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Sahara problem

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Old 11-02-2008 | 07:38 AM
  #1  
ladiver's Avatar
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From: Yorba Linda, CA
Default Sahara problem

I have an Unlimited Sahara with the factory sidesteps. The problem I have is that it appears both are being bent and deformed. I have not been in an accident, nor have I done any serious offroading. The driver side step appears to be raised near the rear tire and is bending the metal frame. On the opposite side, there is a crack right in the middle of the step. This crack does not go completely through the step, just at the surface.

I have attached (will try at least!) some pictures to show what I am talking about. If anyone can figure out what may have caused this and if it is only the beginning of a more serious problem, I would sure appreciate it.

Thanks,

Jeff
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Old 11-02-2008 | 08:15 AM
  #2  
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damn thats crazy i have never seen anything like that, its hard to see how that could happen naturally without any force, specially where it is messing up the metal body. I have an 08 sahara and havent had any problems with my steps but i will keep my eyes open
Old 11-02-2008 | 10:52 AM
  #3  
aldaman's Avatar
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From: HAWAII
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Originally Posted by shayu
holy crap.
never seen this...............
x2...Have you checked the bolts that mount under the body? Maybe they fell off or loosened up, which created some extra play that caused the steps & body to......

Just throwing out some scenarios.....Keep us posted...Thanks....
Old 11-02-2008 | 11:50 AM
  #4  
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Did it happen over time or did you notice it all at once? It looks like someone ran into or under the sidestep and pushed it up causing the sidestep to break and bend the sheetmetal out of shape. With all the plastic on cars today, it's not impossible to hit the steps and not leave a gash.
Old 11-02-2008 | 12:36 PM
  #5  
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From: Mission Viejo, Ca
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Had to be impact related.

can't wait to hear what the service dept has to say about this under warranty.

good luck
Old 11-02-2008 | 12:54 PM
  #6  
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From: Oxnard, CA
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Originally Posted by ladiver
I have an Unlimited Sahara with the factory sidesteps. The problem I have is that it appears both are being bent and deformed. I have not been in an accident, nor have I done any serious offroading. The driver side step appears to be raised near the rear tire and is bending the metal frame. On the opposite side, there is a crack right in the middle of the step. This crack does not go completely through the step, just at the surface.

I have attached (will try at least!) some pictures to show what I am talking about. If anyone can figure out what may have caused this and if it is only the beginning of a more serious problem, I would sure appreciate it.

Thanks,

Jeff

Did you have it in for service? Looks a lot like someone put the arms out too far and instead of lifting from your frame they hit the plastic steps out of ignorance. That would be a real pisser if that is what happened, too bad you didn't catch it sooner.
Old 11-02-2008 | 01:05 PM
  #7  
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I had an '08 Sahara. I can tell you that isn't normal!
Old 11-02-2008 | 02:02 PM
  #8  
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From: Mt Pleasant, PA
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Originally Posted by CIJeep
Did you have it in for service? Looks a lot like someone put the arms out too far and instead of lifting from your frame they hit the plastic steps out of ignorance. That would be a real pisser if that is what happened, too bad you didn't catch it sooner.
This also seems to me to be the most likely cause.
Old 11-02-2008 | 02:37 PM
  #9  
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From: Terryville, LI, NY
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Originally Posted by CIJeep
Did you have it in for service? Looks a lot like someone put the arms out too far and instead of lifting from your frame they hit the plastic steps out of ignorance. That would be a real pisser if that is what happened, too bad you didn't catch it sooner.
I've seen similar damaged to a Trailblazer caused by a improperly aligned lift. If the Jeep was recently serviced, I'd head right back there immediately. This isn't a warranty item, it's a liability item. If you get any hassle at all, get a second opinion and estimate from a body shop file a small claims suit ASAP.


My regards,

Widewing
Old 11-02-2008 | 02:46 PM
  #10  
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That doesn't look good. I agree that it looks like improper lifting/jacking, especially if you know it hasn't been impacted off-road.


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