[PDX6.7]

Hi,
A couple of weeks ago, I installed Steelhorse 4" oval straight bars on my truck. After a day, I noticed loud squeeking noises coming from the rear, most noticable when backing up, driving over bumps, and turning at slow speeds.

Are my cab mounts shot? I can rock the bed back and forth and it reproduces the noise. I never had any noises prior to installing the steps. Anyone else have this experience or any advice? Thanks.

 

[Wheels777]

I thought the nerf bars were mounted using the bolts from the cab mounts, at least mine are. Are you sure you got the tight enough? Maybe after driving around the bolts loosened up some?

Also, and this doesn't sound like its your problem, but I one time did not get my spare pulled up tight enough and it would move around when I hit bumps and cause weird squeaking noises from the back end. Had me pretty worried for a week or so.

 

[PDX6.7]

Yes, the nerf bars are mounted with brackets using the cab to body bolts (actually, longer replacement bolts that came in the kit). I wonder if there is a nutsert or something that the cab bolt threads into and maybe that broke? So that way the body mount can move? I did check all bolts and they're tight. I loosened them all once more and re-torqued to 60 ft-lbs. One of the bolts stripped out the cab mount hole, so I had to re-tapp it.

I checked the spare tire and it's tight. Somehow I think I damaged the passenger rear cab to body mount, just don't know how. Any other ideas?

 

[Wheels777]

Idk man. I bet it's annoying. Keep us posted cause I'm sure you won't be the only person who has/will have this problem

 

[Wheels777]

Don't know if your still having the problem, but I pulled my nerf bars this weekend and caused it. I re tightened my body mount bolts with an 18" break over till I honestly thought any more would break something and my squeak went away. I don't know how much I torqued them, but I'd safely say it was well over 60 ft lbs

 

[PDX6.7]

Apparently, I've learned from others that the cheaper aftermarket nerf bars that attach to the body mounts cause squeeks. This is why the expensive bars, including the Mopar, attach to the rocker panels. One would think that attaching to the rocker panels is a"weak" connection but it works and doesn't make noise, as the body mount bolts are undisturbed and remain the way that the manufacturer intended.

 

[Wheels777]

Sounds odd to me honestly. Unless dodge just has a problem with body mounts. I've been around several nerf bar setups mounted to body mounts on other brands that never caused squeaks. Mine I just took off were trail fx brand and they were rocker panel and body mount brackets and it didn't squeak till I removed them. Then it stopped squeaking tonight when I tightened the bolts up better

 

[spencer451]

Fix for problem

I had the same problem and upon further inspection it appeared the mount was touching the frame. I marked the spot and ground out a notch where it was touching and no more noise.

 

[PDX6.7]

Sounds odd to me honestly. Unless dodge just has a problem with body mounts. I've been around several nerf bar setups mounted to body mounts on other brands that never caused squeaks. Mine I just took off were trail fx brand and they were rocker panel and body mount brackets and it didn't squeak till I removed them. Then it stopped squeaking tonight when I tightened the bolts up better

I think the squuek or groan is coming from the passenger rear body mount where the nerf bar bracket is attached to. I've removed the bolt twice, and both times, it wouldn't thread back in. I'ver had to re-tapp it both times. Something seems funky with that mount. I loosened all the other cab to body mount bolts are re-torqued everything to 100 ft lbs. I'm scared to go more than that. Metric 10.9 bolts are rated to 75 ft lbs max according to charts I've seen.

 

[PDX6.7]

I'm going to get off my lazy and remove the nerf bars this weekend; this is the way to diagnose the problem. Re-install factory bolts, see if problem goes away. I'll report my findings.

 

[PDX6.7]

I had the same problem and upon further inspection it appeared the mount was touching the frame. I marked the spot and ground out a notch where it was touching and no more noise.

This was the problem. The backside of the rear brackets were rubbing against the frame. I never noticed until I looked behind the brackets, thanks to your suggestion. I ground them down a bit, no more squeeks! Thanks! :beer