Is the Alternator shaft squeal just a nuisance, or is it damaging anything?

[Little Blue]

I believe that 'TSB' IS LOST.
Please keep us updated

Would like to Help but we...
They all do that occasionally.
They...

 

[Peder]

There is a TSB out for this problem. My 2025 F3-T was making that noise. When I took it for it's 3K service, the dealer replaced the offending parts at no charge.

I should have been a little more clear. When I took the bike in for the 3k service, the tech noticed the squeal. I had not noticed it. The tech said that it was a known problem and ordered the parts (shaft) to fix it. When the parts came in I took the bike in and the new parts were installed.

 

[Rusticle]

The squeal indicates friction. Friction always creates wear. Whether or not this is significant beyond the aggravation is something that I'm not sure has been decided. We've had a good deal of success switching customers with this squeal to Amsoil 10W/40. We have not tried the new 5W/40 offered by Amsoil. I think it might be a good alternative for those who ride in cold climates. But most quit when temps get into low 40's. 10W/40 is more than light enough at startup for that kind of riding.

I want to make a notation here before I start. There are some good and even great dealerships out there with quality employees that you can trust. I want to commend them. Unfortunately, my gut feeling is that they are not in the majority. I've always hoped I am wrong with this assumption. I'm basing this both on personal and many customer experiences.

Wow! I've always said, if you're going to lie, fabricate something that is at least slightly plausible. But dealerships have been getting away with this kind of customer treatment for so long that some just can't help themselves. Proof that they are wrong will just get you another lie.

It can turn into a 'Whack-a-Mole' process.

Of course BRP and anyone paying attention to the Spyder experience knows about the alternator squeal. Though I suppose you could chalk it up to ignorance. Still, this person is speaking for all of BRP with that statement. Indicating that he has his finger on the pulse of the machine. You just can't have it both ways. I'm sorry.

Here are some common sayings from dealerships which can indicate that you're getting the mushroom treatment.

• Oh, they all do that. It's not a problem.
• You are the only one that has ever experienced this problem.
• It's your imagination.
• Your Spyder was engineered to do that.
• Ride it for a while and see if it goes away.

I'm sure that some of you could add to this list.

I took my '23 RTL, 12,000 miles, in to the dealer for this squeal issue, picked it up last week. They said Can-Am told them that I needed a new battery and there is no fix for the issue. I installed a NOCO 600A Lithium battery, (Summer 2025), and there was been no change in the level of the squeal so I am inclined to not believe that. Per Can-Am -

"This is very common. Every Spyder is different. There are many factors involved.​

​

1. Is the Battery a Haiju? They have low voltage and next to no capacity... (suggest) adding a Yuasa battery to nearly eliminate the noise.​

2. Loose battery cables or bad frame grounds.​

3. Alternator shaft lubrication.​

4. Excessive electrical accessories... you may find that with lights etc. all off, the noise will be less than with all accessories "cranked wide open"."​

Then they tried to sell me a new battery, I passed. I have a front and rear dash camera, a set of fog lights, that are on a switch and NOT on when starting, also some SlingMod lighting that comes on when turning/braking. I feel this answer was meant to lay the blame back on the owner.

 

[1989hawk]

I recently posted about my 2023 RT Limited having a chirp coming off idle which apparently is caused by alternator shaft. Ron suggested trying Amsoil 10w40 metric. Happy to report that after oil change today chirp or squeak is completely gone.

 

[BajaRon]

I can't really take much credit for it. But I am very glad it worked out for you! Success over even little problems is so rewarding sometimes!

 

[alex1234]

Quick background: I posted earlier about the squeal/chirp on acceleration from a stop. Since then, here's what's happened:

1. Replaced battery with a lithium-ion unit - no change to the squeal
2. Took it to the dealer (not my original purchase dealer - their Can-Am tech was out long-term, so corporate directed me to their other location)
3. Service manager called to authorize $150 to disassemble and re-grease the alternator shaft assembly
4. Pick-up surprise: Final bill was $300 - they added a $150 "diagnostic fee" since apparently this isn't covered under warranty (even though there's supposedly a TSB?)
5. Tech claimed he didn't hear the squeal after the re-grease job
6. I heard it immediately pulling out of the parking lot onto the road - called them back to report it wasn't fixed
7. Contacted BRP directly asking about the TSB and warranty coverage - got the runaround: "take it to your dealer and trust them"

So I'm out $300 for a repair that didn't work, with zero help from BRP. I bought new to have the peace of mind of a warranty and expected better for the price point.


Next step: Going to try the Amsoil 10w-40 route that's worked for several folks here (thanks BajaRon and others for that suggestion).


Questions for the group:

• Anyone else get hit with a diagnostic fee for this issue when it's supposedly a known problem?
• For those who had the shaft replaced under warranty - how did you get the dealer to cover it?
• Should I push back harder on BRP about warranty coverage, or just cut my losses and go the oil route?

This whole experience has been frustrating. The squeal is real, it's reproducible, and clearly it's affecting a lot of 2022-2025 models based on these forum threads.

-Alex

 

[BajaRon]

I am so sorry to hear your story. I know the dealership had time and money invested. But how is it that they can say the squeal is gone when it is not! And how can they charge for a problem not corrected?

I'm not looking for answers as the questions are rhetorical. It is not the way to build customer loyalty.

I am hoping that the Amsoil resolves your issue. I don't have good figures on this. But my guess is it works at least 80% of the time. One customer reported that it was reduced somewhat with the first Amsoil change, but didn't cure it. However, after the 2nd Amsoil change, the squeal did go away completely. I've asked him to let me know if it comes back and I haven't heard. So I assume it's still quiet.

With success or failure of the Amsoil option, I would very much like to know how it goes.