Electric RV Steps Vibrate When Closing After Installing New Motor

Updated 07/13/2017 | Published 07/12/2017

Question:

When step closes it vibrates with a new motor and module replaced what is wrong?

asked by: Henny

Expert Reply:

I am not sure what model steps or motor you currently have, but there are a few reasons why there might be some vibration when closing the step.

The first thing I recommend doing is making sure the new motor is mounted in such a way that it is making proper and secure contact with the gear plate, which is what will provide a ground connection. A weak ground connection can lead to the vibration and otherwise less than ideal motor operation for the step assembly. Also make sure that the electrical connector for the motor does not have any corrosion or debris. A spray-on cleaner or application of dielectric grease like # LT37534 will help.

If everything checks out fine with the ground connection, the next possible cause is the gears that the new motor uses. It's possible that the new motor is not geared the same way as the original, so it simply is acting a bit differently during operation.

You can also look to see if there is a damaged step mechanism within the assembly or see if it might simply benefit from some lubrication.

If you are unable to find the cause, please let me know and I will be happy to look into this further.

expert reply by: Chris R