Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Passenger footrest does not move (Read 1059 times) previous topic - next topic

Passenger footrest does not move

Another issue...that needs attention to satisfy the wife!
The passenger footrest has quit going up and down. When the button is pushed it moves about a quarter inch and then stops. Seems I can sorta hear the motor so I know there is power.  Is there a lubrication point ?  Is the motor pooched?? Anyone have this occur?  I "think" the seats are originals...in great shape except this!
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Passenger footrest does not move

Reply #1 –
Maybe the mechanism is gummed up.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Passenger footrest does not move

Reply #2 –
You will need to lubricate the worm gear that's underneath the seat. It runs fore and aft. Did that to mine and has worked fine since then. You need to do this periodically, and also check to see if anything is caught in the gears.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Passenger footrest does not move

Reply #3 –
What product did you use for the lubrication?
I am not sure wd40 or similar is the right product
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Passenger footrest does not move

Reply #4 –
I had the same problem with the seat on my 2000.  If you have Villa seats, you can call Mike at Villa International, 562-404-8111 and they have a Retro Kit to replace the original motor and gearbox on the co-pilot seat.  It's not cheap, about $200.00 and was somewhat difficult to install.  Once installed it works fine but you can feel the motor against the bottom of the seat until footrest is extended, so not the best design.  But it really has not been a problem.  I was told the plastic gears in the gearbox break and that is what causes the footrest not to work.  Good luck!
Bill and Joyce, The House2 and Dashboard Pig III
2000 U320 4210 CAI (The House2)
Build # 5733
2019 F150 King Ranch FX4

Re: Passenger footrest does not move

Reply #5 –
Quote from: rbark –
You will need to lubricate the worm gear that's underneath the seat.
This is most likely the problem.  Cheaper and easier than replacing. 

I would add, clean and lubricate.  Probably any white lithium grease would be appropriate. 

Richard (the other Richard)
Jan & Richard Witt
1999 U-320  36ft WTFE
Build Number: 5478 Motorcade: 16599
2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited w/Air Force One
Jan: NO5U, Richard:KA5RIW
The selected media item is not currently available.

Re: Passenger footrest does not move

Reply #6 –
Peter, yes, what Richard said, white lithium grease and try and clean as best as you can before, kinda awkward working under the seat
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Passenger footrest does not move

Reply #7 –
No doubt about the difficulty working under the seat!  It was just enough to peer under there with a flashlight!  Will advise if the lithium grade is the trick
Peter
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Passenger footrest does not move

Reply #8 –
I replaced the base system under the passenger chair in my 97 U295 several years ago. We used the coach a lot with no problems with the footrest mechanism.

We've hardly used the coach for the last two years. When we prepared to travel, the footrest would not raise. After wrestling with the seat on the floor of the coach, I found that the extending components all moved freely. The screw drive was well lubricated and moved easily. The little bitty motor and its squirrelly right angle drive would not drive the screw mechanism.

My conclusion is that the motorized base is an expensive component with cheap motors that are not durable.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Passenger footrest does not move

Reply #9 –
Quote from: dicksop –
What product did you use for the lubrication?
I am not sure wd40 or similar is the right product
I would consider a using an anti-static grease.
Anti-static grease will not attract dirt.

Tim
Tim Dianics
Pam Sapienza
Vader PupZilla Labrador Canine Beast (AKA Pup)
Columbia, MO
1996 U320 4000
2021 Jeep Gladiator, Diesel

Re: Passenger footrest does not move

Reply #10 –
Take Bill B's advice. Mine was the motor ordered the parts from Villa, worked perfect. The process is a real pain. The chair needs to removed from pedestal and turned upside down to gain access. Don't forget to unplug electrical connections, Good luck John
John
1998 U270 34'

Re: Passenger footrest does not move

Reply #11 –
Wanted to provide some updated info in case anyone else needs to replace the passenger footrest assembly.

My old assembly "kind of" worked but made horrible noises and skipped (1997 U295). I took the assembly with motor out from under the passenger seat. NOTE- feel behind the footrest cushion for 3 screws on either side that hold the cushion to the footrest frame. Once you remove those 6 screws (3 on each side), you can flip the cushion up on to the seat and access the footrest assembly. I took the entire assembly apart for a cleaning including the gear box. You have to drill/tap out the rivets that hold the gear box together. I found a lot of old hardened lubricant inside the gear box and got it all cleaned out and reassembled (I have photos if anyone wants to take theirs apart). Once reinstalled, it still sounded terrible!

I ended up ordering the retrofit assembly with new motor from Mike Ramirez at Villa (562-404-8111) and installed it this morning. It was an easy replacement, mounts in the same holes as the old one and included wiring that requires no modifications. Cost was $225 plus shipping (see attached PDF showing the replacement parts). Wish I had gone this route in the first place and saved myself some time. Mike was awesome!

Chuck & Karen
1997 U295 36'

Re: Passenger footrest does not move

Reply #12 –
  Completely forgot about updating my post. The lithium grease worked well after taking everything apart. No noises,jerking or anything!
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Passenger footrest does not move

Reply #13 –
I have my wife lift her feet when raising the foot rest to put less tension on the mechanism.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport
 

Re: Passenger footrest does not move

Reply #14 –
Mike is great.
He sent me some parts for the armrest no charge!
Frank & Daisy
NO LONGER  "looking for the perfect Foretravel
36' or less non slide preferred."  She has been found and is ours.
2003 U320 36' non slide  Unit 6103
Cummins ISM 450
Allison 4000MH