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12-02-2021, 02:05 PM
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#1
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Utah
Posts: 47
THOR #3257
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Step Dragging when Closing
Our step out of our Thor Chateau RV, when it goes back in, has started to "chatter" loudly after it is all the way in. Stops the chattering on its own. My husband has crawled underneath while I opened and shut the door. There is nothing hanging up on the step. He thinks it is the motor dying on us. Anyone ever had this experience or have any other idea what might be causing it?
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12-02-2021, 02:43 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,045
THOR #7035
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I haven't had the experience but if the "chattering" is gear slippage it could be the motor. But if the "chattering" is is more like a stop and go then it may be a sensor or the controller.
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Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
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12-02-2021, 02:59 PM
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#3
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Utah
Posts: 47
THOR #3257
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 16ACE27
I haven't had the experience but if the "chattering" is gear slippage it could be the motor. But if the "chattering" is is more like a stop and go then it may be a sensor or the controller.
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It is not stop and go. Step goes in and motor continues and makes chattering sound for about 5 seconds then stops.
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12-02-2021, 03:25 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: A.C.E. 27.2
State: Indiana
Posts: 1,830
THOR #14698
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As the ACE says it may be the gears.
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2018 ACE 27.2
Toad 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain Towbar
Roadmaster Invisibrake
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12-02-2021, 03:42 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Damon Daybreak
State: New Mexico
Posts: 359
THOR #19133
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3 1/4" (IIRC) bolts holds the motor in. It's a tight fit, you may have to pry a bit. Disconnect the motor connector and remove the motor, when the step is out. You can then move the step by hand and look at the large plastic gear inside the gearbox and the motor gear itself.
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12-02-2021, 04:59 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Renegade Valencia 38RB
State: California
Posts: 3,496
THOR #3156
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Motor or gear box is bad. Start by changing the motor first. Its rare for the gear box gear to break but it does happen
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12-02-2021, 05:53 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chateau 24F
State: Ohio
Posts: 4,047
THOR #16721
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If it's "chattering" AFTER the step has fully retracted, it might be a sensor switch that's loose or out of adjustment - and NOT the motor.
The step at some point (both when opening and closing) has to make contact with a mechanical switch that stops the motor. If one of those switches is out of position, the motor may continue turning, which could be "jumping gears" and eventually strip the gears.
I'd locate those switches as part of your investigation.
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12-02-2021, 06:43 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: A.C.E. 27.2
State: Indiana
Posts: 1,830
THOR #14698
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Motor and gearbox are a single component. After 2005 replacement part number is LC 379147. $82 on Amazon. $87 on E Trailer with free shipping. Ask me how I know? I made the error of opening the door with the MH's cover strap over the step. In the ensuing wresting match the nylon cover strap defeated the opener gears.
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2018 ACE 27.2
Toad 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain Towbar
Roadmaster Invisibrake
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12-03-2021, 03:13 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Damon Daybreak
State: New Mexico
Posts: 359
THOR #19133
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad
If it's "chattering" AFTER the step has fully retracted, it might be a sensor switch that's loose or out of adjustment - and NOT the motor.
The step at some point (both when opening and closing) has to make contact with a mechanical switch that stops the motor. If one of those switches is out of position, the motor may continue turning, which could be "jumping gears" and eventually strip the gears.
I'd locate those switches as part of your investigation.
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Not how it works. The controller senses the higher current load when the step hits the stop, and that's how the motor is turned off. There are not switches, open or closed, on a Kwikee step. That current sense is exactly how the window motor assy works in a modern car.
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12-03-2021, 04:03 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2011 FW Hurricane 33T
State: England
Posts: 1,263
THOR #16471
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryS
Not how it works. The controller senses the higher current load when the step hits the stop, and that's how the motor is turned off. There are not switches, open or closed, on a Kwikee step. That current sense is exactly how the window motor assy works in a modern car.
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Which is a damn good feature as I have parked on the street at home and if I neglect to 'disable' the step, when I open the door, the step hits the high curb and stops partially out. I just say @#$%! and close the door... the step retracts back into travel mode and all is well.
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12-03-2021, 05:14 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chateau 24F
State: Ohio
Posts: 4,047
THOR #16721
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryS
Not how it works. The controller senses the higher current load when the step hits the stop, and that's how the motor is turned off. There are not switches, open or closed, on a Kwikee step. That current sense is exactly how the window motor assy works in a modern car.
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My bad... just speculation. My Chateau doesn't have retractable steps. I guess sometimes it pays to keep your mouth shut... .
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12-03-2021, 10:26 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 34E Hurricane
State: Michigan
Posts: 257
THOR #25490
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My step transmission failed and it did exactly what you describe (ratchet noise on withdraw) before finally breaking. It is not the motor. I was able to swap in a new trans without it being a big deal. Worked great afterward.
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12-08-2021, 07:33 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 34E
State: New York
Posts: 144
THOR #5840
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ellenov
Our step out of our Thor Chateau RV, when it goes back in, has started to "chatter" loudly after it is all the way in. Stops the chattering on its own. My husband has crawled underneath while I opened and shut the door. There is nothing hanging up on the step. He thinks it is the motor dying on us. Anyone ever had this experience or have any other idea what might be causing it?
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Had a similar problem on my Hurricane. Turned out to be road grime buildup on the moving joints. I power washed them and lubricated afterwards which cleared the issue
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12-08-2021, 09:42 PM
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#14
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Challenger LX
State: South Carolina
Posts: 28
THOR #12124
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Step Dragging
I had the same problem after putting carpet strips on the steps. The strips did not allow the steps to make the full retract motion and to lock into position when they retract thus ruining the gear, also never step down on the steps until the steps are fully extended and have locked in place. I replaced the motor and gear assembly, not hard to replace, just make sure it’s in time to lock into position. You will see when you read the instructions.
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12-08-2021, 09:50 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Thor Ace 33.1
State: Illinois
Posts: 1,266
THOR #20274
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VJRocky
Had a similar problem on my Hurricane. Turned out to be road grime buildup on the moving joints. I power washed them and lubricated afterwards which cleared the issue
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Mine say's to lubricate every 30 days so far so good
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12-08-2021, 10:04 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Damon Daybreak
State: New Mexico
Posts: 359
THOR #19133
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Johnson
Mine say's to lubricate every 30 days so far so good
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Kwikee even has a special lube.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lippert-3...B&gclsrc=aw.ds
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12-08-2021, 10:29 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Thor Ace 33.1
State: Illinois
Posts: 1,266
THOR #20274
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That looks good, Amazon has it for 26.85, I have been using lubriplate but this looks easier
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12-11-2021, 11:58 AM
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#18
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Ohio
Posts: 50
THOR #15042
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ellenov
Our step out of our Thor Chateau RV, when it goes back in, has started to "chatter" loudly after it is all the way in. Stops the chattering on its own. My husband has crawled underneath while I opened and shut the door. There is nothing hanging up on the step. He thinks it is the motor dying on us. Anyone ever had this experience or have any other idea what might be causing it?
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It is the motor strpped gear .I painted mine with thick pant in 100. Degrees heat when dried up I start having same problem.I called Lippert they sent motor and gearbox.during Covid-19’s shutdown but I did not get it quickly so l order it again and I ended up with 2 sets ,I put one in that fixed it. Now I have an extra motor and gearbox I can sell it to you for $175.00 I pad $275.00 my email Mgtv53@aol.com. If interested
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