Ball Joints - Needs 4 replaced at 30,000km?

[groundeffect]

Hey everyone.

When I went in for my DPS Gen 2 recall, the tech mentioned my ball joints were getting worn, said there was some play there and I should think about getting them replaced soon (the four of them) I'm just coming up on 30,000km.


How many miles have you guys/gals gotten on your ball joints? If you had to replacement them, what did you noticed prior to replacement? Any play in the steering or shakes in the front fenders when turning or braking or anything?

Thoughts, comments?

Any feedback or input would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[docdoru]

Go to another dealer for the second opinion...nojoke

 

[groundeffect]

Go to another dealer for the second opinion...nojoke

Hey Doc, thanks for the reply. Only other dealer on the island is a 3.5 hours away, but not out of the question. My local dealer has been pretty good, no real complaints from their service techs here.


I have noticed both front fenders shaking pretty good when I normally apply the brakes at higher speeds, like 50-60mi/hr and then smooths out quickly and doesn't seem to happen at lower speeds. Wondering if that could be because of ball joint wear? The brake discs are not dragging against the pads, so I do not think the shake is from brake discs/rotor warpage.


Cheers.

 

[docdoru]

Did they check the front shocks bushels?

 

[NancysToy]

I don't understand why you are questioning this. I don't remember the ball joints being a named exclusion to the warranty, but I could be wrong. They are a wear part, but not one that should wear that quickly. Are they saying you need to pay for this?

 

[SpyderWolf]

I don't understand why you are questioning this. I don't remember the ball joints being a named exclusion to the warranty, but I could be wrong. They are a wear part, but not one that should wear that quickly. Are they saying you need to pay for this?

That would be the first thing I would ask as well is if they are going to cover it under warranty. If so, then sure I would let them do it even if it might not be totally necessary. Best of luck Dean, and let us know what you find out.

 

[IWN2RYD]

That would be the first thing I would ask as well is if they are going to cover it under warranty. If so, then sure I would let them do it even if it might not be totally necessary. Best of luck Dean, and let us know what you find out.

:agree: +2

 

[groundeffect]

Appreciate the feedback, everyone!!

Did they check the front shocks bushels?

Not to my knowledge. They mentioned just the ball joints (I even had the service desk double check with the tech to be sure it was actually the 'ball joints' he was referring to and got them to provide the part number, it was). I too find it difficult to believe ball joints going before 30,000km but possible I guess.:dontknow:

DOC: When did your front shock bushels go - how many miles?

I don't understand why you are questioning this. I don't remember the ball joints being a named exclusion to the warranty, but I could be wrong. They are a wear part, but not one that should wear that quickly. Are they saying you need to pay for this?

Yes, they indicated it would be an item not covered under warranty and that I would have to pay to replace them. I've never read anything on here about ball joint replacements, after a quick search, which is why I posted the question; there are many Ryders on here with far more miles on their Spyders then me.

That would be the first thing I would ask as well is if they are going to cover it under warranty. If so, then sure I would let them do it even if it might not be totally necessary. Best of luck Dean, and let us know what you find out.

Thanks for the note. I will go to them next week and find out more on the details.


I just jacked up my Spyder in the garage and checked for ball joint play - side to side, up and down and couldn't find anything out of the ordinary, no excessive play that I found. The tie rod ends and rods and front wheel bearings also seem solid with no play or clunking noises.



Question: Is it best that I call BRP to inquire about Warranty items (ie: these ball joints), or best let the dealer call BRP with my mileage and details to confirm they are covered or not?


Thanks everyone!

 

[wyliec]

Question: Is it best that I call BRP to inquire about Warranty items (ie: these ball joints), or best let the dealer call BRP with my mileage and details to confirm they are covered or not?


Thanks everyone!

Others may not agree; but, why not send Carlo an e-mail.

 

[DragonSpyder]

If there is no play in the joints then they do not need to be replaced. You do not need to jack up the front end to check. Just push and pull on the front and back of the wheel to check for freeplay.

 

[NancysToy]

If there is no play in the joints then they do not need to be replaced. You do not need to jack up the front end to check. Just push and pull on the front and back of the wheel to check for freeplay.

"Wiggling" the front and back of the wheel would indicate tie-rod end wear. "Wiggling" top and bottom would show bad ball joints. It does help to raise the vehicle, especially if there is minimal play.

