Lippert Components Solera Power Awning Use and care manual

Rev: 01.19.21 Page 1 CCD-0002262
TI-270
AWNINGS
SOLERA®AWNING GAS STRUT REPLACEMENT
Purpose
This document provides the steps to replace the awning gas strut assembly.
• 1-2 people, depending on task
• Pliers
• Flat head screwdriver
• ⁄" deep well socket
• Tin snips
• Hammer
• ⁄" push nuts (four)
• C-clamp (Optional)
• Rubber or felt pad to prevent clamp marring
(Optional)
Installation
Removing the Pitch Arm and Gas Strut
NOTE: Figure 1 shows one type of pitch arm with its support arm assembly. The removal and replacement
of any pitch arm and gas strut will be the same.
Moving parts can pinch, crush or cut. Keep clear and use caution.
Fig. 1
Outer Arm
Inner Arm
Mount Arm
Gas Strut
Pitch Arm Assembly
Roll Tube
Resources Required

Rev: 01.19.21 Page 2 CCD-0002262
TI-270
AWNINGS
SOLERA®AWNING GAS STRUT REPLACEMENT
AA
1. Extend the awning to the fully-open position.
2. With a flat head screwdriver, carefully remove the black spacers that are placed between the pitch arm
and the outer arm (Fig. 2A).
3. With a flat head screwdriver, carefully remove the spacers placed between the pitch arm and the
mount arm (Fig. 3A).
4. With a flat head screwdriver, carefully remove the spacers placed between the inner arm and the top
of the gas strut (Fig. 4A).
Make sure to adequately support the roll tube during this process. Failure to support the roll tube may
result in personal injury or property damage.
NOTE: Make sure to keep all the black spacers that are placed between the pitch arm and the outer arm
(Fig. 2A), between the pitch arm and the mount arm (Fig. 3A) and between the inner arm and top of
the gas strut (Fig. 4A).
Fig. 2 Fig. 3
Fig. 4
A
A
A
A

Rev: 01.19.21 Page 3 CCD-0002262
TI-270
AWNINGS
SOLERA®AWNING GAS STRUT REPLACEMENT
Cylinder
Shaft
5. Remove the push nuts (Fig. 5) using tin snips.
NOTE: Push nuts are a one-time use only part. Do not reuse.
NOTE: If having difficulty with removal of a push nut, gently tap the pin with a hammer. This will loosen the
push nut. Use the tin snips to complete the removal.
A. Remove the push nut on the pin where the pitch arm and the outer arm meet (Fig. 6A).
NOTE: Squeezing the outer arm may assist in removal of the push nut.
Be careful! While removing push nuts, do not allow the pins to fall out.
Pins must remain in place until all push nuts are removed.
AB
C
D
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Pin
Push Nut

Rev: 01.19.21 Page 4 CCD-0002262
TI-270
AWNINGS
SOLERA®AWNING GAS STRUT REPLACEMENT
As the pins are removed, pressure from the gas strut can cause the outer arm to push open or the pitch
arm to push out which could cause personal injury or product damage.
Roll tube must be securely held until all pins are removed, the new gas strut is installed and all pins are
replaced. Do not allow the roll tube to fall.
B. Remove the push nut where the pitch arm meets the mount arm (Fig. 6B).
C. Remove the push nut where the top of the gas strut meets the inner arm (Fig. 6C).
D. Remove the push nut where the bottom of the gas strut meets the pitch arm (Fig. 6D).
6. Remove the pins (Fig. 5).
A. Before removing pins, make sure one person places a firm hold on the roll tube.
B. Hold the pitch arm and remove the pin where the pitch arm meets the outer arm (Fig. 6A).
C. Remove the pin holding the pitch arm to the mount arm (Fig. 6B).
NOTE: The person holding the roll tube may have to raise the roll tube in order to release pressure on the
gas strut.
D. Remove the pin that is holding the bottom of the gas strut to the pitch arm (Fig. 6D).
NOTE: The pitch arm is now free and may be set aside until needed when completing the new gas strut
installation. Notice the orientation and that each end of the pitch arm is different.
E. Remove the pin that is holding the top of the gas strut to the inner arm (Fig. 6C).
NOTE: Notice the orientation of the gas strut. The new gas strut must be installed with the cylinder above
the shaft (Fig. 6).

Rev: 01.19.21 Page 5 CCD-0002262
TI-270
AWNINGS
SOLERA®AWNING GAS STRUT REPLACEMENT
As a supplier of components to the RV industry, safety, education and customer satisfaction are our primary concerns. Should you
have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [phone] or by email at [email protected]. Self-help tips,
technical documents, product videos and a training class schedule are available at lci1.com or by downloading the MyLCI app.
Replacing the Gas Strut and Attaching the Pitch Arm
1. Install the new gas strut.
NOTE: Always use new push nuts when replacing the pins. New push nuts can only be installed in one
direction—with the points facing outward. Use a ⁄” deep well socket to push a push nut onto
each pin.
NOTE: The person holding the roll tube may need to raise or lower the outer arm or the roll tube in order to
align the holes for the pins. The eyelets of the gas strut must line up with the hole locations on the
arms so the pin and a new push nut may be reattached.
NOTE: If not installed correctly, the eyelets on the gas strut will break when trying to operate.
A. Align the new gas strut in the same orientation as the old gas strut (Fig. 6).
B. Insert the pin that connects the top of the new gas strut with the inner arm (Fig. 6C).
C. Install a new push nut onto the inner arm pin.
D. Insert the pin that connects the bottom of the new gas strut to the pitch arm (Fig. 6D).
E. Install a new push nut onto the pitch arm pin.
2. Reattach the pitch arm.
A. Insert the pin that holds the pitch arm to the mount arm (Fig. 6B).
NOTE: The person holding the roll tube may need to raise or lower the roll tube in order to align the holes
for the pins.
B. Install a new push nut onto the mount arm pin.
C. Insert the pin that holds the pitch arm to the outer arm (Fig. 6A).
NOTE: The person holding the roll tube may have to raise or lower the roll tube in order to align the holes
for the pins.
D. Install a new push nut onto the outer arm pin.
3. Reinsert the spacers by pushing the gap side onto each pin.
A. Insert the two black spacers in between the pitch arm and the outer arm (Fig. 2A).
B. Insert the two black spacers in between the pitch arm and the mount arm (Fig. 3A).
C. Insert the two black spacers in between the inner arm and the top of the gas strut (Fig. 4A).