Loose rivet in Kwikee steps(SOLUTION)

[D_E_Bishop]

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.

[Pangaea_Ron]

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]

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?