Steering column play--How much?

[jaherbst]

Noticed a little steering column play and wondered what is the norm for this. My head tech thinks we might replace it while still under warranty. I would guess maybe 3/4 of an inch static with or without the engine running. Have not seen this subject discussed here yet. With all the experts on here I am sure I can get some opinions. What have others experienced?

Jack

[finless]

They all have a little. Mine is about 1/2 inch now or so.
I think as the ball links wear it gets sloppier.. I am not going to worry about it unless it gets even worse. I don't notice it while riding.

I helped do a lot of BRP demo rides out here and rode a lot of different Spyders. Something I did notice was the 2016 RT models had a lot more NEW than previous years. A few of them I was like wow... this is a lot. Again though it did not seem to effect riding. Only notice it static when parked.

Bob

[Bob Denman]

Mine seems to split the difference between you both: 5/8"

[jaherbst]

The loose play does not seem to affect the steering but I was a little concerned when the Tech (who is head Mech at very large dealer here) mentioned it. In a previous thread Lamont mentioned 0.08" play is normal. Most of us are way over that. I will have Ann and Joe (Squared Away) give me an opinion at Red Rocks Rally next week also.

Jack

[finless]

At the rally check some of the 2015-16 models. I think you will find a lot of them have more than you do.
Not sure why that is but again I noticed it on brand new RT's at demo rides.
Possibly some change in parts or something on these years.

Bob

[Bob Denman]

I suppose that this is somewhat a matter of perspective...
We used to have a 1964 Ford F-100 truck, that we used around the property to haul firewood, dirt, and rocks.
The steering had a bout six inches of "play" in it, before the front wheels would start to get with the program.
My kid Sister learned to drive in that truck: I wonder if that's her problem today??

[SpyderBen]

I have a 2010 and the play is such, 1/2", that at various times I have been concerned. I keep looking at my front wheels for possible "out-of-balance", but that is not the case.

By the way I am currently runninf two Bridgestone tires on the front and am getting very good mileage, over 20,000 miles so far and holding their balances.

[Chupaca]

Have Ann and Joe take a look at it and you will get your answer and be able to rest easy. I have noticed more on the RT's but mostly while not moving but would not worry till you feel it while driving...

[ARtraveler]

The loose play does not seem to affect the steering but I was a little concerned when the Tech (who is head Mech at very large dealer here) mentioned it. In a previous thread Lamont mentioned 0.08" play is normal. Most of us are way over that. I will have Ann and Joe (Squared Away) give me an opinion at Red Rocks Rally next week also.

Jack

Good idea. They know their stuff.

[SpyderNeil]

Noticed a little steering column play and wondered what is the norm for this. My head tech thinks we might replace it while still under warranty. I would guess maybe 3/4 of an inch static with or without the engine running. Have not seen this subject discussed here yet. With all the experts on here I am sure I can get some opinions. What have others experienced?

Jack

Just measured mine at 3/8" at the end of the bars.
Neil

[wanderingman]

I just went out and measured my 2015 RT. Very rough measurement was 3/16" to 1/4". No concern for me. I had never noticed it at all previously, but I have read on this site of several having to have steering component replacement. That put a question in my mind regarding steering problems. When turning the handlebars to lock the glove box, it seems to me as if a major strain is being placed on the steering components. The wheels are being turned full lock while not rolling. Just a thought. I'd like to hear the opinion of others. Particularly some of you who have experience working on these things.

[finless]

Doesn't make sense to replace the steering column unless you have side to side play or can rock the ends of the handlebars up and down.
The slop most people I think are talking about is rocking the handlebars left and right horizontally and seeing play before the tires start to move.
Let's go back to 2013 for a bit. Some were complaining of slop and steering issues. Turned out BRP had a bad batch of ball links and replaced them on some 2013 models.

I am not saying that is the issue now but the ball links are the wear items (or king pin bearings) and would probably be the cause of this kind of slop.
My opinion anyway.

Bob

[pegasus1300]

Jack what did you learn at Red Rocks from Joe and Ann about your steering play?

[UtahPete]

Have Ann and Joe take a look at it and you will get your answer and be able to rest easy. I have noticed more on the RT's but mostly while not moving but would not worry till you feel it while driving...

That's been my experience; maybe 3/4" at the handlebar ends while sitting in the garage without engine running.

[UtahPete]

Jack what did you learn at Red Rocks from Joe and Ann about your steering play?

That would be good to know, I agree.

[UtahPete]

Put it in the wrong place and tried (but obviously failed) to delete it

It's gone now

[canamjhb]

I frequently move the bike around without the engine running and haven't noticed any play in the handlebars. If anything, they feel stiff.

[Bfromla]

I suppose that this is somewhat a matter of perspective...
We used to have a 1964 Ford F-100 truck, that we used around the property to haul firewood, dirt, and rocks.
The steering had a bout six inches of "play" in it, before the front wheels would start to get with the program.
My kid Sister learned to drive in that truck: I wonder if that's her problem today??

That wasn't play that was to build momentum & allowing proper positioning to not sprain your wrist, also why it needed the 16" school bus steering wheel for leverage poor millennials will never know true "POWER STEERING ", much less how to ride in a vehicle with no cup holders