This past summer I broke the lower rung of my ladder. If you unscrew the first horizontal rung and raise it, you will see the joint. Remove the U-Shape section. Now, the U-shaped section has a tube insert extending both end. This is a 1-piece insert. The extended ends are screwed to the main ladder section. REMEDY: Remove lower U-Shape section. Use a tube cutter and ONLY cut thru the outer sleeve, do not cut off. Now, remove outer sleeve, which should slide off. Now, re-insert the extended part into the main ladder section, bolt it together and reposition step. NOTE: You may have to cut the extensions off to get a fresh start. If you do, cut the outer sleeve back about 4"-6". Remember not to cut thru. While you are working on the ladder, check to see if the mounts have loosened up. That is another process I can walk you thru. Hope this helps.