Westin CPS step bars ?

[Cobra]

I installed Westin CPS step bars on my 01 RAM 2500 in March. I had no squeaks or rattles prior to installation. I torqued all bolts to specs. I now have a slight noise but it isn't a rattle. It is more like a rubbing or a rumble sound. I stoped at the parts dealer and he said not to bother to add torq because Dodge trucks all do that. No others just Dodge.

That might be so, I was wondering if a fiber washer between the truck body and the step would eliminate the noise. Has anyone experienced this noise and if so did you cure it and how.



Thanx alot for the help.

 

[RADdodge]

I've experienced something similar. Every once in a while, I'll hear a clunking sound. It wasn't there before I installed the bars. I didn't use the straps and am wondering if I need to. Maybe that would help or make it worse, I don't know. I torqued mine to spec. If I don't use the straps, I need to fill the holes for the straps in the bars with something. I was thinking of trying some silicone grease on the rubber body bushings where the bars attach. Any suggestions?

 

[PMalin]

I installed westins also, and had very similiar results. Prior to installation, no squeaks, etc. . Installed these to the torque specs they had. Now I do hear squeaks sometimes while driving, anything that may cause slight movement in the body panels, usually notice it when turning. Otherwise I like them, but think this is something that could have been better designed.

 

[Gizmo 007]

I have them. I left the round rubber pad between the mounting bracket and cab, and also added a rubber washer between the bolt and mounting bracket. I havent had any noise, and I love mine. Can't hardly get in the truck without 'em.



Also, if you add the rubber washers, go ahead and tighten the mess out of the mounting bolts. I used an impact socket, a breakover bar, and a cheater pipe to tighten them. I think one of the bolts has about a half twist in it.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I have the Westin CPS bars on my 01' quad cab, Totally quiet. How long were they on before they started sqeaking?

 

[roadranger]

I've had the Westins on for over 5000 mi. - no sqeaks, rattles, or thumps, with my 215 lbs climbing in and out every day.



I've got the mounting bracket sitting on the rubber donut that was under the factory bolt head, tightened up with a breaker bar. And used the straps for support.



I love my Westins!

 

[Batman]

I installed the Westin CPS nerf bars about 7 months and 6k miles ago. I haven't had any noise from them.

Hope this helps.

 

[nascar]

I believe I have the same bars. Installed them according to instructions, and not a sound out of them. I installed them a little more than a year ago.

 

[Runaway]

Cobra, I have those bars. Had them on the "99" and when I bought the "01" I transfered them to the new truck. No squeaks or rattles. Maybe your hearing is more sensitive than mine.

 

[SmokinJoe]

I too have squeaks, I have installed ICI nerf bars and have the straps installed. When I originally installed them I did not have a torque wrench, now I do. I will tighten them to spec. If the squeaking does not go away I might remove mine for a week and see if the squeaking stops...