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DRNiven · 06-17-2019, 07:13 AM

Sorry if this question has been asked and answered, but I could not find it when I searched.

My steps make all kinds of noise as I am moving down the highway. Not bad when I am going slow in the neighborhood, but when the wind hits them at 60 MPH, they really rattle.

I got under rig and thought I could tighten up anything that was loose, but could not find any bolts loose. When the steps are in, I can not budge them at all by hand, so they appear to be tight. They open and close just fine.

I was thinking that I could use those step covers to keep the steps from hitting together while in flight. Or put some foam insulation under the top step so that when they retract there is no gap and they could not clang against each other.

Anyone had the issue and resolved. Would love some suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Chief Alen · 06-17-2019, 07:24 AM

What MH, what year, how many steps ?

Mine has adjustments .

DRNiven · 06-17-2019, 07:33 AM

2008 Winnebago Journey 39Z - Diesel Pusher - Front steps - 2 steps

FIRE UP · 06-17-2019, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRNiven

Sorry if this question has been asked and answered, but I could not find it when I searched.

My steps make all kinds of noise as I am moving down the highway. Not bad when I am going slow in the neighborhood, but when the wind hits them at 60 MPH, they really rattle.

I got under rig and thought I could tighten up anything that was loose, but could not find any bolts loose. When the steps are in, I can not budge them at all by hand, so they appear to be tight. They open and close just fine.

I was thinking that I could use those step covers to keep the steps from hitting together while in flight. Or put some foam insulation under the top step so that when they retract there is no gap and they could not clang against each other.

Anyone had the issue and resolved. Would love some suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Your steps are the same as ours and, you really shouldn't be hearing any form of noise from them while under way. Are you DEAD sure it's the steps that are making the noise(s)? There could quite possibly be other support material (metal etc.) that's loose and or broken welds etc. that is what you're hearing. As you stated, when the motor retracts those steps, THEY'RE TIGHT! And they don't loosen up while under way. So, hearing ANY form of clanking etc. from those steps is more than likely not possible. That's not to say it CAN'T happen. I'm merely stating that it's highly unlikely you're hearing noises from them and that that whatever you're hearing, is emanating from another source.

Those steps utilize extra heavy duty rivets for pivot points so, there's no tightening of them, unlike any form of a nut and bolt. So, just for your own satisfaction, I'd wiggle under there, WITH THE STEPS IN THE RETRACTED POSITION, and attempt to wiggle or move any metal of any type, near or around those steps. And that includes any body bracing, frame crossmember attachment points, and or even a sway bar bushing test.

Our coach, is an '04 Itasca Horizon 36GD with the CAT C-7 330HP and we'd owned and operated it for several years before we started hearing clanging and banging around that same area as you're describing. Well, it didn't take long to investigate and find out what the problem was. I'd lost some of my sway bar bushings. And when that front suspension cycled even a slight amount, we'd hear those noises. A new bushing kit took care of all that and now, quite as can be. Good luck.
Scott

StevenK · 06-17-2019, 10:13 AM

We also had a clanking noise while driving and I also assumed it was the entry steps. A few months later, we discovered the noise was from a loose arm on the door awning that locks the awning in place when it is extended. When the awning is retracted, Velcro is supposed to keep the arm from swinging freely. But since the Velcro had worn out, the arm would bang against the MH while traveling on the highway. A few pieces of new Velcro solved the problem.

MSHappyCampers · 06-17-2019, 11:18 AM

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Noticed you are kinda new on IRV2 and wanted to say hello!

I too think you are hearing noise from something other than the steps! If you can't shake them while they are in then it's probably not them. Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

DRNiven · 06-17-2019, 04:50 PM

Never dawned on me that it could be anything other than the steps. Will get under there and check it out some more. Thanks

Jim_HiTek · 06-17-2019, 04:56 PM

Check the nearby wheel well surround for that fiberglass to be loose from the brackets near the bottom that are suppose to hold it snug. If loose, road wind makes it wobble like crazy and could account for your noise.

DRNiven · 06-20-2019, 04:22 PM

Well mystery solved. There is a steel plate that I am assuming works as a mud flap between the steps of and the front right wheel. It only hits the steps in a small 1 inch section that should be removed, but I added some thick dense foam window insulation as a temp buffer till I can create a permanent solution.

FIRE UP · 06-20-2019, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRNiven

Well mystery solved. There is a steel plate that I am assuming works as a mud flap between the steps of and the front right wheel. It only hits the steps in a small 1 inch section that should be removed, but I added some thick dense foam window insulation as a temp buffer till I can create a permanent solution.

Yahooooo,
You found the problem and, you cured it with a cheap fix, for now.
Scott