Installing running boards on a car: complete instructions from selection to installation

If after installing the footrests on Toyota Hilux or Nissan X-Trail you notice that the bolts turn when tightened, and the rubber gaskets are squeezed out - the problem is the wrong type of fasteners. 70% of unsuccessful installations are due to ignoring two key parameters: diameter of holes in the spar and body material (aluminum requires different drill bits and torque than steel). In this article we will look at how to avoid such mistakes at the preparation stage and install the running boards without damage to paintwork and corrosion of fastening points after 2-3 years.

Footrests (or seats, as they are sometimes mistakenly called) are divided into three types according to the method of attachment: to regular places (not available on all models), on through bolts through the spar and on brackets with welding. The first option is the simplest, but is only suitable for 30% of cars (for example, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport or Ford Ranger have factory holes for footrests). The second and third require drilling or welding - here the risk of error is higher. We'll focus on the universal through-bolt method, which works for 90% of crossovers and SUVs.

Before purchasing a set of running boards, check two things: the presence of free space between the threshold and the wheel arch (minimum 10 cm for standard models) and **thickness of the metal at the attachment point (thin metal thresholds on Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos may require reinforcement with plates). If you ignore these parameters, the running boards will wobble or deform the body when loaded.

1. Choosing footrests: materials and designs

Aluminum running boards are 30-40% lighter than steel ones, but lose in strength under lateral loads (for example, if you step on them from the side). Powder-coated steel models last longer, but weigh 5-7 kg more, which is critical for small crossovers. The best option for most cases is stainless steel AISI 304 with anti-corrosion treatment. Please note:

• 🔹 Profile form: tubular (∅50-70 mm) can withstand up to 150 kg, flat - up to 200 kg, but remove dirt worse.
• 🔹 Coverage type: powder paint is cheaper, but scratches; Anodizing is more expensive, but retains its appearance for 5+ years.
• 🔹 Complete set: the kit should contain M8-M10 bolts (length 30-50 mm), screw washers and rubber gaskets.

For owners UAZ Patriot or Great Wall Hover important to consider ground clearance: the running boards should not reduce the ground clearance below 180 mm, otherwise the risk of getting caught on the roads increases by 3 times. If you plan to drive through the forest, choose models with folding mechanism (for example, Tough Dog or Ironman 4x4), which add up when overcoming obstacles.

2. Tools and consumables: complete list

To install through-bolt running boards you will need:

Tool/material	Purpose	Note
Drill with variable speed control	Drilling holes in the side member	Power from 800 W, always with reverse
Metal drills (∅6-10 mm)	For steel body	For aluminum - special drills with an angle of 118°
Tap M8-M10	Tapping holes	Use thread lubricant (eg WD-40 Specialist)
Torque wrench	Torque control	For bolts M8 - 20-25 Nm, M10 - 35-40 Nm
Anti-corrosion mastic	Processing the edges of holes	Better zinc-based (for example, Dinitrol 4010)

If your car aluminum body (for example, Land Rover Range Rover or Jaguar F-Pace), replace the standard bolts with aluminum or titanium - this will prevent electrochemical corrosion. You will also need special paste for aluminum (for example, Loctite 2701) to protect the thread.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use drills with worn edges - this will lead to fraying of the hole edges and accelerated corrosion. Test the sharpness of the drill on a scrap piece of metal before starting work.

3. Preparing the car: marking and drilling

First step - removing plastic door sill covers (if they exist). On Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V To do this, you need to unscrew 3-4 screws under the bottom and 2-3 clips in the wheel arch. Use a plastic puller to avoid breaking the clips. Next:

1. Clean the mounting area from dirt and oil (use white spirit or isopropyl alcohol).
2. Place the step on the threshold and mark the centers of the holes with a pencil. For accuracy use laser level.
3. Drill holes in two stages: first with a ∅3 mm drill (centering), then with the required diameter (usually ∅8.5 mm for an M10 bolt).
4. Finish the edges of the holes anti-corrosion primer and apply mastic to the inside of the threshold.

On vehicles with enhanced thresholds (for example, Mercedes G-Class or Lexus LX) may be required step drilling: first with a ∅5 mm drill, then with a ∅8 mm drill, and only then with the final diameter. This prevents overheating of the metal and breakage of the drill.

1. Checked the absence of fuel/brake pipes behind the threshold

2. The holes are marked taking into account a gap of 10-15 mm from the edge of the threshold

3. The drill is sharpened and lubricated

4. A wooden lining is placed under the threshold to protect the paintwork-->

4. Installing footrests: step-by-step instructions

After drilling the holes:

1. Insert the bolt and washer into the hole in the step, then into the hole in the body.
2. From the inside (from the passenger compartment or through the technological hole), put on Grover washer and a nut.
3. Tighten the nut with a torque wrench until:
   • 20-25 Nm for M8 bolts;
   • 35-40 Nm for M10 bolts.

Repeat for all mounting points (usually 4-6 bolts per step).

Reinstall the plastic door sill covers.

On vehicles with frame structure (for example, Nissan Navara or Ford F-150) fastening can be done directly to the frame - this will increase strength by 40%. To do this:

• 🔧 Find the technological holes in the frame (usually closed with rubber plugs).
• 🔧 Use M12 bolts with a tightening torque of 50-60 Nm.
• 🔧 After installation, process the fasteners Movil or cannon fat for protection against moisture.

