2015 RTS Steering Column U Joints - big job to Replace?

[Fjrwillie]

It appears there is an upper and lower U Joint on the steering column. Based on previous comments about the play in my steering this might be a likely candidate that is causing the problem

How big of a job is it to replace these U joints. Are there any special considerations and special tools required.



Willie

[BertRemington]

BajaRon just did this for an earlier model (I believe 2013). The upper body work needs to be lifted and you will probably need BUDS to realign the VSS afterwards.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Wait until the winter when your bike will be in winter hibernation so you don't to worry about how much time it takes. I haven't done but I read through the service manual because mine were changed out by the dealer. I'd say it's a piece of cake, albeit a large dry hard piece! The frunk needs to come off as well as the upper tupperware. The handlebar probably has to come off also, plus you'll have to disconnect the column from the DPS. The two U-joints and the intermediate shaft are a single assembly.

I'm not at home and don't have a copy of my service manual on my laptop.

Don't even think about starting to do it until you have the service manual if you don't already.

[safecracker]

Shawn Smoak has a video of doing one. I remember watching it.

[trikermutha]

Have you checked the set screws on the U Joint?

[BertRemington]

Fjrwillie -- your question is concerning because it implies you intend to make the adjustments and/or repair yourself.

The reason that is concerning is in another post you state your Spyder has 86,000 miles and yet you don't know if it has a swaybar. If that is a question you needed this community to answer, I doubt you have the skills needed to safely adjust and repair your steering mechanism. For your own safety I recommend service by a qualifier dealer with the BUDS equipment. And Yes it will be expensive due to labor hours needed to access the mechanism.

[Fjrwillie]

Highlight below. What do you need the BUDS system for to do this replacement. Once you have access to the steering mechanism, you imply it is not a simple unbolt and replace job.

Willie

Fjrwillie -- your question is concerning because it implies you intend to make the adjustments and/or repair yourself.

The reason that is concerning is in another post you state your Spyder has 86,000 miles and yet you don't know if it has a swaybar. If that is a question you needed this community to answer, I doubt you have the skills needed to safely adjust and repair your steering mechanism. For your own safety I recommend service by a qualifier dealer with the BUDS equipment. And Yes it will be expensive due to labor hours needed to access the mechanism.

[BertRemington]

That is correct -- it is not a simple unbolt and replace job.

The DPS incorporates a sensitive torque sensor to determine steering angle/rate demand. BUDS is needed to realign this sensor to the Spyder chassis after a wheel alignment has been completed.

At 90K my Spyder steering is getting a bit sloppy so I've been studying my service manual to understand the mechanism and the effort needed to replace/repair it. I've previously removed the frunk (front shocks) and upper bodywork (spark plugs) so I have an appreciation of the effort required. If you haven't studied your service manual yet, this is a good time to begin.

Best wishes.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

In line with what Bert said, the Steering Angle Sensor needs be zeroed to straight ahead travel of the bike. The SAS and Torque Sensor work together to determine how much steering assist the DPS provides during cornering. If the SAS isn't zeroed to straight ahead travel it will cause the DPS to not provide proper assist, i.e., differing amounts of assist for the same degree of turning effort left vs. right.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Have you checked the set screws on the U Joint?

The U-joints don't have set screws per se. There is a bolt that tightens the yoke (the female sleeve part that goes over the male spline end of the shaft) to the steering shaft by compressing it.