RV Kwikee Entry Step Repair...FREE!!!

Hey here is a Quick Tip Tuesday Video!! Join me as I show how to repair a Kwikee entry step motor. Many times you can just leave the motor on the step and remove the housing.
Thanks for watching!

[@michaelcastell2538]

I just did this repair in my RV but I actually had to replace the brushes. Another key item is to make sure you put the motor back together exactly as it came apart. If you accidentally rotate the end bell assembly that holds the brushes 180° the steps will go out when the door is closed and in when opened.

[@TheSnookyputz]

Lol I did this and it took me awhile to figure it out. My wife got a good laugh out of it. Of course you don’t find out until you reinstall everything, so I had extra practice taking it apart.

[@gregkiehl64]

Did that!!!

[@cujo7240]

Thanks for this tip, my steps stopped working on my 2022 Thor Hurricane and I pulled the electric motor off by removing the 4 small screws and when I put it all back together it was going in the opposite directions like you stated, so now I know what I did! Great just what I needed to find out, thanks!

[@rogeranderson595]

My steps were not working. Did all the test and determined it was the motor. Pulled it an tested it and my motor was dead. I ordered one and then watched this video. Cleaned the brushes, and POW.......it's fixed. Canceled the order and this saved me $80! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@AZExpert]

You're very welcome!

[@caryrodriguez7040]

excellent video. found the armature real dirty on the contacts. cleaned the contacts and brushes, reinstalled and the motor is working again but now when i put the steps in place with the pin it'll work back up but not back down. removed the motor again, checked it and it was jammed, reinstalled it and same thing. I'll figure it out. 😂

[@larryclements3504]

Great video, I have experienced the steps not working a couple of times. Tapping on the motor got them going, but I think cleaning the brushes is my next step.

[@enjoyingretirement4846]

Man you are wealth of RV knowledge. Hope your son takes advantage of that and starts taking some interest in what you do and learns from the best.

[@AZExpert]

Thank you.

[@Shane_Little]

Thank you! I have a step motor job that's been a pain in my ass. Replaced the board and the steps started working again, until two days ago. Tried every test and nothing seems to work so customer bought a new motor for $60. Hopefully having all new parts will give him long use, but also nice to see the motor taken apart, cleaned and how to disconnect the steps and get them out of the way to remove the motor! Thank you, sir!!

[@jackbarrier7267]

Steps stuck open on my 2001 Discovery. Watched your video and pulled the motor apart and cleaned the commutator and brushes with 1000 grit sand paper. Lubed it up and reinstalled. Runs like brand new! Thank you!

[@AZExpert]

Awesome!!

[@byronewhite]

I just polished my armature brush contacts and also ran a knife blade through the slots to clean out. Got the same results but was going to buy a new motor anyway. That is until you told me to not question myself. Thanks for the great video. Fixed the motor on my 2005 Fleetwood terra step

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@patserra9506]

I had an issue with my step also. The steps were locked in the up. I took the pin off and ran the motor to make sure it was not it. The motor was working fine. Found it was the step gear linkage. Did buy I motor which I have as a spare. Great video!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for sharing. I have ran into that many times too. It is very frustrating especially when the step works fine for weeks and then jams up again.

[@BudBarnesCarGuy]

You just saved me $100! Kwikee step motor on our 2008 Itasca 29R failed (of course with the steps in the up position!!!!). This had happened once before. Biggest pain was positioning the clevis pen and cotter pin to make it possible to remove the cotter pin and wedge out the clevis pin. I mistakenly replaced the clevis pin with a thread bolt (rather than a hex cap) and jam nuts thinking that if I never needed to R&R again it would be easier to remove. It lasted nearly 6 years, but bent and wedged to a point the motor could no longer operate. I removed the motor and found EXACTLY THE PROBLEM YOU REVEALED. Simply disassembled, cleaned the armature with 600 grit, checked the brushes, lubed and reassembled. This time, I used a stainless 2-1/2" hex cap with stainless jam nuts. Works perfect. THANK YOU!

[@AZExpert]

That is AWESOME

[@toml6135]

Thanks! Followed your instructions and my motor working fine! Had a time getting the brushes back in. Finally used a very small tie rap to hold one in and got it. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheSnookyputz]

Took my steps and motor completely apart to clean the brushes etc. Tested with my 12 volt power and bingo it worked. I had no idea how to proceed until I watched your video. My brushes were not very dirty so I wonder if they were just in the perfect spot to stall. I had tried tapping on the motor a couple of times but no luck. The video also reminded me of way back when I had drills and skill saws with brushes you had to replace once in awhile. I have memories of banging my skill saw to keep it going till I got new brushes lol. Thanks so much for your help and giving me confidence to dig in and do the fix.

