I have a set of Series #32 Kwikee Steps on my rig, the bottom left side drops significantly more than the right side when you step on them. I have found that the top step on the left side has a loose rivet(see photo A). I believe that the body of the rivet is 5/16” in diameter but because the bitter end has been peened with a X punch it is impossible to measure accurately unless the rivet is removed.In the photo, "A" is the peened end of the rivet tenon sticking out beyond the offset part of the pantograph, "B" is the frame of the top step and "C" is the washer between the offset piece of the pantograph and the step frame. The offset piece and the frame of the step are 1/4" steel.I believe the rivet is a shoulder rivet with the frame of the step and the washer pivoting on the shoulder and the tenon of the rivet held stationary by the peening. I don’t any other way to hold the rivet tight to the offset piece and let the step frame rotate on the rivet.Has anyone repaired a loose rivet or had one repaired in their Kwikee steps, if so, how did you remove the rivet and what did you use to replace it. My thought is to remove the rivet and replace it with a shoulder bolt with the other piece of the pantograph threaded and the threaded end of the shoulder bolt long enough to extend to outside of pantograph frame to use a nylon locking nut as a jam nut instead of peening.I found this on the Lippert Website. My idea of a shoulder bolt is good and now I have the dimensions as well. Now to order a should bolt that will fill my needs. Too bad they have discontinued the kit.

I would be thinking that same wayButThe question arises, what size is the hole in the step where the rivet passes thru, won't know until you remove the rivet aka the diameter of the rivetWill there be a standard diameter shoulder bolt that makes the right fitOr will it need a sleeve, or need to be turned downIt wobbles, so there is wear, is the hole now out of round?Is there enough material to enlarge the holes and install a larger bolt?

The same rivet just broke on my steps. It is a shoulder rivet. I was able to grasp the cap of the 1/2" diameter rivet by prying with a thin slotted screwdriver and then pulling it out with needle-nose vice grips. I then drilled out the remaining 5/16"(?) portion removing the x-stamped end of the remaining rivet with a 1/2" drill bit. I then replaced the the rivet with a 1" long by 1/2" diameter bolt and secured it with a shallow nylon locking nut, making sure to not over tighten the nut to allow the stairs to operate.There may be more elegant solutions, but I was able to make the repairs for less than $1.50, and about 1/2 hour of my time.

1/2 inch diameter boltGood infoThank you

I have been able to reduce the "rattle" in my steps by backing up the rivet with my 10# sledge hammer and striking with my heavy ball peen hammer. That is a temporary solution that will probably give way to the bolt/lock nut fix.

To all that have replied so far, thanks for the input and here are things I have considered;Removing the existing rivet and drilling out to accept the smallest bolt possible. That is evidently a ½” bolt. My idea was to only drill the offset bracket out to 15/32” and then tapping for either ½” – 20 or 28 and using a ½” bolt with a smooth shank that is 3/8” long in order to prevent over tightening and then using a jam nut.Drill and tap the bracket for smallest sized tenon I could get and the step frame for what ever shoulder diameter I can get. And also adding a jam nut on the threaded tenon.As the mod mentioned, there are several things to look out for, not the least of which is has either one of the holes been worn to out of round. I guess that at this point what I need to do is, remove the rivet and then decide which of the possible solutions I will employ.If anyone has additional ideas please let me know.

Loose rivet in Kwikee steps(SOLUTION) | Good Sam Community

Chum_lee
Explorer
May 03, 2018
Since you have a choice when you buy the replacement bolt, whatever size you decide, I would suggest that you buy a grade 8 bolt instead of a softer bolt since it is loaded in shear and subject to rotational wear. Common hardware fasteners aren't the best choice. Reaming/drilling out the existing holes to a consistent size/clearance would also be a plus if you want the repair to last and rotate cleanly.

Chum lee
D_E_Bishop
Explorer
May 03, 2018
To all that have replied so far, thanks for the input and here are things I have considered;

Removing the existing rivet and drilling out to accept the smallest bolt possible. That is evidently a ½” bolt. My idea was to only drill the offset bracket out to 15/32” and then tapping for either ½” – 20 or 28 and using a ½” bolt with a smooth shank that is 3/8” long in order to prevent over tightening and then using a jam nut.

Drill and tap the bracket for smallest sized tenon I could get and the step frame for what ever shoulder diameter I can get. And also adding a jam nut on the threaded tenon.

As the mod mentioned, there are several things to look out for, not the least of which is has either one of the holes been worn to out of round.

I guess that at this point what I need to do is, remove the rivet and then decide which of the possible solutions I will employ.

If anyone has additional ideas please let me know.
haddy1
Explorer
May 03, 2018
I have been able to reduce the "rattle" in my steps by backing up the rivet with my 10# sledge hammer and striking with my heavy ball peen hammer. That is a temporary solution that will probably give way to the bolt/lock nut fix.
MrWizard
Moderator
May 03, 2018
1/2 inch diameter bolt
Good info
Thank you
Pangaea_Ron
Explorer
May 03, 2018
The same rivet just broke on my steps. It is a shoulder rivet. I was able to grasp the cap of the 1/2" diameter rivet by prying with a thin slotted screwdriver and then pulling it out with needle-nose vice grips. I then drilled out the remaining 5/16"(?) portion removing the x-stamped end of the remaining rivet with a 1/2" drill bit. I then replaced the the rivet with a 1" long by 1/2" diameter bolt and secured it with a shallow nylon locking nut, making sure to not over tighten the nut to allow the stairs to operate.

There may be more elegant solutions, but I was able to make the repairs for less than $1.50, and about 1/2 hour of my time.
MrWizard
Moderator
May 03, 2018
I would be thinking that same way
But
The question arises, what size is the hole in the step where the rivet passes thru, won't know until you remove the rivet aka the diameter of the rivet
Will there be a standard diameter shoulder bolt that makes the right fit
Or will it need a sleeve, or need to be turned down
It wobbles, so there is wear, is the hole now out of round?
Is there enough material to enlarge the holes and install a larger bolt?

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