1. Correct tightening torque (bolts are often overtightened and deform the threads).

2. Condition of the rubber gaskets - they may have shrunk or cracked.

3. The presence of play in the holes (if the drill diameter was larger than required).-->

5. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Mistake #1: Ignoring anti-corrosion treatment. After 1-2 years, the unprotected edges of the holes begin to rust, and the bolts “stick.” To avoid this:

• 🛠️Apply zinc spray on the inside of the threshold after drilling.
• 🛠️ Use bolts with galvanized coating (marked "ZN" on the head).
• 🛠️ Close the bolt heads rubber caps (come complete with high-quality footrests).

Mistake #2: Incorrect bolt length. If the bolt is too short, it will not provide a secure fit; if it is too long, it will rest against the internal elements of the body. Optimal length:

Threshold metal thickness	Bolt length(mm)	Example car
1.5-2.0 mm	30-35	Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage
2.5-3.0 mm	40-45	Toyota Land Cruiser 200, Nissan Patrol
3.5+ mm (frame)	50-60	Ford Raptor, Chevrolet Silverado

⚠️ Attention: On vehicles with air suspension (for example, Mercedes GLE or Audi Q7) before installing the footpegs, you must set the suspension to the “Lift” mode (Lift Mode). This will prevent damage to the air springs when drilling.

6. Care and maintenance of footrests

To ensure that the running boards last longer than 5 years without corrosion or play:

• 🧼 Wash them soft brush with car shampoo at least once a month (abrasive sponges scratch the coating).
• 🔩 Check the bolt tightening torque every 10,000 km (especially after off-road travel).
• 🛡️ Treat fastening points body wax or liquid key before winter.
• 🔧 On aluminum running boards, renew the protective coating once a year anodizing spray.

If the running boards begin to creak, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔊 Metal-to-metal friction - process the joints graphite lubricant.
• 🔊 Play in fastenings — tighten the bolts or replace the rubber gaskets.
• 🔊 Corrosion in threaded connections - disassemble the mount, clean rust converter and lubricate.

How to remove rust from running boards indiscriminately

1. Apply to rusty areas Cillit Bang or Sanita Gel for 10-15 minutes.

2. Clean with a soft brush (not a metal one!).

3. Rinse with water and dry with a hairdryer.

4.Apply wax polish for protection.

The result lasts 3-4 months.

7. Legal nuances: is it necessary to register running boards with the traffic police?

According to Technical Regulations of the Customs Union 018/2011, the footrests belong to additional body elementsif they:

• 📜 Do not change the overall width of the car by more than 50 mm on each side.
• 📜 Do not protrude beyond the front/rear bumper.
• 📜 Do not cover lights or registration plates.

If these conditions are met, registration with the traffic police not required. However, when installed on commercial transport (for example, Gazelle Next or Ford Transit) or if the footrests protrude beyond the dimensions, you must:

1. Get conclusion of preliminary technical examination (cost 1,500-3,000 ₽).
2. Make changes to STS and PTS (through the traffic police or MFC).

Fine for undocumented changes (under Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code) - 500 ₽, but in practice inspectors rarely pay attention to the running boards if they do not interfere with traffic.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about installing running boards

Is it possible to install running boards on a car with plastic sills (for example, Renault Duster)?

Yes, but only if there is a metal base underneath the plastic. On purely plastic thresholds (like Lada Vesta Cross) the footrests are attached through brackets to spar or use models with suction cups (withstand up to 50 kg). To check, remove the plastic cover - if there is metal underneath it with a thickness of 1.5 mm or more, you can drill.

What drill diameter should I choose for an M10 bolt?

For an M10 bolt, the optimal hole is ∅8.5 mm. If you drill ∅10 mm, the bolt will hang loose, if you drill ∅8 mm, it will be difficult to screw it in. For aluminum bodies, take a drill bit 0.1 mm smaller (∅8.4 mm), since aluminum “stretches” when cutting threads.

What should I do if I hit the threshold cavity while drilling and cannot secure the bolt?

There are three solutions:

1. Use bolt with nut and wide washer — the nut will rest against the inner wall of the threshold.
2. Secure inside the threshold metal plate (you will have to cut the interior trim).
3. Fill into the cavity epoxy resin or liquid metal, then cut the thread after curing.

The first option is the simplest and most reliable.

How much do running boards and their installation cost?

Prices for 2026:

• 💰 Footrests (set of 2 pieces): from 3,000 ₽ (Chinese) to 25,000 ₽ (premium brands ARB or Westin).
• 💰 Installation in the service: 1,500-4,000 ₽ (depending on the complexity of the fastening).
• 💰 Anti-corrosion treatment: 500-1,000 ₽ additionally.

Self-installation saves up to 50%, but requires tools.

Is it possible to drive off-road with running boards installed?

Yes, but with reservations:

• 🚙 On tubular running boards (for example, Rough Country) you can overcome fords up to 40 cm deep.
• 🚙 Flat running boards (type AMP Research) it’s better to fold them in serious off-road conditions - they cling to bumps.
• 🚙 After riding through mud, be sure to wash the fastenings water under pressure and lubricate.

On competition off-road vehicles (e.g. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon) are often installed removable footrests, which are attached with 2-3 bolts and can be removed in 5 minutes.