Side Assist Step/Trailer Connector - Corrosion

File In Section: 08 - Body and Accessories

Bulletin No.: 01-08-61-004

Date: June, 2001

TECHNICAL

Subject:
Corrosion of Side Assist Step Brackets and Assist Step, Trailer Connector Fasteners (Replace Fasteners, Install Bracket Shields)

Models:
2000-2001 GMC S/T Jimmy Models
With Diamond Edition Appearance Package (RPO JDE)

Condition

Some customers may comment on corrosion of the fasteners and brackets that attach the driver and passenger side assist step assemblies. This condition may also exist with the fasteners that attach the trailer tow provision connector.

Cause

The condition may be caused by inadequate corrosion protection.

Correction

New fasteners with improved corrosion protection are available to correct this condition.

Also, new black, plastic shields are available that can be installed over the front face of the existing side assist step brackets to aid in reducing corrosion.

Use the following procedure and the part numbers listed below. This fix applies to BOTH assist steps.





1. Replace the trailer connector screws (total of 4) with new screws, P/N 11508765.

2. Raise the vehicle.





3. Replace the step-to-bracket and bracket-to-frame nuts with new nuts, P/N 11519466 (12 per side). It is recommended to replace one nut at a time in order to avoid mispositioning of the step attachment clamps.

Tighten

^ Tighten the bracket-to-frame nuts to 35 Nm (26 lb ft).

^ Tighten the assist step-to-bracket nuts to 20 Nm (15 lb ft).

4. Install side assist step bracket shields (one shield per bracket) over the existing step brackets (total of six brackets). The shields are intended to be used as RH or LH. The P/N is imprinted on the straight edge of the shield nearest the frame. Refer to the Parts Information for the appropriate GM shield P/N. Use the following procedure.

^ Place the shield (1) in position over the front face of the bracket.

^ Through the two existing tooling holes in the bracket, insert two black, plastic rivets. The rivet heads (2) are applied against the shield.

^ Attach two spacers over the rivets on the back side of each bracket (flat side of spacer faces rearward).

^ Lock the rivet ends into place over the spacer.

5. Lower the vehicle.





Parts Information

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

Warranty Information





For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table as shown.





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