thule single electric step rivet has excessive play

[Scout]

my thule single electric step rivet has excessive play on the bottom (next to the step platform) joint. Im not sure if the nylon washers has worn or the hole it sits has elongated at this time, I wont be able to see until disassembly has taken place. The steel rivets look hard to drill out, would I be better cutting the head of with a grinder and then drifting the rivet out. How easy is it take the whole step off and do the work on a bench? its fited to an autotrail if that makes any difference.

 

[andy63]

All the steps I worked on are removable as a unit and could be worked on and tested off the van..
You are referring to a washer been possibly worn which suggests axial play but then say the hole it sits in , which suggests a Bush.. Either way if it can't be drilled then the grinder would be good?
I'm thinking replacement with a similar item in brass if you can..that's assuming its not the hole it sits in gone oval as you mentioned..but would hope its only the nylon bush that's worn..
If that's the case a bigger hole and a bush made to fit that..
I appreciate all that is only possible if you have access to facilities to make the parts.. But think that's the only option to put right what you describe..other than replacement..
Andy..

 

[Scout]

All the steps I worked on are removable as a unit and could be worked on and tested off the van..
You are referring to a washer been possibly worn which suggests axial play but then say the hole it sits in , which suggests a Bush.. Either way if it can't be drilled then the grinder would be good?
I'm thinking replacement with a similar item in brass if you can..that's assuming its not the hole it sits in gone oval as you mentioned..but would hope its only the nylon bush that's worn..
If that's the case a bigger hole and a bush made to fit that..
I appreciate all that is only possible if you have access to facilities to make the parts.. But think that's the only option to put right what you describe..other than replacement..
Andy..

you are correct it is a bush I just got my terminology wrong thanks for your help, when the weather improves i'll take the unit off, strip down and go forwards from there. But I wonder if the head could be cut off using a
Oscillating Multi Tool with a hacksaw blade fitted it would cause less damage than a grinder and could possibly be done in situ...

 

[Ditcha]

I have replaced mine as the plastic bushes had failed, your right if the plastic bush has failed and no longer there you can get a blade in to the gap between the rivet head and the step arm and cut it off to allow removal. I made my own new bushing and pins to replace but you can by a kit from here.

Thule Single Step Spares - Hill View Awnings

hillviewawnings.co.uk

 

[Scout]

I have replaced mine as the plastic bushes had failed, your right if the plastic bush has failed and no longer there you can get a blade in to the gap between the rivet head and the step arm and cut it of to allow removal. I made my own new bushing and pins to replace but you can by a kit from here.

Thule Single Step Spares - Hill View Awnings

hillviewawnings.co.uk

thanks for that. Ive used them before when the motor drive shaft failed

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