Step Repair

[cajohnson]

I've a 2018 23FB and am having problems with the step. The bolt on the right side that holds the top brace of the steps has backed out. My question is do I have to remove the small belly pan to the front of the steps to get at that allen head bolt?

[GCinSC2]

Remove no, make access panel yes.

I made repairs to my Classic and cutting an access panel was the ticket. I drilled out two rivets, extra fine metal cutting jig saw blade, mark the lines and it's done. Then to cover I used a piece of aluminum and made a cover. Lining the new hole with tape after removing any burrs helps too. And I added a nut on the end of the step shoulder bolt too.

Gary

[cajohnson]

Finally an update on my step repair. Since in my situation it was the right hand (looking at the step) bolt that had come loose I just drilled out the four rivets holding the sides of the sheet metal (two on each side). I was able to bend it down, pull out the shoulder bolt that had been loose, clean up the threads on both the hole and the bolt, add some blue Loctite and retighten it. I re-riveted it and the steps work perfectly.
Thanks for all the input.
cj

[ROBERT CROSS]

I had no shoulder bolt to replace....Gone.

Bob
🇺🇸

[cajohnson]

That would complicate things, wouldn’t it Bob?