Stiff folding steps - Montana Owners Club

Snownyet · 02-02-2008, 01:44 PM

Has anyone got any tips on freeing up my steps on my 2007 Mountaineer 307RKD? Ive tried all different kinds of lube but Im wondering if theres a mechanical route to making the operation easier that Im not seeing. My wife can just barely fold & unfold them.

jpbcny · 02-02-2008, 01:54 PM

As I have stated in previous threads, My steps (On a 2006 Mountaineer 329RLS) move so easily I have had to install a pin to keep them from unfolding in high cross winds, the only lube I have used on them is Silicone Spray.

JP

hazmic · 02-02-2008, 02:12 PM

Wait a while and after some use they will be real lose and you will need to pin them.

old turbo · 02-03-2008, 02:34 AM

Use WD-40 it has more lube and anti rust control. Spray everything that moves or rubs. Work your steps open and closed five or six times then lube again and work steps again. Be careful not to get lube on steps they will be slick. Like the post above after a while you will end up with a pin or bungee to hold them closed.

Snownyet · 02-03-2008, 02:41 AM

I had hoped theyd loosen over time, actually theyve gotten stiffer since we bought it. Our previos SOB 5er was the same way and they never loosened up. I Guess Ill keep spraying and waiting..lol

TLightning · 02-03-2008, 04:36 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by jpbcny

As I have stated in previous threads, My steps (On a 2006 Mountaineer 329RLS) move so easily I have had to install a pin to keep them from unfolding in high cross winds, the only lube I have used on them is Silicone Spray.

JP

I second the silicone spray.

illapah · 02-03-2008, 04:41 AM

Maybe lubricating the steps is the wrong way to go. If you don't lube, maybe it will wear in...........

daneboy · 02-03-2008, 05:58 AM

Did you by chance drag your steps and bend them, when towing. I don't know where your steps are located. On my 2955RL they are near the rear. If I'm not carefull, I'll drag the steps on a steep driveway or deep dip. So far I've been lucky and able to put boot to them and lube them up for a repair.
Happy Towing, Jerry

OntMont · 02-03-2008, 06:16 AM

Our first (02) Montana had stiff steps that eventually caused one of the rivets to shear. Keep them lubed with WD40 or similar. Our newer (05) Montana has steps that will flop down in transit if we don't bungee them. BTW, when our rivet sheared, I replaced it with a bolt and shake proof nut. I counted the joints that require lubrication, it was a much higher number than you might think.

illapah · 02-03-2008, 09:58 AM

As Daneboy posted, maybe the steps got bent, not necessarly by you. Worth a check for alignment.

Sunshine · 02-04-2008, 03:49 AM

Our cousins used WD-40 on their stiff Montana steps and now have to use a bungee or they come down in transit.

Snownyet · 02-04-2008, 10:42 AM

Theyre not bent, thats the first thing I checked. Thanks for the input.

vtspencers · 02-04-2008, 05:06 PM

When new our steps would deploy in a strong wind (or bad roads....US20 in east TX)but after time at the beach they stiffened to the point only I could pull them out. I'm using oil with graphite. I've done two treatments and now my better half can work them with ease.

Jim

kmh3212 · 02-12-2008, 04:35 AM

I use 75-140w Mobil 1 gear lube. The same that is in the differntial of my truck. WD40 is more of a solvent than a lubricant.

Cyrus · 02-12-2008, 11:32 PM

Like kmh3212 said, WD40 is more of a solvent. Gun smiths will tell you it is their best friend, does not prevent rust and is not a good lubricant. I use it to wash things down, let it drain off and then use a good spray lubricant. Many good ones available but for steps I like the ones with white grease in them.

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