Folding entry steps are binding up

[Trynforpar]

I have a 365BHS and the folding entry steps are really difficult to open and close. I soaked the hinged joints with WD40 but they are still difficult to open and close. Any other suggestions?

[Old Blue]

I had the same problem with mine both sets were real hard to open and close the wife could not pull them out but after a couple of spray downs with WD40 they work great but I have to spray them every year or they dont work verry well. so maybe spray them again and work the steps in and out a few times and see if they loosen up.

[VicS1950]

WD-40 is an OK penetrating oil, not a wonderful one so as was said it may take some time if the problem is that the pivot points have rusted. I use WD-40 often because it harms few plastics and doesn't have the objectionable lingering stink that some of the better penetrating oils seem to have.

If the WD-40 works it should be followed with a real oil... edit: lubricant... (I'm like Pigpen in Peanuts so dust and dirt don't matter) of some type. WD-40 is very light (it has been described as diesel fuel based) so it has no staying power.

I like to keep Hercules Lube Oil on hand. It is commonly used for lubing Bell and Gossett circulating pumps/motors.

http://www.pexsupply.com/Hercules-40...-oz-14567000-p

It is readily available at HVAC supply stores. Has a handy long extendable spout. Doesn't spill easily. It works for many general lubrication applications. It has more body than 3 in 1 oil. That said, any motor oil in a squirt can will work for your step pivot point lubrication.

If the steps don't loosen up in a short time you should inspect them to see if the mountings have become loose or it is otherwise out of alignment which could cause binding.

vic

[jal0710]

Why not try some lithium grease or maybe the dry lube that is for slides? Maybe one of those would do the job better than WD40 which isn't really much of a lubricant.

[Jagiven]

I am not a big fan of using a grease in applications like this, as the grease picks up dirt and grime really easily. I use Tri-Flow. The one I use comes in an aerosol can like WD-40 and has Teflon in it. It is not cheap! After a short time it is dry, and everything moves smoothly. Best of all it picks up no dirt.

[lx22f/c]

Mine did the same thing on the third step and it was the rivets binding. I drilled them out and got some stainless bolts with self locking nuts and some plastic washers to put between the two and no more binding or stiffness. Going on two years now. Hope this helps.
Robert

[3'senough]

I have been hitting mine 2x a year with WD and work them really good for a minute or two in and out of the travel position to free them up. This usually does the trick for the season.

A better option might be a screw loose penetrating oil to get them free if they are really bound up. Working them in and out with the oil will loosen the surface rust which is binding them up. Applying a lubricant after which will provide some sort of water displacement would be ideal.

[tinlizzie23]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

I am not a big fan of using a grease in applications like this, as the grease picks up dirt and grime really easily. I use Tri-Flow. The one I use comes in an aerosol can like WD-40 and has Teflon in it. It is not cheap! After a short time it is dry, and everything moves smoothly. Best of all it picks up no dirt.

I also use Tri-flow, and the teflon in it will keep bolt threads and other friction joints free for a long time. Costs me about $6 a can, but worth every penny.

[Trynforpar]

Thanks to all for the helpful suggestions