Sportchassis M2 106 side step coming loose

[hemsteadc]

The 'running boards' (steps) bolts are loose on both driver and passenger sides. The driver side is still fairly stable, but the passenger side is loose because of what appears to be a broken weld on a bracket, about 18" up from the step bottom and next to the fuel tank. Difficult to get to without tearing things out.

I can attach pics if needed.. but the bracket is difficult to see.

Anyone had this problem?

[Darryl&Rita]

I'd guess you need to either pull the brackets off and take to a welding shop, or find a mobile welder to come to you. Pull off any bodywork that may interfere with his work, keep the steps bolted to the brackets to prevent heat warp.

[hemsteadc]

Yah, it's going to be a bear to fix. Can't remove bolts/nuts because according to SC the bolts have pulled out of the aluminum. And the bracket is way up there and right next to the fuel tank.

[Darryl&Rita]

I must be mis-understanding the problem. If the bolts are pulled out of the threads in the Al, I'd use a longer bolt with a nut where the threads used to be. I can't believe they'd thread Aluminum without steel inserts, or some other form of reinforcement. If the structure is failing, start with fixing the structure holding the steps.