Electric retracting step

[Peggysue123]

Hi, anyone know why my electric step has become sluggish and reluctant to move even when on mains?

 

[donkey]

Lack of maintenance perhaps

Geoff

 

[JockandRita]

Hi, anyone know why my electric step has become sluggish and reluctant to move even when on mains?

They need regular cleaning and liquid maintenance (oiling)......................... at least annually.
Because they are exposed to all the crud, spray, and water splash from wet roads, etc, they become sluggish.

After a good clean underneath with lubrication, it'll probably work like new.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[DBK]

Probably needs cleaning. They can (usually) be partially stripped.

 

[Peggysue123]

I have tried to clean and oil it, even sprayed lubricant right into the edges of the sleeve worked it out a couple of times and cleared grit then greased. Maybe it needs partially dismantling?

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[Lenny HB]

Whatever you don't use WD40, they have nylon bushes, WD40 will make the bushes swell.

 

[David and Sally]

Whatever you don't use WD40, they have nylon bushes, WD40 will make the bushes swell.

What about GT85 please?

 

[Gellyneck]

I used Silicon oil (Aldi or Lidl stuff) on ours.

 

[Lenny HB]

What about GT85 please?

It should be OK as it is silicon & PTFE based where as WD40 is Petroleum based.
I just use a silicon spray on mine.

 

[Peggysue123]

Oh dear, I think I did use WD40

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[JockandRita]

I just use a silicon spray on mine.

And that is the advice of the fitters at Thule/Omnistor factory in Menen, for the step and the awning.

Cheers,

Jock.

Oh dear, I think I did use WD40

WD40 is a good releasing fluid, but not a long lasting lubricant, as it dries out. I used touse it on all my key locks on the car, until I was advised by a mechanic that after freeing the lock with WD40, I needed to then lubricate it with fine oil or silicone.
Just give every joint a good dousing with silicone spray, which should replace the WD40.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[Figaro]

Oh dear, I think I did use WD40

Don't worry about it, just get some silicone spray and do it again with that

 

[Lenny HB]

WD40 is a good releasing fluid, but not a long lasting lubricant, as it dries out. I used touse it on all my key locks on the car, until I was advised by a mechanic that after freeing the lock with WD40, I needed to then lubricate it with fine oil or silicone.
Just give every joint a good dousing with silicone spray, which should push replace the WD40.

Cheers,

Jock.

Best to use graphite on locks Ambersil Locklube is good.

 

[JockandRita]

Best to use graphite on locks Ambersil Locklube is good.

Can I not just rub the key with the grahpite from a chippy's pencil Lenny?

Jock.

 

[Gellyneck]

Can I not just rub the key with the grahpite from a chippy's pencil Lenny?

Jock.

Only if it's an HB. B leaves an awfy mess!

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[Gellyneck]

I used Silicon oil (Aldi or Lidl stuff) on ours.

Coincidentally, Peggysue123 Lidl's got silicon oil on offer next week.
£1.99 \ 400ml spray.

 

[Peggysue123]

Ah thanks for all your replies, I am thinking that I must have swelled the bushes by using WD40 and that it will need new bushes. I won't do that again! Any recommendations in Yorkshire for repair of the step?

 

[Gellyneck]

Might be worthwhile trying to clean-up the mechanism and then spraying with silicon oil first, might just be "gummed" up. If it still sticks then look at repair.

 

[Swifter]

As above , worth trying to fix it yourself , lots of people here that will give helpful advice

 

[Diabalo]

On my Thule step you can remove the link on the motor drive shaft, doing so allows for the step to be moved manually, this allows you to feel if it's the bushes or not.