Entry steps steel rod, broken weld

[Olive2Roam]

Hey all, A quick search did not turn much up so maybe this is an unusual issue. The welded washer at the forward end of the steel rod that allows the entry steps to slide up for travel has broken off. See below. Oliver does not sell that part so the repair options and pros and cons that I can think of are below.

Option 1: I considered having a welder reattach the washer. Cons, fairly expensive, $65-100 depending on the welder, and the possibility of recurrence. 

Option 2: Purchase a new steel rod, cut to length (24 1/2"), and drill holes for cotter pins to anchor. Cons, still expensive, and some machining required, but close to original.

Option3: I temporarily cut a half inch threaded aluminum rod to length and used 2 nuts at each end to secure without tightening to the frame. Pros, quick and inexpensive. Cons, threads may bugger up the track that the rod rides in (maybe). Aluminum is not as strong as the original steel rod, but this temporary fix is functional. 

Option 4: Same as 3 but use a threaded steel rod for strength. This would almost surely wear grooves in the track as you pull out and store the steps. 

Thoughts from any of the metal working gurus out there?

Bob

 

[mountainoliver]

Order a 1/2 shaft collar from Amazon. Try to find a collar that is split and clamps on or one that uses a set screw for attachment. Buy one that is stainless steel. The collar should be clamped on the rod end that had the washer, the other end will still use the washer and cotter pin. These stainless collars are only a few dollars each and will make a good solid end.

Edited 7 hours ago by mountainoliver
Added photo

[Olive2Roam]

 

Ah! Why didn't I think of that? Good call. 🙂 

 

[topgun2]

40 minutes ago, Olive2Roam said:

Ah! Why didn't I think of that? Good call. 🙂

Or - 

Give Service a call.

Can they ship you a replacement rod and what would the cost be.  Since your Ollie is relatively new - this breakage should not have happened.  Would they (could they) replace this under warranty?  You'll never know unless you ask (nicely).

Bill

[mountainoliver]

Yeah, why didn’t I think of that?🤣

[Olive2Roam]

3 hours ago, topgun2 said:

Or - 

Give Service a call.

Can they ship you a replacement rod and what would the cost be.  Since your Ollie is relatively new - this breakage should not have happened.  Would they (could they) replace this under warranty?  You'll never know unless you ask (nicely).

Bill

I did call service. Disappointingly, the response was, "we don't stock that part" and I may be better off finding a welder to spot weld it back on. I was happy to pay for a new part and have it shipped. I could have pressed the issue but I needed it quickly because we are heading out for 3-4 weeks next week. Like I said, disappointing response to say the least. I would have even been willing to drive to Hohenwald to pick up a part. 

 

[topgun2]

10 minutes ago, Olive2Roam said:

I did call service. Disappointingly, the response was, "we don't stock that part" and I may be better off finding a welder to spot weld it back on. I was happy to pay for a new part and have it shipped. I could have pressed the issue but I needed it quickly because we are heading out for 3-4 weeks next week. Like I said, disappointing response to say the least. I would have even been willing to drive to Hohenwald to pick up a part. 

Darn!  Well, it was worth the call and at least you know.

However, I'm a bit surprised.

Bill