My steps have been sticking in the in position, sometimes they work sometimes they don't. When they don't, have to hit with hammer to get them out. Than they will work for a while. Took the motor off yesterday, all the gears look good, but when I work the pinion gear back and forth, feels like I can feel the armature hitting in the motor case. Has any else noticed this? Ordered a new motor from AM Equipment, could not find one at parts store. Just wondering if that is the problem, and what kind of grease to use on pinion gear when it goes back together??

In ten years of owning a motorhome with a Kwikee step I had to replace the control once and the motor once. They were pretty much unprotected and 18 inches off the road. In my (motor) case something jammed and a plastic part wore out trying to move it. I got replacement parts at PPL Motorhomes. Now I have a manual step.

Keeping the pivot points greased usually will fix intermittently working steps. I use lithium grease on those points. Don't use WD40 as a fix because it will dry out easily.Sorry I can't help you with the type of grease on the pinion gear but I would think it would have to be something thick.Oh, it doesn't make any difference now but I thought the step motor was just a window motor from an auto supply.

I use the spray lithium on all pivot points. The steps work smooth with the motor off. Even used WD-40 just to clean the pivots and than spray with lithium. The step motor is also used as a window motor, Just couldn't find one around here. Have had MH since 06, just started doing this last year. Will try a new motor, and hope that does it. The motor just didn't feel right when turning the pinion gear back and forth. will check the new motor, to see if it does the same thing. Will let you know what I find.

Ditto on lubing step's. One thing many forget to do.

every Auto Zone, NAPA, etc in the country has those motors---last time I checked they were $40

Kwikee step motor | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

dcbrewer
Explorer
Aug 14, 2014
Got it put back in, all is good right now. Time will tell, sometimes it would work a dozen times before it would stick. Will let you know what it does.
dcbrewer
Explorer
Aug 13, 2014
I cleaned it with electric contact cleaner, lubed it, put it back together. I put the gear head end on first, because of the brushes, than the motor housing. It is ready to go back in. Checked it with truck battery, seems smoother. Time will tell. Will have a new one, just in case.
Jagtech
Explorer
Aug 13, 2014
dcbrewer wrote:
Jagtech wrote:
I found the hammer trick to work, too. I finally removed the motor, disassembled it, and cleaned the commutator and brush holders. Its worked perfectly ever since. These little motors are mounted in a hostile environment, so moisture, heat and dirt can take their toll.

Jagtech , did you grease the bearing lands before putting the motor back together, and what did you use??

Yes, I used some molybdenum grease. Don't know if that's the recommended lube, but it's been fine for a couple of years. Also, I found it easier to reassemble the motor if the brushes are removed with the retaining clips and installed last.
dcbrewer
Explorer
Aug 13, 2014
Jagtech wrote:
I found the hammer trick to work, too. I finally removed the motor, disassembled it, and cleaned the commutator and brush holders. Its worked perfectly ever since. These little motors are mounted in a hostile environment, so moisture, heat and dirt can take their toll.

Jagtech , did you grease the bearing lands before putting the motor back together, and what did you use??
Jagtech
Explorer
Aug 13, 2014
As always, be mindful to keep hands and fingers away from the moving parts on these steps. They move faster than you can.
Clay_L
Explorer
Aug 12, 2014
I used white lithium grease in the gear cavity.
For the external pivot points I use Kwiklube from Kwikee. It is not a lithium grease as some claim but sprays on as a liquid that penetrates and dries to a waxy lubricant. Some motorcycle chain lube appears to be a similar product.

The KwikeLube was pricey but the can I bought 12 years ago still has some in it and I have used it a couple of times each year.
dcbrewer
Explorer
Aug 12, 2014
Jagtech wrote:
I found the hammer trick to work, too. I finally removed the motor, disassembled it, and cleaned the commutator and brush holders. Its worked perfectly ever since. These little motors are mounted in a hostile environment, so moisture, heat and dirt can take their toll.

I have mine off now, have had it apart. I will clean it up and put it back together and try it before I put the new one on. If it works can save the new one for later. Can change in 10 min.
bob_b1
Explorer
Aug 12, 2014
I seem to recall that these are Ford regulator motors for the passenger-side windows on late-80s or early 90s cars. It is much cheaper than ordering from Kwikee.
ferndaleflyer
Explorer III
Aug 12, 2014
Here is what I did. The counter guys at the Auto Zone couldn't find it----I had the old motor and Googled the number on it on my smart phone and it came up a Dorman number and with that they picked it right off of the shelf. But they could not find it with the original number, only after I provided the Dorman number.
Jagtech
Explorer
Aug 12, 2014
I found the hammer trick to work, too. I finally removed the motor, disassembled it, and cleaned the commutator and brush holders. Its worked perfectly ever since. These little motors are mounted in a hostile environment, so moisture, heat and dirt can take their toll.

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Kwikee step motor

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