Could anyone provide me some guidance on how long it would take a "mechanically challenged" individual to install the side steps. I am trying to decide whether or not it is worth it to try on my own (if my now 6 month and counting wait for X ever ends!) or have the dealer do it. Also, how many hours would be reasonable for the dealer's installation.
Running Board/Side steps installation time
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That's a tool question
I did my running board installation in a bit less than an hour. However, I had all of the tools I needed, including appropriate socket sizes and some semi-exotic drivers which made it easy to work in limited access areas (like under a car) and to tighten bolts through narrow slots with minimal available arc space. Officially, you'll need a torque wrench too to tighten the bolts up to but not over the correct amount.
The biggest time sink is just the large number of bolts requiring tightening. I think the total is 72. If you have patience, you can do this yourself and save at least $100 of labor, and get a good feeling of I-did-it-myself satisfaction. But if you tire or bore easily, or if you would have to buy the tools to do the install, let a dealer do it.
-Marne
I did my running board installation in a bit less than an hour. However, I had all of the tools I needed, including appropriate socket sizes and some semi-exotic drivers which made it easy to work in limited access areas (like under a car) and to tighten bolts through narrow slots with minimal available arc space. Officially, you'll need a torque wrench too to tighten the bolts up to but not over the correct amount.
The biggest time sink is just the large number of bolts requiring tightening. I think the total is 72. If you have patience, you can do this yourself and save at least $100 of labor, and get a good feeling of I-did-it-myself satisfaction. But if you tire or bore easily, or if you would have to buy the tools to do the install, let a dealer do it.
-Marne
Like Marne said, it isn't hard to do. The more tools you have, the better although the bare minimum would be two 13mm wrenches and a torque wrench.
Search for running boards where I and some others posted tips on how to install the running boards.
It took me a little more than 2 hours but I'm very methodical and I ran into things that weren't documented in the instructions, which is why I posted my experience.
Some of the things I did which aren't necessary include:
I inventoried all the parts first to make sure everything was there.
I wanted to use my Makita to bolt the brackets together so I had to find the socket adapter. I also had to find my Panavise to hold the brackets to make it easy to use the Makita. I then had to bolt the Panavise to a piece of wood which I clamped to my Radial Arm saw. I could have just sat at a table and use a socket wrench but remember that there are 48 bolts and nuts that need to be tightend down.
I could have used my old torque wrench with the moving needle but I opted to get a digital ratcheting torque wrench (an early CHristmas present). This way I didn't have to look at the needle as I tightened, all I had to do listen/feel for the click. As one of my friends pointed out, I could have bought quite a few more tools with the money I saved ($1200 just for the running board labor and excessive profit).
I built the brackets one day and the next day cleaned off the floor and installed them the next day.
When I first encountered the plastic hole covers on the bottom of the MDX, it took me a few minutes to figure out that you can push in the center and then pry out the assembly using a putty knife.
Everytime I found out I needed another tool, it took time to go look for it. One of the things I couldn't find was a set of Metric box wrenches (I just bought a new set from Sears, on sale!) but I had a ratchet that was small enough to fit inside the bracket.
So the lesson here is to make sure you have all the tools handy.
Search for running boards where I and some others posted tips on how to install the running boards.
It took me a little more than 2 hours but I'm very methodical and I ran into things that weren't documented in the instructions, which is why I posted my experience.
Some of the things I did which aren't necessary include:
I inventoried all the parts first to make sure everything was there.
I wanted to use my Makita to bolt the brackets together so I had to find the socket adapter. I also had to find my Panavise to hold the brackets to make it easy to use the Makita. I then had to bolt the Panavise to a piece of wood which I clamped to my Radial Arm saw. I could have just sat at a table and use a socket wrench but remember that there are 48 bolts and nuts that need to be tightend down.
I could have used my old torque wrench with the moving needle but I opted to get a digital ratcheting torque wrench (an early CHristmas present). This way I didn't have to look at the needle as I tightened, all I had to do listen/feel for the click. As one of my friends pointed out, I could have bought quite a few more tools with the money I saved ($1200 just for the running board labor and excessive profit).
I built the brackets one day and the next day cleaned off the floor and installed them the next day.
When I first encountered the plastic hole covers on the bottom of the MDX, it took me a few minutes to figure out that you can push in the center and then pry out the assembly using a putty knife.
Everytime I found out I needed another tool, it took time to go look for it. One of the things I couldn't find was a set of Metric box wrenches (I just bought a new set from Sears, on sale!) but I had a ratchet that was small enough to fit inside the bracket.
So the lesson here is to make sure you have all the tools handy.
it took me 45 minutes... i did mine this past saturday.... just follow the instruction... the dealer in my area wanted $549.00 for the part and $350.00 to install it so i baught it fron hondacuraworld.com for $432.00 and installed it my self it was actually easire than i taught just follow the instruction that come with it
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That 'buying tools with the money you're saving' is a great argument - I just got a 12" compound miter saw last week with the money I saved from not hiring someone that knows what they're doing to build my deck! 
BTW if you go with the Manik side steps, there's a lot less hardware involved - 8 bolts to attach the steps to the brackets and maybe a dozen machine screw to attach the brackets to the frame. Easily under an hour, unless you cross-thread a bolt...
BTW if you go with the Manik side steps, there's a lot less hardware involved - 8 bolts to attach the steps to the brackets and maybe a dozen machine screw to attach the brackets to the frame. Easily under an hour, unless you cross-thread a bolt...
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594 Posts
If you have room
If you have room, why not order them now and put together the brackets before it even comes in -- it would give you something MDX related to play with and pass the time, and you could get a jump on the install. Plus, it would give you plenty of time to thoroughly read the instructions, get all of the tools together, and plan your attack.
If you have room, why not order them now and put together the brackets before it even comes in -- it would give you something MDX related to play with and pass the time, and you could get a jump on the install. Plus, it would give you plenty of time to thoroughly read the instructions, get all of the tools together, and plan your attack.
Rail,
But how much did he charge you for the steps?
My local dealer wanted over $1600 for the running boards, installed.
$80 would be good if the price was about the same as Tim's.
By installing it myself, I was able to spend the money I "saved" on a new digital torque wrench which I also used to install the wheel locks.
But how much did he charge you for the steps?
My local dealer wanted over $1600 for the running boards, installed.
$80 would be good if the price was about the same as Tim's.
By installing it myself, I was able to spend the money I "saved" on a new digital torque wrench which I also used to install the wheel locks.
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