Thule omnistep parts

[billywifta]

Hi all......
My step stopped working recently so today I thought I'd have a look at it. Initially the screws snapped (see attached) when removing the step and I feared the worst. However I removed the step and cleaned it up and realised that the step works fine. It may have been jammed as there was plenty of dirt in and around the step edge where it needs to glide. I just need to refix the step to the van but I cannot do this as I have 3 broken screws in each bracket and they won't budge for love nor money.
The long and short of it is I need two new brackets as pictured ASAP as the wife wants to go away on Thursday!
Anyone know where to go for these?

 

[dazandandrea]

Can you drill out and re tap them ?

 

[billywifta]

I've tried drilling them out but failed.

 

[Two on Tour]

Get some heat from a blowtorch or the like on the aluminum casting around the broken screw thread, not on the thread itself, then grip the thread tightly with a pair of mole grips and gently rock the mole grips side to side until you get some movement in the thread.
This little bit of movement will now allow penetrating oil in. Heat the aluminum casting again and then spray "PlusGas" at the thread and as the aluminum casting cools it will draw in the PlusGas.
Repeat a couple of times and then go back to rocking side to side with the mole grips and it's very likely you will be able to remove the broken screw thread.
Repeat the same process on the other broken screw threads.

 

[dazandandrea]

So glad you put Plusgas and not wd40

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[Two on Tour]

So glad you put Plusgas and not wd40

My business before I retired was restoring classic cars, so I've had more seized thread than most people have had hot dinners.

 

[Martin How]

WD40 or GT85 will work fine. Diesel fuel is also good. I have not seen Plus Gas for about 40 years, did not know it was still around.

Heat, Gentle rocking and some sort of lube are the key to it, As the aluminium, expands about twice as much as the steel you shpuld be on to a winner.

 

[billywifta]

I'll give it a go tomorrow morning. Thanks.

 

[Cush]

Can’t help with the engineering but if you can’t get by Thursday then I recommend the milenco giant double step.
Don’t really use the retractable anymore. Better for dogs and their humans.

 

[billywifta]

Update. The first two came out with a little bit of persuasion and I thought it was going to be an easy job. However I could not get any of the next 4 to budge at all.
At this point I made enquiries on the cost of two new brackets, they only come as part of a kit for around £75 so I thought sod it in going to try drilling out the screws.
This went ok'ish as the screws are steel and the bracket is aluminium and the drill kept slipping off the screw. That said I have 6 holes at 5mm and I've managed to find some 5.5mm self drilling screws that grab okay so I'm hoping I get finished tomorrow.
Either that or the credit card has to come out for the kit.

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[dazandandrea]

Great to know youve had some success.
Just make sure youve got time to re fit them before Thursday

 

[Catpirate]

I use this to prevent corrosion in aluminum. Works with all steel bolts, may be to late for Thursday but worth considering when you get back or for any other applications.

Duralac Anti Corrosive Compound for Stainless and Aluminium (PB) 115ml

Duralac is a highly effective jointing compound which prevents electrolytic corrosion between dissimilar metals typically stainless fitting on an

www.marinesuppliesdirect.co.uk

 

[Catpirate]

PS for those of you that want plusgas:-

Amazon product ASIN B0001P02RK

 

[billywifta]

The steps back on and working! Not got a fix on all 6 positions so going to attempt to nut and bolt on a couple of them so it's not going anywhere. Thanks to everyone for all your help and suggestions.

 

[dazandandrea]

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