kwike step motor/gearbox chattering when retracting, extending

[Terrell/Kathy]

We started our bimonthly trip to Houston and discovered before leaving the house that our steps would not retract or extend all the way. they would get about half way in or out and the gear box would start chattering, had to hold it in or out to get them to extend all the way with the chattering continuing for about 10 seconds. Decided to disconnect then and lock them up after having to do this a couple of times and discovering that we were riding down the road with them half extended, not good. Has anyone had this problem and if so what was the fix? Motor works fine. The steps are made by KwiKee . Any help would be much appreciated.

Terrell

[WinnieView]

Check the linkage, gear box, and motor internals closely for any missing gear teeth, binding, or restrictions.

[Dave55]

Some of the teeth on the gear may be stripped. Kwikee wants you to lube all pivet points every 30 days. Of course they have there own product, but you can use a silicone spray. They strongly advise not using wd-40. I had to replace motor and gear on my stairs.

[hawkster]

After 3. YRS guess I need to lube mine.

[klspahr]

I just had this issue, it was stripped gears in the step motor.

Three bolts hold the motor in place, then two or three screws will pop the cover so you can see the plastic gear that is stripped.

The step connected to the gearbox puts tension on the motor so I wiggled things around and was able to drop the motor without disconnecting the steps from the gearbox.