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Topic: replacing the gear drive on villa copilot chair (Read 975 times) previous topic - next topic

replacing the gear drive on villa copilot chair

On my 1998 U270 the copilot foot rest refuses to go up or retract; so it is in the way of passing by. I contacted villa and bought a new motor and a new gear. However,I would like to hear from anyone that has done that repair. Removing and disconnecting power seems like it could be the first step. But then it gets into the unknown. Thank you
John
1998 U270 34'

Re: replacing the gear drive on villa copilot chair

Reply #1 –
You shouldn't have any problem. I recently had to replace the motor assembly on the pilot's chair. Two or three electrical connections and four bolts on my pilots chair seat to get access to the pedestal. The co-pilots chair should have easier access working from from the stair well. Take some care to note the arrangement of parts on the lever/spring release assembly the allows the chair pedestal to pivot. Also the arrangement of backing plates and washers. Pictures before disassembly are good. I have attached a picture to give you some idea of what mine looked like. Note that our chairs have shoulder harnesses so you will see some extra bolts that you may not have.

Re: replacing the gear drive on villa copilot chair

Reply #2 –
Quote from: John/Pat –
On my 1998 U270 the copilot foot rest refuses to go up or retract; so it is in the way of passing by. I contacted villa and bought a new motor and a new gear. However,I would like to hear from anyone that has done that repair. Removing and disconnecting power seems like it could be the first step. But then it gets into the unknown. Thank you
can you post who you contacted, I have the same problem, the foot rest won't go up or move on my co-pilot chair and I would like to replace the motor as well
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.

Re: replacing the gear drive on villa copilot chair

Reply #3 –
I called parts at FT and give them my build number, and they were able to confirm it was a Villa chair. Ft also give me a contact number for Villa. Why not call/email Villa and ask? Ask for Mike

RV Furniture from Villa International

Villa International
13760 Midway Street
Cerritos, California 90703

Toll-Free: 888-707-7272
Local: 562-404-8111
Fax: 562-404-7785
I talked to them and the motor and the gear is still available; so I ordered both. It took several weeks and was $100 or less..
John
1998 U270 34'

Re: replacing the gear drive on villa copilot chair

Reply #4 –
If Villa International doesn't have what you want, try ADNIK, a division of Norcross Industries. I believe they made the pedestals for Villa.

Re: replacing the gear drive on villa copilot chair

Reply #5 –
When my footrest quit working I was lucky enough to get away with just cleaning off years of dust and dirt encrusted lubricant.  Then applying new lubricant.  You might check to see if that is the only problem. 
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
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Re: replacing the gear drive on villa copilot chair

Reply #6 –
I will try that the next time I am at "Moe". I do not look forward to removing the chair until I get warm weather where I can do the gear replacement outside.
Did you use wd40 or silicon?
John
1998 U270 34'

Re: replacing the gear drive on villa copilot chair

Reply #7 –
John,

The WD-40 might help you get all the congealed goo off the gears but to actually lubricate the mechanisms after they are clean I would suggest a silicon grease of some kind. 

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: replacing the gear drive on villa copilot chair

Reply #8 –
Agree with Jan and Richard. If the motor is ok, lubricate gears and sliding parts, there are more than you think. I used a dry lubricant to free ours and has been working fine now.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel