Community Forums

rnorthway · 03-27-2017, 09:28 PM

2016 Cornerstone.. Anyone ever had trouble with the entry steps not going in or out without manual assistance? Mine are making a terrible grinding noise and unless you push or pull them they won't move.???

BFlinn181 · 03-27-2017, 09:54 PM

A simple search, using the search box in the top right of the page with the Google logo, will turn up many posts on step problems. Lubrication is important at all the moving parts. The motor and gearing is an automobile electric window mechanism. It has a large pot-metal gear that can fail. If you look up the make and model of steps you have online, manuals and troubleshooting guides can be found. Removing the motor mechanism, if that turns out to be the issue, and a trip to an auto parts store can match up a replacement for much less than ordering from the step company.

Skip426 · 03-27-2017, 09:57 PM

If the step drive motor is making a grinding noise , and the steps don't move,at all , then there is an internal problem in the drive gear mechanism. Possible broken tooth in the gears.

If you move the steps slightly and then the power mechanism takes over till the end of their travel , then I'd say; I'm 99% sure it's a broken tooth; or teeth ; on one of the reduction gears.

M&S Norrell · 03-28-2017, 07:43 AM

We just took our 2017 CS in for service and as we pulled up in front of the service department, the stairs failed to open. After 3-4 tech personnel attempted several fixes to no avail, a supervisor walked up, wiped off the "drawer like" slides on each side of the steps, and the steps then instantly extended and retracted. As these are under the coach, road gunk, dust, pebbles, grit, etc. can easily get into the slides, and if the slides meet the slightest friction, they will not move. This may not be your fix, as you mentioned a grinding noise, which we didn't have, but possibly a good fix for some who just have clogged up slides.

Ted Lambert · 03-28-2017, 08:25 AM

Lubrication of the steps is really stressed in my manual.
Thanks for the post, it is a good reminder for me to lube ours!

BFlinn181 · 03-28-2017, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M&S Norrell

We just took our 2017 CS in for service and as we pulled up in front of the service department, the stairs failed to open. After 3-4 tech personnel attempted several fixes to no avail, a supervisor walked up, wiped off the "drawer like" slides on each side of the steps, and the steps then instantly extended and retracted. As these are under the coach, road gunk, dust, pebbles, grit, etc. can easily get into the slides, and if the slides meet the slightest friction, they will not move. This may not be your fix, as you mentioned a grinding noise, which we didn't have, but possibly a good fix for some who just have clogged up slides.

The motor mechanism, like I said earlier, is the same as an automotive window. Those units have current sensing circuits to control the motor. If a large enough resistance to motion is sensed, the motor reverses or shuts down. In the step, it might be a pebble, dirt, or rust. In a window, it could be a finger, neck, or arm.

Lubrication is important in maintaining the step operation.

RubiconTrail · 03-28-2017, 10:12 AM

To be more specific, extend the steps, pressure wash them, especially at the joints, blow out with compressed air, let them dry, then spray with copious amounts of WD-40 to rinse (a piece of cardboard under is a good idea). Then blow out all joints with compressed air again and use CR red grease (in the spray can) for the final lube. Make sure you get underneath and get the pivot joint (the round tube that the whole thing turns on), many folks get the step joints and miss the pivot joint.

hawgguy · 03-28-2017, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RubiconTrail

To be more specific, extend the steps, pressure wash them, especially at the joints, blow out with compressed air, let them dry, then spray with copious amounts of WD-40 to rinse (a piece of cardboard under is a good idea). Then blow out all joints with compressed air again and use CR red grease (in the spray can) for the final lube. Make sure you get underneath and get the pivot joint (the round tube that the whole thing turns on), many folks get the step joints and miss the pivot joint.

This sounds like a good routine. My 2015 Cornerstone drawer-steps appear under-designed. They are a bit different than your standard Kwikee steps. I have to be fanatical about cleaning and lubrication. It's tough in west Texas because good lubrication attracts good dirt/dust. I can hear it when they start to get dirty and need cleaning.

DeeGee · 03-29-2017, 10:08 AM

If you ever need a new motor, it is an AM Equipment 214-1001. See here or can be found at Amazon for less.

johnnyreno · 03-29-2017, 02:35 PM

Loosen the larger bolt on the largest arm that swivels Also lube any moving areas but loosening that large bolt should solve it.

johnnyreno · 03-29-2017, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

The motor mechanism, like I said earlier, is the same as an automotive window. Those units have current sensing circuits to control the motor. If a large enough resistance to motion is sensed, the motor reverses or shuts down. In the step, it might be a pebble, dirt, or rust. In a window, it could be a finger, neck, or arm.

Lubrication is important in maintaining the step operation.

Its the bolt on the large arm. Its too tight and he should lube moving areas.

brobox · 03-29-2017, 02:45 PM

Just my experience, but steps cannot be serviced enough. After driving through rain or dirty conditions, I flush all of the pivot points with spray Parts and Brake Cleaner followed with silicone or motorcycle chain lube. All come in spray cans and easy to store. Steps are one of those "ounce of prevention, is worth a pound of cure" type things that I don't wait until I get home to take care of.