Blew a rear shock

[Utah Geezer]

Trailered by RT from Southern Utah up to Northern Idaho for a week long ride in Montana and Idaho. All went well (5th time I've trailered her on a major trip) until I returned home. Unloaded her and noticed a terrible noise and the suspension seemed to be non-existent, it would bounce up and down like a basketball. Took her to the shop and found that the rear shock had blown out. Any ideas on what would have caused this? Are there certain tie down points I should be using? I simply tied down all the tires and have never had any problems in the past until this trip. Should I be putting a load on her when I trailer so the shock doesn't have as much play in it?

$300 repair bill.

 

[finless]

The manual explains how to tie a spyder down to a trailer. In my 2011 manual it's on page 112.

Bob

 

[CyncySpyder]

Teddy suggests giving us a bit more info to go on so we can better help advise you

You know, its a good idea to set-up the Signiture Line of your Profile with information about your ryde, like year, model, miles and any mods that you may have done, that way, whenever you post a general question for the forum members, we'll already have that part of the puzzle to better help answer your queries & you won't have to retype it each time you make a new thread :thumbup: Just a suggestion to better help you help us to help you if that makes any sense

Teddy even found this helpful 'How To' just for you
How do I set signatures, avatars and profile pictures?
You can set and change your signature, avatar and profile picture in the User Control Panel (providing the administrator has made these options available).
For signatures, click on 'Edit Signature' under the 'Settings and Options' area of the navigation bar within the User CP.
To select an existing or upload a new avatar, click on 'Edit Avatar'.
To upload a profile picture, click on 'Edit Profile Picture' in the 'Your Profile' section.

 

[CyncySpyder]

Teddy also dug up the following info from the Owners Guide of a 2012 Spyder

TRANSPORTING THE SPYDER ROADSTER​

If your vehicle needs to be transported,it should be carried on a flatbed trailerof the proper size and capacity.​

CAUTION​

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If you need to pushthe vehicle, do it from the right-handside to be able to reach the brakepedal.When pulling the vehicle backwards,be careful that the frontwheel does not roll over your feet.​

NOTICE​

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Do not tow the Spyderroadster — towing can seriouslydamage the vehicle drive system.​

When contacting a towing or transportingservice, be sure to ask if theyhave a flatbed trailer, loading ramp orpower ramp to safely lift the vehicleand tie-down straps. Ensure the vehicleis properly transported as specifiedin this section.​

NOTICE​

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Avoid using chains to tiethe vehicle — they may damagethe surface finish or plastic components.​

To load the vehicle for transport, proceedas follows:1. Shift the vehicle into NEUTRAL (N).2. Remove the key from the ignitionswitch.3. Put a strap around the lower arm ofeach front suspension.​

rmo2010-001-097_a​

1. Lower suspension arm2. Strap between shock absorber and fin​

NOTICE​

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Do not place the strapover the fin. This could break it.​

4. Attach the straps to thewinch cable.If possible, use chains or additionalstraps to attach the straps to thewinch cable as indicated below toavoid damaging the bumper cover.​

rmo2008-001-066_a​

TYPICAL​

1. Strap around front suspension lower arms2. Chains to avoid damaging the bumper cover3. Winch cable​

5. Ensure that the parking brake is released.6. Pull the vehicle on the flatbed trailerwith the winch.7. Engage the parking brake.8. Ensure that the vehicle gear is inNEUTRAL (N).9. Strap the front tires by using one the​

following methods indicated below

METHOD 1​

1. Strap around the rim of each front wheeland attached to the front of trailer​

rmo2008-001-073_a​

TYPICAL FRONT WHEELS ATTACHMENT —METHOD 2​

1. Strap around each wheel and fixed to thefront and rear of trailer​

10. Pass a tie-down strap inside therear wheel rim only. Do not passthe tie-down strap inside the rearsprocket.​

NOTICE​

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Passing the tie-downstrap inside the rear sprocket mayseriously damage the drive system.​

rmo2008-001-067_a​

TYPICAL REAR WHEEL ATTACHMENT​

1. Tie-down strap2. Inside rear wheel rim ONLY​

11. Firmly attach the rear wheeltie-down strap to the rear of thetrailer with a ratchet.12. Ensure that both the front and rearwheels are firmly attached to thetrailer.​

rmo2008-001-072_a​

TYPICAL​

1. Front and rear wheel firmly attached totrailer​

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[NancysToy]

Having the rear suspension ACS level set high, or having maximum air in the rear suspension on a manual syatem, can cause the rear shock to top out and become damaged. On an early 2010 RTS, the ACS sensor calibration should be checked with a gauge block, per the BRP service bulletin. Some were calibrated too high, causing the shocks to fail.

 

[jmcbow]

Having the rear suspension ACS level set high, or having maximum air in the rear suspension on a manual syatem, can cause the rear shock to top out and become damaged. On an early 2010 RTS, the ACS sensor calibration should be checked with a gauge block, per the BRP service bulletin. Some were calibrated too high, causing the shocks to fail.

Very interesting, I had to have the rear shock replaced this spring (@12k miles). Of course, BRP didn't pick up the cost and the dealer never said anything to me about a service bulletin regarding proper callibration.

 

[Bob Denman]

Thanks Scotty! :thumbup:
(Note to self: dial down the rear settings a bit...)