, markings, and applications to be sure that the bars are designed to fit the vehicle.

The prescribed remedy or treatment for this would depend on whether the nerf bars are coated or uncoated or if they’re made of aluminum or chrome. With aluminum, you can usually spot a black smudge or smear. You may use soap to clean it and then apply a polish specially designed for aluminum material. Chrome usually gets tarnished as well, but this doesn’t appear in black. It can be treated using chrome polish. If the bars seem to have a clear coat, then don’t use chrome or metal polish. Instead, apply some paint cleaner or paint polish.

You’ll have to make adjustments on the brackets and loosen some connections. Use white lithium or regular grease between the metal connections and tighten the connections properly.

1. I was trying to install a new set of Ford nerf bars, but I was having trouble lining up the brackets with the holes. What could be the problem here? What should I do?
2. Are nerf bars the same thing as running boards? We’re a bit confused with these two accessories.
3. My Ford nerf bars are already rusty. How can I easily remove the rust on these accessories so I won’t have to buy a new set?
4. The bolts on my Ford nerf bars don’t fit when I try to install them on my truck. What can be the reason for this? I’m pretty sure that I ordered nerf bars for a specific vehicle model, and I was assured that it was the right product.
5. I’ve already installed the nerf bars, but the funny thing is that the step pads don’t line up properly with the doors. What should I do?
6. I found some discoloration on my Ford nerf bars. I tried using wax to remove it but it won’t go away. What can I do to clean this off?
7. I just installed my Ford nerf bars and there seems to be some noise coming from metal-to-metal friction or contact. What should I do to make this stop?