Step Retraction

[Thudman]

I have a three-tread step (Kwikee) and they do not fully retract unless I "help" them up, by pushing. I lube them regularly. Batts OK. Any ideas?

Thudman

[vbugles]

I had that problem and crawed under coach and found bolts holding steps were loose, tightened problem went away. They didn't feel loose but were.
hope your problem is as easy as mine to fix.

[Harry B]

Check your ground strap from the steps to the chassis on both ends. I had a bad ground on mine which caused a voltage drop under load.
It could also explain why tightening the mounting bots took care of the problem for Vbugles

[jimmccreary]

I had exactly the same problem.
Some lubricating oil on the bolts connecting the steps.
Fixed the problem for me.
Works perfectly now. Be sure to get all bolts on both sides
jim & debbie, 04 journey 34H + suzuki AWD toad

[vbugles]

Harry B That grounding issue makes perfectly good sense to me. I didn't have to tighten much at all and bad ground would answer the question also spraying lubricant would make ground better even if temporary. Thanks I always wondered why it was so easy to fix. VBUGLES DUH

[Dave from MN]

I had the same problem & I lubricated every possible joint. Those steps really get trashed going down the road. I also found a rivet that was pulling through. It is on the top step. Both sides take most of the flexing as a person gets in out of the coach & wear out the rivets. You can't order a replacement! Have to order a new step frame. But I did fabricate one using a 3/8 x 3/4 long rivet with a homemade bushing.

[Ding-a-ling]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave from MN I had the same problem & I lubricated every possible joint. Those steps really get trashed going down the road.

Exactly!
Think about it. All that road grit and junk the steps are exposed to. How about flushing all the movable joints with some gunk remover and then re-lubing them. Solved my problem.

FJF

[RJay]

The only thing I can add to what Ding-a-ling said is that if you have to use a lubricant, us a dry lub that won't attract dirt.

[FleetMan]

Another lube to consider for exposed items like this is a motorcycle chain lube. It comes in a spray can, is available in most auto parts stores and is designed for the most extreme crud conditions.

[HD4Mark]

Our last MH had the same issue. I lubed it with white grease like (I think) the manufacturer suggested and no help. Next I got out my trusty can of WD40 with the plastic straw attached and bingo, the steps go all the way out and all the way back in.

The white grease doesn't seem thin enough to get into all the places that need it so I have been sticking with (or not sticking) Water Displacement 40.

[dajudge]

I concur with Fleetman. Clean the joints with gunk remover and lube with chain lube. I did this to mine and it solved my problem.

[a k]

It's the big center pivot shaft that freezes up. WD 40 then oil the crap out it

[JC2]

We use this stuff on our steps and anything else that needs lubricant.
Jig-A-Loo - an invisible silicone-based lubricant and water-repellent !

Other members apparently have done so also.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/search.php?searchid=879454

[Thudman]

I did all the above; steps still stall (almost in). I think they're like me.......old and tired.

Thudman