Canada - Body - Side Step Pad Replacement

Bulletin
TSB2089

Issue Date
August 11, 2004

Market
Canada



Title
REPLACEMENT OF SIDE STEP PADS AND TINNERMAN NUTS

Component
BODY COMPONENT

Models
'01 - '04 Tacoma, RAV4 and Highlander

This technical service bulletin outlines the steps necessary to replace step pads and corroded carbon steel tinnerman nuts in the field. The replacement parts numbers listed below contain stainless steel tinnerman nuts and new step pads.

APPLICABLE VEHICLES:
- 2001 - 2004 model year Highlander, RAV4 and Tacoma vehicles.






PARTS INFORMATION:






WARRANTY INFORMATION:

REPAIR PROCEDURE:







1. Grab the outside of the pad towards the front and pull up, while placing the screw driver between the pad and the tube. Place the screw driver approximately 2.5" to 3" from the end of the pad. Pry up with the screw driver handle until a "pop" can be heard. This is the tinnerman nut releasing. Continue to pry until the front of the pad is loose from the tube.







2. With the front end of the pad loose from the tube, grab the pad solidly and pull up and away, towards the rear of the vehicle. In many cases, the tinnerman nuts will pull free from the tube while remaining on the posts of the pad.







3. If a pad post breaks free, it will leave the tinnerman nut in the tube. Drive the tinnerman nut up slightly from the tube using the slotted screw driver

CAUTION:
Use care as to not scratch the visible surface of the tube, or damage the vehicle.







Using the needle nose pliers, slide the jaws over the tinnerman and use the cutting edges to grasp the tinnerman underneath its collar. Then in a prying motion, pull the tinnerman free from the tube.







4. Before moving forward, take an appropriate cleaner to remove any discoloration or corrosion residue from the tubes. As the tubes are stainless steel, they will clean easily.












5. After all tinnerman's are removed, replace them by inserting the new supplied stainless steel tinnermans. Seat the new tinnermans by tapping them down with the rubber mallet. For better access, and to avoid striking the vehicle, it may be necessary to open the vehicle door, as seen on this RAV-4.







6. Before placing the pad on the tube, check the outside surfaces of the pad in the middle area, as indicated by the arrow. There may be a small blemish from the molding process, place this on the inside, towards the vehicle.












7. To install the pad open the vehicle door as necessary. Press the pad posts through the tinnermans. Then tap the pad with the rubber mallet to ensure the pad seats flat against the tube. Continue this process throughout the remaining pads on the vehicle. The procedure is completed.

NOTE:
Issue of this Technical Service Bulletin is to ensure that proper repair information is available. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN AUTHORIZATION FOR REPAIR. Normal provisions of the formal warranty policy, as applicable, will apply.