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Old 10-25-2017, 10:23 AM   #1
WDW
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Kwikee steps

I would figure, we’re just a few days away from putting our motorhome away for the winter and I’m having problems with the steps. It started with a type of grinding noise with them going in and then as you climb them it seems that they don’t lock in place.

Any thoughts from you experience step victims?
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Old 10-25-2017, 10:42 AM   #2
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Drive motor gears are stripped. Mine were from steps hitting curbs when extending. Order a new motor on Amazon and replace it. Easy fix.
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Old 10-25-2017, 10:50 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WDW View Post
I would figure, we’re just a few days away from putting our motorhome away for the winter and I’m having problems with the steps. It started with a type of grinding noise with them going in and then as you climb them it seems that they don’t lock in place.

Any thoughts from you experience step victims?
First thought that comes to mind, when was the last time you lubricated ALL of the pivot points? 99.99% of step problems originate from lack of lubrication.
Should be done at least twice per year and more often in a humid climate.

I use Boshield T9 and found it among the best spray lube I've used.

https://www.amazon.com/Boeshield-T-9...=boeshield+t+9
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Old 10-25-2017, 11:36 AM   #4
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I lube frequently. But thanks.
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Old 10-25-2017, 12:00 PM   #5
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I lube frequently. But thanks.


As Stated above plastic gear is stripped, Amazon, should be motor #379147, try to see if you can get pn off your motor. I have been trying to find pn of just stripped gear, no luck so far. People on IRv2 have said this is 96 Ford Taurus L electric window motor that you can find at most auto parts stores. My motor stripped this plastic gear after less than 1 1/2 yr new MH, never hit anything, lubed steps often. Was a easy 15 min fix with Amazon part & 10mm socket. There is a good Utube video on changing this, but the lady doing video didn’t remove power, so when she connected connector steps went out, which could cause injury.
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Old 10-25-2017, 08:47 PM   #6
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Oh my gosh, same here. I just came back from dumping my tanks for the winter and to finish my winterizing and the steps started jumping around when they retracted. I had a spare motor and that resolved the issue. Last summer (2016) I replaced the controller and put in a new "auto" power window motor. Had some issues with the motor and it finally gave out. Fortunately I had the old original Lippert motor and that fixed it. I plan to order a new Lippert motor for a spare to carry with us. I don't think the auto replacement motors are of the same quality internal construction, could be wrong, but it definitely sounded different.
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Old 10-25-2017, 09:40 PM   #7
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My steps have been cycling/jumping at the end when they are extending. It didn't occur when I bypassed the controller, but replacing the controller didn't fix it so motor is next
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Old 10-25-2017, 11:15 PM   #8
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My steps have been cycling/jumping at the end when they are extending. It didn't occur when I bypassed the controller, but replacing the controller didn't fix it so motor is next
The jumping you refer to is due to mis-shapen plastic crush disks. Inside the step motor are 3 crush disks. In normal use, as a power window motor, the small torque loads do not damage the plastic disks. Heavy RV steps destroy these disks, especially if the steps aren't lubricated or the steps strike objects when extending.

Solution: buy a new motor (new crush disks are included in attached gearbox) or replace crush disks. An auto parts store should have either the motor or disks. All the best.
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Old 10-26-2017, 07:37 AM   #9
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Thanks!
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Old 10-26-2017, 08:36 AM   #10
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IMO, three things can help you get maximum life out of the motor:
1. Periodically lube ALL the pivot points with a drying lube. There must be 20 places things pivot or rotate. Half of them are under the couch.
2. NEVER step on the steps until they are fully extended. Your weight is a shock load on the crush disks.
3. Add a switch and relay to shut off the steps when you're parked in a spot where the step will contact a curb or obstacle. You have to use a relay-there's too much draw for a switch. Also, if you shut them off, forget to look and do a face plant the subsequent required nose job is totally on you.
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Old 10-26-2017, 08:54 AM   #11
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I ordered and replaced the motor on my unit. Still the same problem. It was the gear box so I now have an extra motor. Suggest you pull the motor and check the gears.
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