When your electric steps start binding, grinding, or refusing to extend and retract smoothly, the double ball joint is one of the first wear items to inspect. The Lippert 388220 is an OEM-matched replacement that restores full range of motion to your Lippert single, double, or triple electric steps -- and fits Stromberg Carlson sliding steps as well. It ships with all mounting hardware so you can complete the repair without a trip to the hardware store.
The double ball joint is a critical pivot link in Lippert electric step systems. It connects the gear plate to the turning arm, translating the motor's rotational force into the linear extend-and-retract motion your steps rely on every time you open the door. When this joint wears, corrodes, or cracks, the steps may hesitate, bind, move unevenly, or fail to deploy at all.
Replacing this small but important component is a straightforward repair that gets your steps back to like-new performance. The Lippert 388220 is the correct OEM-spec replacement, designed to the same dimensions and ball-socket tolerances as the original part.
Engineered to the same specifications as the original Lippert factory part. Direct drop-in replacement -- no modification needed.
Collapses to 4-1/2" and threads out to 6-1/2", allowing precise adjustment for proper step linkage geometry.
Comes with the mounting hardware required for installation, including the 2" and 1-1/2" mounting bolts.
Fits Lippert single, double, and triple electric step assemblies and Stromberg Carlson electric sliding steps.
Electric steps use an electric motor driving a gear plate. The gear plate rotates a turning arm, and the double ball joint bridges these two components -- flexing through multiple axes to accommodate the compound motion of the step mechanism. The threaded, adjustable body lets you set the correct link length so the steps reach full extension and retract flush against the coach.
Over time, ball joint sockets can wear, seize from road grime and moisture, or crack from repeated impact. If your steps are noisy, uneven, or show visible slop in the linkage, inspect this joint first before replacing more expensive motor or gear components.