2003 Monaco Cayman step motor

[dougwk]

My Step motor seems to be retracting very slowly and needs help in closing. is there a less expensive motor that can be used to replace with, or is there some other problem other than the motor?

[RV Wizard]

Hello and . We are glad to have you join us here and we look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences. I am sure yo will enjoy the website and forums. Good luck, stay safe and keep us posted.
The first thing I would recommend is that the pivot points be lubricated and that the ground connection be removed from the frame and reattached to good clean bare metal. I believe you will find you do not need a motor.

[94-Newmar]

Doug, I'll assume it's a Kwikee model step....

With the step in the extended position look closely at the connection point from the fork/pivot arm to the step. The step mount to the pivot point on the motor has a single 5/16" (approx) straight pin running thru it with a small cotter pin holding it securely. Remove the cotter pin and slide the straight pin out - this will disconnect the motor from the steps allowing you to move the steps in and out manually. Now that its free you can work it back and forth noting all the pivot points. Lubricate them all as Mike has suggested above. Additionally, lubricate and work the swing arm that is connected to the gearbox - work it up and down as well. If it is free as it should be the steps should not stay in (retracted) manually and should fall back open. The swing arm on the gearbox should move freely with very little resistance. If things are rusted enough you may find that you need to use a good penetrating spray such as PB Blaster liberally first before using a good lubricating spray.

[az bound]

I would suggest that you use a dry lubricant that does not attract and hold dirt and grime. Dry silicone, teflon or graphite.

[donwat91]

Az bound, WOW! I never thought of that. That really makes sense. Cause I've always used grease and it collects sand and dirt. Again thanks.
Donald"Dr.Don"Watkins
MSgt USAF Ret

[RV Wizard]

I recommend dry silicone spray for all sliding and pivot point lubrication areas on our rigs.

[cvrvr]

I purchased a spray can of kwikee step lube years ago. Try to use twice a year.

You spray it on the joints of the steps and it dries up. It doesn't collect dust.

George

[Argosy]

If you pull the pin between the steps and motor you need a floor jack to hold the steps up or they will swing very quickly down and out.

[sdennislee]

All good advice, I would a point for safety, when performing step PM do not place your body under the steps and keep your fingers away from moving parts. Accidental actuation of the steps could cause serious injuries.

I disconnect the power to mine when performing PM.

[djbmsu]

And to answer your initial question regarding a more inexpensive plave to find a motor, look into car power window motors they are the exact same. You will just neef to match it up

[dougwk]

Thank you all for your advice, this last weekend the steps worked just fine. I lubed the pivot joints with silicone spray!

[becks]

Just for future needs, my step motor matched a Ford F150 window motor, and I bought from Napa. Easy fix.