Is there a Method or Trick to Hole Nylon Nut in Place when Installing New Motor Series 25 Steps?

Question:

Ok, so I was able to get the old motor off my series 25 triple steps, but I’m not sure how to install the new motor? The nylon nuts that the bolts screw into, are placed above a plate, within a small hole where the nut threads are visible, and but in an inconvenient location. Along with a small metal bushing for each bolt, Is there a simple method or trick in order to be able to hold the nylon nut in place to screw the bolt in? Just looking at it, it look’s difficult. Thanks for any help.

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

Hello Jim,

Installing the new motor # LC369506 on your Series 25 triple steps can be a bit tricky, especially with those nylon nuts hiding up in that little hole. They’re in a tight spot, and it’s hard to hold them still while trying to screw in the bolts, plus those little metal bushings just make things more annoying. But don’t worry, there are some simple tricks that can really help.

One good method is to use a pair of small locking pliers (like needle-nose Vise-Grips). If you can reach the nut from above or the side, clamp the pliers on it and lock them in place so the nut doesn’t spin while you put the bolt in. If the nut or bushing is magnetic, you can try using one of those extendable magnet tools to hold it steady too.

Another easy trick is using painter’s tape or masking tape. Just tape the nut and bushing in place over the hole, then poke the bolt through the tape to get it started. Once it catches the threads, you can pull the tape off. Some folks also use a dab of thick grease or even a little glue dot to help hold the nut in place just long enough to get the bolt started.

If it’s really tight in there, using a flexible tool extension or a small ratchet can make it easier to reach. And sometimes it helps to loosely put the bolts and nuts on the motor first, then carefully fit the whole thing in place and tighten everything once it’s lined up.

Let me know if one of those tricks was helpful for you.

expert reply by: Kate F

Jim

4/11/2025

Thanks Kate, would you happen to have a diagram of how the bushing and nut are situated (what order). When I took the motor off they fell down and I don't remember what the order was for the bushing and nut? I also saw another post that said to take off the gear table and that would allow access to the top of the plate. May try that also. Thanks,

Kate F.

4/14/2025

@Jim When reinstalling the motor on your Kwikee Series 25 step, it's crucial to place the bushings and nuts in the correct order to ensure proper operation. Here's a general guideline:? - Wave Washer: Place this on the motor shaft first. It helps maintain tension and reduces play.? - Teflon Friction Washer: This goes next, providing smooth rotation and reducing wear.? - Gear: Install the gear onto the shaft after the washers.? - Retaining Clip or Nut: Secure the assembly with the appropriate clip or nut to hold everything in place. I also attached an install video we did here at etrailer, it doesn't go over the order of the parts, but the rest of video might be helpful. Let me know how thing work out.