Power Step

kingcandy wrote:
The electric step is failing on our motorhome. It's an old front engine gasser, '95 Damon if it makes any difference. Is there a source for replacing the motor and or linkage? Or do I need to bite the bullet and buy a new step?

If you can't find the part the motors are fairly basic to rebuild. Sometimes they just need some WD-40 to break apart and a bit of oil on bearings.

If it is a Coach Step, they were bought out by Lippert and they have a recall on several steps. It would be worth a call to see if yours might be one of the effected steps.

i replaced the both the motor and gearbox on our 95 Safari with brand new from Amazon
the 95 model gear box is no longer made, the new motors, don't connect to old gear box

but the NEW Pair will bolt right into the the old 95 frame

you can buy some internal parts for the gear box
little teflon rollers used as a cushion and power transfer coupling
but if the gears are broken or the swing arm cam that pushes the step out is broken
then you will need to buy a new matched pair

Most of the motors a Ford power window motors and you can get replacements at auto parts stores. You can buy replacement linkage and gear boxes so you don't have to replace the whole step assembly.

I'd also look and see if anything might need a little grease.

My '94 Kwikee 2-step is bolted to a plate with 4X 1/2" bolts. Over time 2 then 3 of the bolts rusted through and broke due to the stresses placed on them when using the steps. Removed the entire assembly and serviced everything. Since it had broken free and swung hither and yon, had the gear case open up too. So that needed repair. I used heavy duty zip ties to hold it all in place until I could get to my own garage.

Luckily, no gears where broken, only needed to straighten an arm, drill out a busted bolt or two on the gear assembly and add a few new bolts to hold the entire assembly to the RV.

Removed the motor and cleaned it. Made it all nice and pretty. Cleaned the gear assembly, greased it up. Used contact cleaner and a small brass brush to clean all connections.

Did not have a bad motor. But I've learned that you can take the old motor into Napa and they'll replace it with a window opener/closer motor. I believe the gears inside the gear box are all standard size too. It looked pretty stout to me when I was in there.

I'd recommend you take it off the RV and service it where you can get to everything for inspection.

Good luck!

Thanks ksg! I will clean all connections and report back.

Failing implies it works sometimes.

Most step issues are associated with low battery and corroded ground wires - either/both will make the step act like it's possessed.

Given the age of your rig -- clean the ground wire connection to the step - do the same for the house battery and your chassis battery. Also check the connections to your house battery and clean those as well (wire brush) so they shine like new. Also lube the step .. forum search feature likely has lots of posts on that subject.

Hope this helps.