Repairing powersteps

[Vladimir2306]

Hi all))
Hi all. I’ll tell you about Powersteps in the Russian climate.)) Such steps are very convenient, but our roads are quite dirty, so the steps require regular maintenance. I arrived at the service with a small problem on the right side. It's already autumn here. The mechanism becomes clogged with dirt. As a result, it begins to close/open 2-3 times, and eventually began to close without fully pressing.

 

[Vladimir2306]

Unfortunately, it is impossible to fix this without removing the device. The mechanism was removed and disassembled. It turned out that it was completely clogged with dirt, so it did not close completely.

 

[Vladimir2306]

After which it is thoroughly washed, then lubricated and developed. As a result, Powersteps closes completely. Unfortunately, this is a big flaw of GM, which began installing steppes since the 900 generation. And of all car brands, only GM they cause such problems and require attention. For good reason, it is necessary to somehow protect the mechanisms. For example, Land Rover does not have such problems.

 

[adventurenali92]

I detail cars professionally full time in a mountain ski town in the US. While most winters are manageable snow wise since we’re in Southern California, we do get snow. Roads get covered in crud as you know. This passed winter we saw 10 feet in just 10 days which is a lot for us, Not counting the rest of the winter’s snow. Anyways every SUV or pickup I detail that has automatic running boards has suffered this issue at some point in its life due to the winter crap getting lodged. I have a client with a 2020 Lincoln navigator L black label trim and every winter she’s had it since new her running boards act up exactly as you describe. It’s not a problem specific to GM products in my opinion.

 

[Vladimir2306]

I detail cars professionally full time in a mountain ski town in the US. While most winters are manageable snow wise since we’re in Southern California, we do get snow. Roads get covered in crud as you know. This passed winter we saw 10 feet in just 10 days which is a lot for us, Not counting the rest of the winter’s snow. Anyways every SUV or pickup I detail that has automatic running boards has suffered this issue at some point in its life due to the winter crap getting lodged. I have a client with a 2020 Lincoln navigator L black label trim and every winter she’s had it since new her running boards act up exactly as you describe. It’s not a problem specific to GM products in my opinion.

Ok)))) I’ll say it differently... Only American cars have a problem, because European cars with electric thresholds drive for a long time without problems, without requiring additional maintenance. Moreover, I will say that although I can’t stand Chinese cars, there are no Chinese problems like those on our GMs.

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

Our Minnesota winter's are harsh, cold, and lots of salt used on roads here, I often see SUV's w/ power running boards (steps) with them stuck down.
I really wish GM had included grease zerk's on these hinges, that way they could be lubricated at every service and likely would not suffer these issues.
I did install the WeatherTech mud flaps on mine which keeps much of the front wheel thrown road debris from reaching the mechanism.

Vlad, did you notice if the front was worse than the rear?
How much time did it take you to remove, clean, lube, and re-install.

I am wondring if some occasional crawl under the vehicle and application of some spray lube in the hinges would help, or just result in more dirt accumulation faster?
This problem is definitely a concern of mine, first time I have had the power running boards...the local dealer here siad in the 1st generation of them (2007-2013), they had lots of problems, but the more recent vintages have been more reliabile.

 

[StephenPT]

This stuff is amazing at keeping things rust free and lubricated - https://www.fluid-film.com/

 

[Vladimir2306]

Our Minnesota winter's are harsh, cold, and lots of salt used on roads here, I often see SUV's w/ power running boards (steps) with them stuck down.
I really wish GM had included grease zerk's on these hinges, that way they could be lubricated at every service and likely would not suffer these issues.
I did install the WeatherTech mud flaps on mine which keeps much of the front wheel thrown road debris from reaching the mechanism.

Vlad, did you notice if the front was worse than the rear?
How much time did it take you to remove, clean, lube, and re-install.

I am wondring if some occasional crawl under the vehicle and application of some spray lube in the hinges would help, or just result in more dirt accumulation faster?
This problem is definitely a concern of mine, first time I have had the power running boards...the local dealer here siad in the 1st generation of them (2007-2013), they had lots of problems, but the more recent vintages have been more reliabile.

Yes, I know that winter in Minnesota is similar to the Russian one))) this is my second GM with such steps. I'll tell you this, on T1 they are one-to-one as on k2)) I just had a tahoe k2 with them. In winter, I deactivate them when they are closed, when it snows and sticks to the thresholds. That's when it's best to just turn them off when they're closed. As for caring for them, I have to pressure wash them every week in the fall, winter and summer, washing off all the dirt, and then drip liquid bike chain grease onto the hinges. It's kind of like bike chain grease doesn't pick up dirt as much as regular engine oil. But this is prevention. Anyway, once a year the steps need to be dismantled and lubricated inside. It took the masters about 2 hours to get on one threshold. But you can't do without it in our climate))

 

[Vladimir2306]

This stuff is amazing at keeping things rust free and lubricated - https://www.fluid-film.com/

Unfortunately, this won't help))

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

Yes, I know that winter in Minnesota is similar to the Russian one))) this is my second GM with such steps. I'll tell you this, on T1 they are one-to-one as on k2)) I just had a tahoe k2 with them. In winter, I deactivate them when they are closed, when it snows and sticks to the thresholds. That's when it's best to just turn them off when they're closed. As for caring for them, I have to pressure wash them every week in the fall, winter and summer, washing off all the dirt, and then drip liquid bike chain grease onto the hinges. It's kind of like bike chain grease doesn't pick up dirt as much as regular engine oil. But this is prevention. Anyway, once a year the steps need to be dismantled and lubricated inside. It took the masters about 2 hours to get on one threshold. But you can't do without it in our climate))

Yes, I definitely deactivate them when there is lots of snow...and definitely keep them clean whenever possible.