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful to you! Thanks for watching

[@terrycammon607]

Great video, just fixed mine, and left the roll pin out. Thank God u showed where the pin went😳 10:55

[@JohnNguyen-iw8qn]

Great work amigo! I just did a service call today for these exact steps.... Customer already RR step motor because it stopped retracting completely. Took my a minute to find the issue and it was due to a weak door magnet switch... It wouldn't close completely making the step close partially. Using a magnet and 'massaging' along the switch it would eventually suck the step in completely. Long story short I'll be back out there to replace the switch. Great video!

[@AZExpert]

To this day, I never can figure out if I need a normally open or normally closed magnetic switch...it's always the one I don't have.

[@philw7174]

Great video. Thanks James. Happy trails!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks again Phil!

[@2manytoyz123]

Good tip. Mine ate the nylon gears, so I replaced the entire assembly.

[@AZExpert]

Nice

[@cliffmauck510]

I had an issue with my Kwikee step going in and out. It made a grinding sound at the end of travel. It turns out the worm gear on the motor was worn out. I paid $80 for the motor and gear assembly and replaced it myself. All and all, I feel I got off cheap. Thanks for the video.

[@AZExpert]

Good for you

[@haydenwatson7987]

I am curious about the clicking that they motor did when it was turning. I suspect that maybe it had one bad segment on the commutator which made a dead spot so it will work until it stops again on that segment.

[@Thesaltymedic36]

That’s a easy repair. If your doing it yourself that’s how I’d fix it. The controller tip is very useful. I’m still a fan of ol’ manual steps. They don’t fail unless I fail to stow them before I leave the campground and almost rip them off 🤦🏼. Nice video 👍🏼

[@AZExpert]

I am also not a great fan of automatic features in general. Thanks!

[@mylynne1953]

Excellent. 90% of So called "mechanics" would just replace it and never gives thought to an attempt at fixing.

[@AZExpert]

sometimes it's easier to replace

[@julianreynolds6864]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and tips with use. I had steps that would go in and out on its own, your tip would have saved the day. Now I know! THANKS AGAIN

[@AZExpert]

sounds like the magnet switch was bad or gapped too much. Thanks!

[@julianreynolds6864]

@@AZExpert It was the control board which never goes bad

[@AZExpert]

Those do go bad too. Thanks!

[@ElFrankie123]

it really sucks trying to make videos with one hand, lol. I go through the same crap. Awesome video for this motor. Thanks for sharing.

[@AZExpert]

It does, but sure makes the process easier for me most of the time.

[@DoRC]

It looks to me like those brushes are just about at the end of their life. The braided wire is at the end appeared to be bottoming out on the brush holders. If that's the case the motor probably won't work for very long.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for the tip

[@rickl6697]

That hiccup every time it rotated sounded like a cracked gear. Do they normally make that sound each revolution. 5 or 6 years ago my brother bought for for his ,08 Newmar Grand Star at a Auto Zone or Advance auto. It was a window regulator for a Jeep. About 75 - 85.00 back then.

[@robertthompson6958]

How about that James. Always enjoy these. Thanks.

[@AZExpert]

Thank you so much!

[@factshacksandtech]

Junkyard windshield wiper motor off normally whatever your your chassis is whether it be Chevy Ford Chrysler. If you buy it and is labeled RV it's going to cost you twice as much because of the RV just like Marine stuff is more expensive I would check

[@AZExpert]

These do not have park or delay cams on them

[@mrclay50]

Hey, Thanks a million, I'll be running through those repair steps today this will be a great help.

[@AZExpert]

good luck

[@campingwiththeadamss8552]

Well done!

[@AZExpert]

Thank you

[@mikenrarsomadigan3662]

Our motor sticks, can hear it trying to pick up. A rap with a 2x4 She goes like heck.. Your trick is next on deck Its an 94 Bounder prob original motor ,, Cheers Dog

[@AZExpert]

good luck!

[@PeterPedroA.Cintron-421Pc]

Hi James Andrew sent me your way thinking about getting an RV once I sell my home 👍🏼✌🏼🇺🇲🇵🇷😊

[@AZExpert]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@ThePeopleVerse]

Any resource for the sort of U shaped connector at the step pivot rod and motor arm? Mone snapped in 2. Mine is kind of a pot aluminum and so not sure if I can get that welded together.

[@StephenMendel1]

I had to park in a place where I was very close to a curb and I wanted to turn off my step in the retracted position. When I couldn't do that I called my dealer and was informed that turning off the step in the retracted position was not possible. I don't understand why. Could you please explain that to me?

[@azimmey]

My steps have a new motor on them and they’ve been working great for several months since I got the 09 Tioga SL motorhome but now in the steps go all the way in there’s a rapid clicking sound for about 1 to 2 seconds and then it stops. Is this something like an adjustment or something maybe ?

[@corysmith8697]

Motor is in the stuck Close position.. Also the light does not come on could it be a fuse ?

[@Inpreesme]

Thank you

[@AZExpert]

You're welcome!

[@ronniecardy]

Good job you make things look so easy

[@AZExpert]

Thank you! 😊

[@frankbuckwalter9603]

Great repair, I had to buy a new one. BTW commutator

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for Watching!

