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when cleaning running boards

Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 12:06 am
by Smeeagain
I'm planning to thoroughly clean my running boards when the weather gets better. I'e read the various previous posts about removing the rubber grommets but my question is when the rubber parts is removed and the hole exposed if any cleaning liquid goes down there does it drain away somewhere or is is just stuck in there ......?

Re: when cleaning running boards

Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 9:03 am
by jaynana
Haven't personally checked or done this but I'm confident it will drain away, cos that's how these things are designed. After all those rubbery bits are not guranteed water proof so seepinage needs to drain away.

Having said that I'm not sure if what you're trying to do is recommended cos by removing those they could get loose? And then they could fall off when stepped on etc? I've seen cars with a few fallen off.

Re: when cleaning running boards

Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 9:14 am
by JAMMA
I cleaned the running boards on my x5 yesterday and just left the rubber grommets in place. No harm done.

Re: when cleaning running boards

Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 9:18 am
by E53X5Paul
Hi Jamma

What did you use to clean them? I have stains on mine (road grime I guess) and can't get them perfect

Re: when cleaning running boards

Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 9:29 am
by JAMMA
First I used some degreaser and a scouring sponge to get te worst of the grime off, then I used metal polish and some good old fashioned elbow grease to finish off. Theyve came up great :thumbsup:

Re: when cleaning running boards

Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 10:05 am
by gadgetJunky72
is it fine to leave the rubber grommets in place when using Wonder Wheels?

when cleaning running boards

Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 10:19 am
by Rusty
If you take them out and clean with wonder wheels for example, any that goes down the holes will be rinsed away when you wash them off. Just make sure you rinse well and all will be fine. Taking them out will give better results but it's up to you.

Jmo


Sent from my iPod device using Tapatalk

Re: when cleaning running boards

Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 10:29 am
by gadgetJunky72
thanks for the reply.

i was more concerned about Wonder Wheels affecting the rubber. is it ok to leave them in from that perspective? cheers.

when cleaning running boards

Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 4:42 pm
by ITBarbie
It's fine to leave them in and won't affect the grommets. Have been using it for nearly three years now and works a treat.

If the boards are really pitted you can take out all of the grommets and use some fine grade wire wool and then seal after :-)

when cleaning running boards

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 9:03 am
by garethdeb
On this subject, I've got a couple of missing grommets. Any ideas where to get them? I expect my BMW main dealer will tell me I have to replace the whole running board!
Cheers guys.
Gareth



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when cleaning running boards

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 9:28 am
by dirtymonkey29
No you can get rubber grommets from main dealer pretty cheap. Have a look on realoem for part numbers.

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?mod ... g=51&fg=16

Re: when cleaning running boards

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 9:30 am
by gadgetJunky72
uh oh!!!

i hope stealing running board grommets isn't the latest teenage craze.

can't imagine its anywhere near as cool as wearing a VW sign round your neck

:D

Re: when cleaning running boards

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 9:38 am
by pvr
Perhaps they use them for those ear plugs now that seems to be a fashion ? :cry:

when cleaning running boards

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 11:12 am
by ITBarbie
Just smile and flutter your eyelashes and the dealer will give them to you free ;-)

Re: when cleaning running boards

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 11:47 am
by pvr
That only works for you and Sanj though :rofl: