Less than 5 months ago, I had 3" tubular step (nurf) bars installed "professionally" at a custom truck accessory dealer. I asked several times if my weight (274lbs) would break them. I was assured the bars would easily handle my weight. Over the winter (here in Wisconsin), the driver's side bar bent down. I was told the bracket broke, that a new set of bars would be ordered and a bracket would be taken from the new set and replace my broken bracket. I was given the option of taking my truck or leaving it there until the new bars arrived and mine had been repaired (3-4 days later). It was suggested to me not to use the bar until it was fixed. I decided to take the truck. I noticed the driver's side had been straightened out. I also noticed a big shiny nut on top of the bracket. When I was called 3 days later that the part was in, I waited and waited for my truck to get done, eventually seeing several techs discussing about "fixing" my truck. It seems that when they first had my truck 3 days earlier, they not only repaired it, but strengthened the bar installation. Later, I called the shop and talked to my original sales rep. He emphatically insisted that nothing was done when I first brought it in. I told him that my driver's side step bar was now rock solid like the bumper and did not have that "springiness" as before, or as the passenger step bar. He said they all have that "springiness." I asked how could I have that same "nothing was done" done on the passenger side. He had me wait, then came back and said it would cost me $90. QUESTION: Do step bars normally have that "springiness", or are they supposed to be rock solid like the bumper? What do you think? Am I being taken? I'd like a lot of replies. Thank you.

From the replies I received, I see I have to make my question clearer.

I had 3" tubular step (nurf) bars "professionally" installed.
The driver's side step bar front mounting bracket broke after only 5 months. It was "fixed." I believe that it was remounted to the frame, which gave it that solid feel (like a bumper). However, when it was originally installed, the driver's side step bar had that "springiness" feel. (By "springiness", I mean it kind of goes up and down as you go up and down when you step on it.)

The passenger side step bar was not broke. It still has that "springiness" to it. I believe that it was mounted to the running board?

QUESTION: Are step bars supposed to have that "springiness", or are they supposed to be mounted rock solid, like a bumper? The sales "tech" said they all have that springiness. The sales "tech" wants $90 to mount the passenger side step bar, the same as the driver's side step bar, so both sides would be mounted rock solid. What do you think?

 

Is it fixed? Is it working as you should expect? If so, I would just drop the issue. I'm not sure what you're after here.