Yes, they indicated it would be an item not covered under warranty and that I would have to pay to replace them. I've never read anything on here about ball joint replacements, after a quick search, which is why I posted the question; there are many Ryders on here with far more miles on their Spyders then me.

I am not familiar with the provisions of the Canadian warranty, but the ball joints are not a named exclusion in the US warranty, so they should definitely be covered. These are not a normal wear item...at least not in this short a mileage. Premature failure poses a serious safety problem. I would lean on the dealer, asking him to show you the specific warranty language that excludes them. I would ask BRP the same question, if necessary.

 

[SpyderSteve]

Thanks Scotty, I had 2 lower ball joints at the cost to me at $283.87 replaced at 20,159 kms as the dealer told me i needed these :dontknow: I will be calling my dealer

 

[WaltH]

I am just short of 87,000 miles on this Spyder with no indication what-so-ever of any problems with the ball joints. I did replace the brake discs on the front. It is easy to test for warping of the discs.

 

[docdoru]

DOC: When did your front shock bushels go - how many miles?

24.000 miles. Replaced with Elka's. :doorag:

 

[groundeffect]

Thanks! Your posts have been very helpful!

I been in communication with the dealer about this today. When I am in the shop next, soon, they'll be taking a good look at the front end, inspecting the steering, ball joints for play, etc... I suspect I will be there, at least in the shop while they are working on my Spyder. I'll see what goes from there and report back with what they find.


Thank you again, everyone!

 

[SpyderWolf]

Wishing you the best, and hoping they don't find anything really wrong. :thumbup:

 

[sabunim5]

Dean,
I had to replace a ball joint at 12 thousand miles and it was done under warranty. At 18 thousand miles all four ball joints had play. The worst was the ball joint with only 6thousand miles on it. :yikes: My dealership refused to cover the replacement under my extended (BEST) warranty. I appealed the decision to BRP. I took it to my dealer as per BRP's instructions. My dealer reported to BRP that the ball joints did not need to be replaced. :gaah: This was just before the holiday season and I have not had the time or the energy to pursue the matter further. I know there is play in the ball joints and the BRP spec is no play, but at this point I am not sure how to proceed.:dontknow:
I wish you good luck in getting your ball joints replaced. :2thumbs:
Steven

 

[SpyderWolf]

Dean,
I had to replace a ball joint at 12 thousand miles and it was done under warranty. At 18 thousand miles all four ball joints had play. The worst was the ball joint with only 6thousand miles on it. :yikes: My dealership refused to cover the replacement under my extended (BEST) warranty. I appealed the decision to BRP. I took it to my dealer as per BRP's instructions. My dealer reported to BRP that the ball joints did not need to be replaced. :gaah: This was just before the holiday season and I have not had the time or the energy to pursue the matter further. I know there is play in the ball joints and the BRP spec is no play, but at this point I am not sure how to proceed.:dontknow:
I wish you good luck in getting your ball joints replaced. :2thumbs:
Steven

Do you have another dealer you could go to that might be willing to work with you? Like Doc posted above, it may be time for a second opinion. :dontknow:

 

[sabunim5]

Do you have another dealer you could go to that might be willing to work with you? Like Doc posted above, it may be time for a second opinion. :dontknow:

Now that the holidays are over I may try that route. The problem I have is that motorcycle mechanics do not usually have a lot of experience with what is essentially a car front end. One of the best auto mechanics I know helps me with my Spyder maintenance, and it is he who discovered the play and pointed it out to me. I felt it myself. It is there. I will admit it is minor, but the spec is NO play. I hesitate to spend my time and money on a second opinion from another dealer that I know can't be any better qualified (other than the fact that they have a BRP franchise) than my friend. I am not experiencing any handling problems. I may just wait until my next service interval, which is only about 1,500 miles away. The play will be worse by then and give it another try with my dealer.

 

[SpyderWolf]

Now that the holidays are over I may try that route. The problem I have is that motorcycle mechanics do not usually have a lot of experience with what is essentially a car front end. One of the best auto mechanics I know helps me with my Spyder maintenance, and it is he who discovered the play and pointed it out to me. I felt it myself. It is there. I will admit it is minor, but the spec is NO play. I hesitate to spend my time and money on a second opinion from another dealer that I know can't be any better qualified (other than the fact that they have a BRP franchise) than my friend. I am not experiencing any handling problems. I may just wait until my next service interval, which is only about 1,500 miles away. The play will be worse by then and give it another try with my dealer.

I wish you the best with your situation as well. :thumbup: