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ARIES
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2008 - 2012 Ford Escape
Confirmed to Fit
2008 - 2011 Mazda Tribute
Confirmed to Fit
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Includes one pair of side bars and mounting hardware
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty (Three-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
Finish: SEMI-GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
Material: Blank
Color: Black
Side Component Type: Board and Bracket
ARIES 3" side bars are more than a fancy decal for your truck, Jeep or SUV. They are a confident first step on each new adventure. These 3" nerf bars are constructed from strong carbon steel for superior rigidity, and they feature a sleek semi-gloss black powder coat finish. For an added edge, each nerf bar also goes through an E-coat process, before receiving its black powder coat, to strengthen and protect the final finish against peeling, chipping and scratching. ARIES 3" round side bars are also available in polished stainless steel or semi-gloss black powder-coated steel. All ARIES 3" nerf bars come with heavy-duty steel brackets and non-skid step pads. The mounting brackets are strong and custom-designed for specific makes and models to allow the side bars to contour to the lines of your vehicle. They offer easy installation and the strength necessary to provide sound footing. These particular custom nerf bars fit specific years of the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute (see application info to verify fitment). ARIES 3" round side bars also come with non-skid step pads made of tough polypropylene. These step pads feature a textured pattern for enhanced safety, and they cover a wide portion of the tubes for a more comfortable step.
Explore ARIES products at TowUniverse for top-tier grille guards, side bars, nerf bars, headache racks, and more. Upgrade your vehicle with ARIES today!
ARIES is a fast-paced marketer and innovator of truck, Jeep, SUV and CUV accessories. From automotive enthusiasts to professional builders, our products are built for the champions of individualism, innovation and attitude.
We offer the perfect combination of unique style and durable construction, specializing in custom-fit grille guards, bull bars, side bars and running boards, as well as Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator accessories.
ARIES products are made vehicle-specific for a custom fit, and they are available for a wide variety of makes and models sold in North America.
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-9494Limited Lifetime Warranty (Three-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
2 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 - 2012 | Ford Escape | — |
| 2008 - 2011 | Mazda Tribute | — |
Yes, the ARIES 203031 3-Inch Round Black Steel Nerf Bars, No-Drill, Fits Select Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute (Part #BBDR203031) is designed to fit the 2008-2012 Ford Escape.
The ARIES 203031 3-Inch Round Black Steel Nerf Bars, No-Drill, Fits Select Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute (Part #BBDR203031) fits the following vehicles: 2008-2012 Ford Escape; 2008-2011 Mazda Tribute. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The ARIES 203031 3-Inch Round Black Steel Nerf Bars, No-Drill, Fits Select Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute (Part #BBDR203031) fits 2008-2012 Ford Escape models. The 2012 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The ARIES 203031 3-Inch Round Black Steel Nerf Bars, No-Drill, Fits Select Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute (Part #BBDR203031) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, part number 203031 is designed for the 2008 Ford Escape. However, the 2008 Escape driver side rear mounting bracket installation includes a specific step: you must use an 8mm × 25mm hex head bolt, 8mm flat washer, and 8mm lock washer to attach the driver side mounting bracket to the previously removed rubber plug location. This 8mm bolt is not used on the Mazda Tribute or 2009 Escape.
Yes, part number 203031 fits 2009–2010 Ford Escape models. On these models, the passenger side rear mounting bracket installs between the factory exhaust support and the body panel. You must remove the two hex bolts securing the exhaust support bracket, move the exhaust support slightly, install the passenger side mounting bracket, and then reinstall the exhaust support using the two factory hex bolts, with one bolt inserted through both the exhaust support and the mounting bracket.
Part number 203031 is listed as compatible with the Mazda Tribute. On 2009–2010 Tribute models, the passenger side rear mounting bracket installs between the factory exhaust support and the body panel, following the same procedure as the 2009–2010 Escape. The 8mm bolt used on the 2008 Escape driver side is not used on the Tribute.
The kit includes two side bars (driver and passenger), six mounting brackets (front and rear for each side), two support brackets (front for each side), and fasteners: two M8 hex bolts (25mm), two M8 flat washers, two M8 lock washers, two M10 double nut plates, two M10 thick square washers, two M10 bolt plates, twelve M10 hex bolts (30mm), four M10 hex bolts (45mm), ten M10 flat washers (25mm), ten M10 flat washers (30mm), twelve M10 lock washers, two M10 hex nuts, two M10 nylock nuts, and two additional M10 double nut plates.
The manual does not specify which tools are required. It states that 'proper tools will improve the quality of installation and reduce the time required,' but does not list specific tools. You will need a 7/16" drill bit to drill the plastic rocker panel, and standard wrenches or sockets to install the metric fasteners (M8 and M10 bolts and nuts), but the manual does not provide a complete tool list.
You do not need to fully remove the plastic rocker trim panel, but you must access it. Remove the sheet metal screw in the rear of the front fender and the three plastic clips from under the front of the plastic rocker trim panel. Gently pull the plastic panel toward the outside to locate the factory hole in the body panel. After drilling and installing the bolt plate, reposition the plastic panel back into its original position and secure it with the factory clips and metal screw.
Yes, drilling is required. You must drill a 7/16" hole through the plastic rocker panel to clear the bolt plate. The manual emphasizes: 'Only drill through the plastic panel. Take precautions to avoid damage to the vehicle.' You will drill at the marked location of the factory hole in the body panel beneath the rocker trim.
A 7/16" drill bit is required. You use it to drill through the plastic rocker panel to clear the bolt plate location.
The torque specification for M10 bolts is 16 ft.-lbs. This applies to all M10 hex bolts used in the installation, including the M10 × 30mm and M10 × 45mm bolts.
The torque specification for M8 bolts is 7 ft.-lbs. This applies to the M8 × 25mm hex bolts used in the installation.
No. The manual instructs you to 'snug but do not tighten hardware at this time' during the front mounting bracket installation (Step 5), support bracket installation (Step 6), and rear mounting bracket installation (Step 9). You must also snug but not tighten the sidebar bolts (Step 10). Only after positioning and leveling the entire sidebar should you 'tighten all hardware at this time' (Step 11). This two-stage approach allows proper alignment before final tightening.
Installation follows this sequence: (1) Remove plastic rocker trim clips and factory bolts; (2) Drill the plastic rocker panel and install the front bolt plate; (3) Install the driver side front mounting bracket using factory bolts (snug only); (4) Install the driver side support bracket (snug only); (5) Install the driver side rear mounting bracket and double nut plate (snug only); (6) Position and secure the driver side bar to the mounting brackets (snug only); (7) Adjust and level the driver side bar, then tighten all hardware; (8) Repeat steps 2–7 for the passenger side. For the passenger side rear on 2009–2010 models, the bracket installs between the exhaust support and body panel.
Locate the three holes in the floor panel next to the pinch weld at the rear of the vehicle. Remove the factory rubber plug if equipped (2008 Escape only). Insert the double nut plate through the large round hole and line up the threaded nuts on the nut plate with the smaller round and oval holes. The nut plate must be flat against the inside of the body panel with the welded nuts on top. Then insert the M10 × 45mm hex bolts with washers and lock washers through the mounting bracket holes and into the double nut plate.
The driver side front mounting bracket is secured to the frame rail using two factory bolts. The manual states: 'Locate the three factory bolts on the side of the frame rail. Remove the two lower bolts only. Position the driver side front Mounting Bracket up to the frame rail. Line up the holes in the Mounting Bracket with (2) threaded holes. Secure the Mounting Bracket with the (2) factory bolts.' These bolts are snugged but not tightened until final assembly.
The support bracket is attached at two points: (1) to the bolt plate on the rocker panel using one M10 flat washer, one M10 lock washer, and one M10 hex nut; and (2) to the back of the mounting bracket using one M10 × 30mm hex bolt, two M10 flat washers, and one M10 nylock lock nut. The shorter tab of the support bracket mounts to the rocker panel, and the longer end attaches to the mounting bracket. These fasteners are snugged but not tightened until final assembly.
The rear mounting bracket is secured using two M10 × 45mm hex bolts. One bolt (with one M10 flat washer and one M10 lock washer) goes through the small round hole into the double nut plate. The second bolt (with one M10 square washer and one M10 lock washer) goes through the large oval hole into the remaining nut in the double nut plate. For 2008 Escape driver side only, an additional M8 × 25mm hex head bolt, M8 flat washer, and M8 lock washer attach the bracket to the rubber plug location. These fasteners are snugged but not tightened until final assembly.
The sidebar is secured to the mounting brackets using four M10 × 30mm hex head bolts, four M10 flat washers, and four M10 lock washers. These fasteners are snugged but not tightened until the sidebar is positioned and leveled, at which point all hardware is tightened.
When drilling the plastic rocker panel with a 7/16" drill bit, the manual emphasizes: 'Only drill through the plastic panel. Take precautions to avoid damage to the vehicle.' Do not drill into the body panel or any other vehicle components beneath the plastic trim.
After installation, wax the product to protect it. Regular waxing is recommended to add a protective layer over the finish. Do not use any type of polish or wax that may contain abrasives, as these could damage the finish. For gloss black finishes, mild soap may be used to clean the product. Additionally, perform periodic inspections to ensure that all hardware is secure and tight.
The manual states: 'Do periodic inspections to the installation to make sure that all hardware is secure and tight.' It does not specify the exact interval for these inspections, only that they should be performed periodically.
No. The manual states: 'Do not use any type of polish or wax that may contain abrasives that could damage the finish.' Use only non-abrasive wax. For gloss black finishes, mild soap may be used to clean the product.
Part number 203031 fits 2008 Ford Escape, 2009–2010 Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute. On 2009–2010 models, the passenger side rear bracket installs between the factory exhaust support and body panel.
Yes, a 7/16" drill bit is required to drill through the plastic rocker panel. Only drill through the plastic; take precautions to avoid damage to the vehicle body.
No. Snug all bolts during installation, but do not fully tighten them until after the sidebar is positioned and leveled. Then tighten all hardware.
M8 bolts: 7 ft.-lbs. M10 bolts: 16 ft.-lbs. All fasteners in this kit are metric (M8 or M10).
Wax the product after installation and regularly thereafter using only non-abrasive wax. For gloss black finishes, use mild soap to clean. Perform periodic inspections to ensure all hardware remains secure and tight.
On 2009–2010 Escape and Tribute models, the passenger side rear mounting bracket installs between the factory exhaust support and body panel. You must remove the two hex bolts securing the exhaust support, move it slightly, install the bracket, and reinstall the exhaust support with one bolt through both the support and bracket.
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