Kwikee 42 Series Step Lubrication

[Don White]

Hi,

I have the Kwikee 42 series electric steps on my coach.  I have been looking for the recommended lubricate to use on these. They have the ball bearing glides on the side.  The manual for the steps that came with the coach when I bought it says not to use WD40 or any type of dry lubricant.  It does not recommend a type to use.  I did find a youTube on the list of videos on this site but it deals with the drop down and slide out type of step.  In it the moderator mentions the ball bearing type of step glide but only to say it takes a different type of lubricant than the steps he is presenting.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Bill Lampkin]

My steps are different, no slides, and I use a silicone spray on all the pivot points so as not to attract dust and dirt. For a ball bearing slide like yours, I think I'd use a white lithium spray grease, sparingly, on the slides, and silicone on all pivot points.

https://www.liquidwrench.com/product/white-lithium-grease-2/

[Steve Huber]

There is a Lippert manual on steps (Lippert bought Kwikee) in Coach Assist. There is also a writeup on step troubleshooting and maintenance in Common Problems. Both recommend a silicone based grease or spray.
Steve

[Bill Lampkin]

After looking at the Kwikee info under 'Common Problems', a link to a Kwikee service manual says to use their Kwik Grease spray lube and to avoid WD 40 AND silicone spray, as they both 'dry' out the surfaces on which they are used. (see link) I have a can of Kwik lube (camping world I think). Guess I'll use more of it and sideline my silicone spray.

Kwikee Steps Service Manual: http://www.rvtechlibrary.com/exterior/kwikee_svc_manual.pdf

[Fred Brooks]

    Don,
  The biggest issue with series 42 steps are the ball bearing slides they use to extend the steps. Even though they are rated for 200 pounds, they were never engineered for an exterior hostile environment. I have used compressed air to blow out road grit and debris the best possible while cycling the step in and out. Be patient because it will get worse before getting better. If you can't find the Kwikee lube, use motorcycle chain lube after you have cleaned it best possible. Series 42 were discontinued by Kwikee but maybe Lippert brought them back? Hope this helps, Fred

[Steve Huber]

Interesting. The following is from the Lippert manual in Coach Assist:
"Lubrication Coach                  Steps are equipped with self-lubricating bushings on the drive assembly and all step joints.  No lubrication is necessary. If in extreme conditions lubrication is deemed necessary a silicon based grease or spray will not harm the bushing material. If any difficulty is encountered either in the use, installation or service of the steps that is not covered in the service instructions, please call the following number for service or warranty information. The manufacturer takes no responsibility for unauthorized service or installation procedures."
Steve

[Bill Lampkin]

Since the service manual was written by Kwikee when they manufactured the steps (before Lippert bought Kwikee) I would tend to take Kwikee's advice over Lipperts. YMMV!

[Fred Brooks]

   Hi Steve,
They are referring to the "shoulder bolts" where the scissor mechanism pivots from open to close. A Series 42 has ball bearing drawer guides that extend the bottom two steps and when dirty, they are jerky and bind when extend and retract. You can drop the whole assembly and drill out the guide rivets and replace the ball-bearing heavy duty drawer guides.
Hope this helps, Fred

[Rocky Healey]

Fred
 Any recommendation for the replacement of the ball bearing glides?  I have a set of steps I pulled out and replaced and am looking to recondition them for back up.

Rocky Healey
2008 Patroit Thunder
45'
C-13

[Fred Brooks]

    Hi Rocky,
  Accuride or Knape Vogt make the best quality. I am not sure of the overall length? I think they are 14" or 16", If you have the assembly removed, measure the existing guides and make sure they are the 200 lb capacity and look like the originals. Hope this helps, Fred

[Don White]

Fred,

How did you fasten the new glides to the frame and steps?  Did you use rivets or different hardware?

Thanks,

[Bill Lampkin]

Take a look at the photos in the amazon listing' It looks like now they use 2x slides, and they are now thru bolted with a nylock nut on one side.

https://www.amazon.com/Lippert-Components-372779-Electric-Double/dp/B01F92UZT4

[Fred Brooks]

    Thanks Bill, That is the step assembly. I always used stainless steel rivets. It is a project but sure beats the $2200.00 price tag. Fred

[Don White]

Hi,

If your thinking of ordering new steps make sure the width matches up with your current steps.  You can get the exact same steps on eTrailer for around $1,700.  The challenge/problem is they are 25 1/4" wide.  The steps on my rig are 30" wide.

[Rocky Healey]

Thanks Fred

Looks like I now have a project.  Will let you know how it works out.