Art:

Yes, the step has been installed for some time.  (I couldnt even imagine attempting to move it.)

The problem is with the little compression spring that pushes out the locking pin each time the step is extended.
Evidently, the geometry is such that the spring overcompresses each time the step retracts and extends,  and eventually fails.  I'm on my 3rd spring and its a real bear to change. ( I noticed that after I installed my wing fairings, that some smarter folks were adding a removable panel to service the step mechanism). Anyway, I contacted some spring mfgrs with the details of the spring hoping naively that it would be a simple matter to find a similar spring made from a stronger material.  WRONG.....  The spring folks need to know the original spring rate before they can find a replacement.  Evidently, Lancair doesnt have this data anymore and I cant determine it from the drawings. They use a simple formula  P = R x F where P = load in lbs, R = rate in lbs. per inch and F = the deflection from free length.  If anyone has a retractable step that hasnt been installed yet and can make some measurements for us,  I would be a very happy camper.  Thanks for the interest.  Regards, Bill Hogarty