Service VME - Tubular Assist Step Washers Do Not Fit Body Bolts - keywords accessory bar body mount
| Subject: | Service VME - Tubular Assist Steps Washers Do Not Fit Body Bolts |
| Models: | 2006 Chevrolet Silverado |
| 2006 GMC Sierra |
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
SERVICE VME
A change in vehicle production for all models of 2006 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra has resulted in a revision to the installation for the GM Accessories Tubular Assist Steps on these vehicles.
The plant-installed body mount bolts, which are used to attach these assist steps to the vehicle, have been increased in diameter to 14mm (from 12mm) for the 2006 model year. As a result, the flat and lock washers (included with the assist step package) are not compatible with the 14mm body mount bolts.
However, Accessories Engineering has determined that the flat and lock washers are not necessary when installing the GM Accessories Tubular Assist Steps on 1999-2005 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks (with 12mm body mount bolts) or 2006 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks (with 14mm body mount bolts) due to the flange-style head on both the 12mm and 14mm body mount bolts.
Revised installation instruction sheets are available in DealerWorld under message number VSE20050133 dated 7/29/05, showing the elimination of flat and lock washers when reinstalling the Existing Body Bolt (Item #13).
Note: Usage of flat and lock washers is still required when attaching the Front and Rear Brackets (Item #3 and #4) to the Tubular Assist Steps (Item #1 and #2) using the M12 Hex Head Bolts (Item #6).
The following GM Accessories Tubular Assist Steps are impacted by this change:
- P/N 12498952
- P/N 12498953
- P/N 12498954
- P/N 12498955
- P/N 12498956
- P/N 12498957
- P/N 12498484
These assist step packages will soon begin shipping with the revised installation instruction sheets included and the non-required washers eliminated from the kit.
Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.