[@361phil]

I have the same motor, steps and linkage. There is a loud grinding as the steps reach the extended point. There is also a loud grinding noise when they retract but they don’t mange to retract all the way without my pushing to help. I’ve taken the linkage and the motor apart and all of the teeth are intact. Any ideas will be appreciated.

[@angelsolivan166]

My motor works but when I install the motor to the gear box it doesn't work the motor gets really hot and the controller also gets hot

[@Wheres_Bobby]

Great help!!!

[@AZExpert]

I'm glad it's helpful!

[@eddieg5466]

Thank you !! , awesome fix 😷✌

[@AZExpert]

No problem 👍

[@AstrologerJoe]

Great job! Thanks for video 🚌🙂

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@duanebuck193]

The only other trick I was shown was to use the pick and clean between the copper field after you used the green pad to clean it (sometimes little pieces will go into the insulator voids and cause the field to short out). Excellent helpful tip otherwise!

[@AZExpert]

Great tip!

[@jameskrivitsky9715]

In addition to your steps, I use a small BRASS wire brush ( can be bought at Harbor Freight in a 3 pack on sale $1 ) and clean out the gaps of the commutator pads, also use some carb cleaner or alcohol to wipe the brushes clean. Next, put a SMALL dab of grease on the end of the shaft which is not spiral cut. I also have opened the round gear box which houses the nylon gear. It is about 2 inches diameter and sometimes develops a wear spot on the gear teeth. Clean and inspect. Cut off any "ears" with a small razor that may create a bind. Place silicone grease on the gear teeth and re-assemble. I have found these steps make my steps move smoothly for much longer intervals. I lastly pull the cotter pin and "S" arm pin at this point and slightly grind the tip of the 1 inch long pin to round off the end where the cotter pin hole is. It makes re-installation of the pin much easier to align for matching up mechanism holes. Much success to all who have had issues with the steps. JwgK

[@dewholdingsllc1050]

Thanks I purchased an ACI brand direct match motor for a 94 Vectra step off amazon prime for $52. I did not try to clean old unit up. But I still have my old motor so I can see if cleaned up it is a backup. Can you please show where are the key points for keeping the step clean and lubed?

[@AZExpert]

I tried in the video, but besides all the obivious pivot points on the linkages, there is a round drive bar with four bronze bearings that should be cleaned and lubed underneath.

[@kwdoug]

Outstanding job thank you so much

[@AZExpert]

Glad you liked it!

[@19Clutch69]

Great informational video

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pault1964]

Nice as always

[@AZExpert]

Thanks again!

[@gbfarrar]

I just repaired and replace the motor (BTW - Thanks for the video!), but now the step is spongy or moves a little bit when stepping on the first step even though the gear arm looks locked. Any suggestions?

[@AZExpert]

there should be eccentric lobes/cams that can be adjusted to firm up the step.

[@factshacksandtech]

Windshield wiper motor

[@ryleyweinbender7452]

Good video . Thanks .

[@AZExpert]

You're welcome

[@TRCa51]

Thank you so much I learned something!

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

Down and dirty. Reminds me of my SEABEE days. Fix something with nothing lol.

[@AZExpert]

In general, repurposing old stuff or using stuff "on-hand" is my favorite thing! Thanks!

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

AZ Expert are you an HWH leveling system, certified shop? Asking for a friend in AZ

[@crystalnutter610]

Awesome!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@cgpimp1]

Need help : my wife was walking into the coach and she said the motor sounded funny so I went to take a look and a bolt was laying on the ground from the motor and so I looked under the steps and the gear had drop below the motor so I put it back on and now the motor is grinding the teeth at the end of the gears

[@AZExpert]

likely the pin in the middle on the tip fell out

[@angelsolivan166]

My motor works but it get really hot

[@AiBilly]

Who has a "High Tech Trouble Shooting Tool" and a "Test Battery" Handy ?

[@hillbillyrv]

Man, look at the corrosion. That coach must have come from WV

[@AZExpert]

I'm confident you have seen much worse

[@hillbillyrv]

@@AZExpert you know it. Nice video. I have never had one of those motors apart. Have you ever taken one off and test run it and it runs fine and then put it back on the step and it works perfectly?

[@AZExpert]

yes. many times. WAY TOO many times. I think sometimes they get jammed and the controller sees the amperage and shuts it off. Removing it unjams it and it works fine. If it happens again I just recommend a new motor, gearbox, and controller as figuring out whether the controller components are too sensitive or if the drive components are too worn just is not something worth the time unfortunately.

[@hillbillyrv]

@@AZExpert exactly my thoughts too.

[@ragemonkey3163]

I got a motor off amazon for $36

[@Premier-Media-Group]

If only they'd use something other than nylon gears...

[@mr34059]

lol..looks like a standard window regulator motor

[@AZExpert]

very standard motor, I used one years ago on my 1980 Bronco power rear tail gate window.

[@mike1jag]

Commie-tator aka Russian potato

[@AZExpert]

that's pretty good!