akadeadeye Report post Posted September 7, 2019 Our inside step on our motorhome won't elevate. I lifted the step manually and looked underneath the step and saw that the "piston" had become disconnected from the housing at the step wall. I found four tiny screws loose. But I couldn't get the "piston" extended in order to see if I can fasten it back. How do you release this piston, or is it fried? Don Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hermanmullins Report post Posted September 7, 2019 Don, This may be a tough one. Not too many of us have the lift you have in your coach. Is there anything on the lifts web site that may help? Herman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akadeadeye Report post Posted September 7, 2019 1 hour ago, hermanmullins said: Don, This may be a tough one. Not too many of us have the lift you have in your coach. Is there anything on the lifts web site that may help? Herman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akadeadeye Report post Posted September 7, 2019 Herman, i guess I wasn’t clear enough. This issue has to do with the inside steps at the front door, not the wheelchair lift. Don Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hermanmullins Report post Posted September 7, 2019 Sorry Don, I guess I don't understand. Do you mean your outside step that go out and in with the opening and closing of the door? If so is it a Kwikee Single or Double step? Or do you mean the Step Cover that is used to cover the step well when traveling? Sorry if I am confused. Herman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richard5933 Report post Posted September 7, 2019 I think I understand what you're talking about - any chance you can post a photo or two of the situation so we can better visualize it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akadeadeye Report post Posted September 7, 2019 Herman it is the inside step cover. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hermanmullins Report post Posted September 7, 2019 Thanks for the picture. I will have to bow out of this one, I have no knowledge on your step cover. I hope someone on the Forum has a history with it and can help. Good Luck, Herman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
desertdeals69 Report post Posted September 8, 2019 Does the motor have power to it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rayin Report post Posted September 8, 2019 Don the electric motor will/should run regardless if the cylinder is connected on either end. First thing to do is as desertdeals requested, test the 12V motor for proper operation. If it runs you are left with mechanical breakdown-re' the loose screws you found. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jleamont Report post Posted September 8, 2019 Looks to me the screws fell out of the motor and it separated from the gear box Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaypsmith Report post Posted September 8, 2019 28 minutes ago, jleamont said: Looks to me the screws fell out of the motor and it separated from the gear box This does appear to be the case, try pushing the switch to the cover position, if the motor is working, the motor should move closer to the proper location so that the screws can be reinserted. There is probably a side panel that can be removed to gain access to the area that needs repair. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
huffypuff Report post Posted September 8, 2019 I would disconnect the whole cylinder assemble and bench test it before reinstalling. Use new screws with loctite if they are not broken off. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dickandlois Report post Posted September 8, 2019 12 hours ago, akadeadeye said: Our inside step on our motorhome won't elevate. I lifted the step manually and looked underneath the step and saw that the "piston" had become disconnected from the housing at the step wall. I found four tiny screws loose. But I couldn't get the "piston" extended in order to see if I can fasten it back. How do you release this piston, or is it fried? Don Don, The setup looks like one used to position the older receiver dish. As the steps are extended the link gets longer, lowering the steps. In that case the long black item under the motor is a gear driven gear link, the motor spins and the end connected to the steps should move closer to the end connected to the inside wall where the motor was connected. The motor appears to have pulled away from the end plate and there are 4 to 5 screw holes that line up with the ones in the motor when the motor is orientated properly. The condition of the screws and the end plate have probably been damaged as things loosened up. Good luck Rich. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
erniee Report post Posted September 8, 2019 drive up to mineral wells, I can put it back together for you, if you can't- Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akadeadeye Report post Posted September 8, 2019 Thanks to all. I will test for power and see if I can extend the cylinder that way. Don Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarthaChuck Report post Posted September 8, 2019 I just had this happen to me. With the actuator loose and separated from the drive motor you should be able to manually lift the step cover. I just pulled mine up and used a block of wood to hold it there so I could unbolt the actuator piston from the step cover (the bolt and nut at the front right of your photo). Mine was repairable once I got access, two of the four bolts just worked loose and then the other two broke off (presumably from the stress of misalignment). When the two parts separated it also ripped some wiring from inside the case (also repairable) if you can solder. Checking the voltage is a good idea but based on the photo it is likely still getting power to the motor portion of the assembly. If it is like mine, it was a mechanical failure followed by minor wiring damage when it separated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
