No Power Stearing

[BajaRon]

Great post ataDude! Thanks for the link. This is the line I liked the best...

"I didn't mention it before, but I did have the opportunity to remove the DPS fuse yesterday (to disable power steering) when this happened. After about ten miles, I came to the conclusion that I absolutely love the power steering assist!

If you think the Spyder tires you out now, try that for a while. You'll redefine the word "tired".

I've got over 7000 miles on my Spyder with several trips to "The Dragon" and other very windy places. I guess "Ignorance is bliss" may be my only excuse on this one.

There are similarities and differences in our experience with the Power Steering.

1-Mine never worked. If it had I would have known I had a problem and done something about it long ago.

2-My gear display has always been correct. Never saw the wrong gear or an error code displayed.

3-My Spyder seems to handle cold starts better than Lamont's. But we have messed with intake, exhaust, etc., so I'm not sure that means much.

I am glad to hear that the part we are discussing (GPS) is the same. Hopefully replacing it will get me up and running. But there are several components that could give me this problem so who knows. It may even be the power steering unit.

 

[BajaRon]

Yes the GPS is what finally fixed mine along with a new software download. :thumbup:

MM

Ok, so we're talking apples and apples. I'm hoping this fixes mine like it did yours. And in time to jet down to Daytona with, well, you know who.

My surprise was that the service tech called it a "Recall". Yet I have not heard or seen anything about it here or any notification from BRP. I did get a notification from BRP on the brake reservoir caps. But I didn't get anything on the parking brake.

Now I'm wondering if instead of a "Recall" maybe it is more like a service bulletin regarding warranty work on a power steering issue. A "Try This First" approach. Or, does BRP intend to replace every GPS within a VIN number spread.

Dealers are fine and I know they feel they need to do business a certain way. But I never feel like I'm getting the whole story, like they don't really want me to know TOO much. They definitely tell you what they want you to hear.

Bottom line, if they get it fixed I'm a happy camper.

 

[NancysToy]

My surprise was that the service tech called it a "Recall". Yet I have not heard or seen anything about it here or any notification from BRP. I did get a notification from BRP on the brake reservoir caps. But I didn't get anything on the parking brake.

According to the NTSB, the only actual recall is for the brake reservoir caps. There is also a Safety Bulletin regarding the wrong torque setting in the instructions for the handlebar riser.

Now I'm wondering if instead of a "Recall" maybe it is more like a service bulletin regarding warranty work on a power steering issue. A "Try This First" approach. Or, does BRP intend to replace every GPS within a VIN number spread.

The parking brake issue and the gear sensor are BRP Service Bulletins. I forget the exact numbers right now. According to my dealer, they only will apply to those who report the problems, and actually have the symptoms.
-Scotty

 

[Rando]

There must be a new Service Bulletin concerning the squeaky brake issue. My dealership is going to replace the pads with a new type that is a replacement for the factory pads.

 

[NancysToy]

There must be a new Service Bulletin concerning the squeaky brake issue. My dealership is going to replace the pads with a new type that is a replacement for the factory pads.

I think someone else mentioned that particular fix was dependent on mileage, and maybe failure of the cleaning described in a previous service bulletin to cure the problem. All I remember was that there were strings attached.
-Scotty

 

[M2Wild]

I think someone else mentioned that particular fix was dependent on mileage, and maybe failure of the cleaning described in a previous service bulletin to cure the problem. All I remember was that there were strings attached.
-Scotty

This the one your talking about?

 

[NancysToy]

This the one your talking about?

Must be. I hadn't seen the actual bulletin itself. From the looks of it, any conditions being put on replacement are apparently the dealers' doings. Thanks for shedding some light on this.
-Scotty

 

[trikester]

Is it possible to program the steering so that it steers faster/easier? I've ridden Palomar countless of times since 1989 on my motorcycles and based on the SE5 test-ride I took, I imagine a spirited ride up and down the east and south grades would be an arm and shoulder work-out....never mind trying to rail it at motorcycle speeds in the esses and hairpins.

I'm also imagining trail-braking in high-speed left turns/curves would be a challenge with the sole right-foot brake pedal when lifitng your butt off the saddle and shifting your body weight to the inside of the the turn/curve....I could be wrong.

Easier steering and hand-brakes.....two "must haves: for truly fast and technical riding on a Spyder in the twisties.....I would think.

My power steering seems to be OK at rest and slow speed. However, because it is "progressive" I do find I have a lot of bar pressure when riding the fast twisties, like Palomar Mountain. I was used to riding my dual-sport trikes which have essentially neutral steering (very little bar pressure at any time). I wish the Spyder's power steering wasn't quite as progressive as it is. It is easier to drive my Honda pickup truck around a fast mountain curve than it is the Spyder - as far as steering pressure is concerned.

I am glad I now have the hand brake on my Spyder.

 

[BajaRon]

There must be a new Service Bulletin concerning the squeaky brake issue. My dealership is going to replace the pads with a new type that is a replacement for the factory pads.

Talked to the service writer about this Service Bulletin (Squeaky Brake Pad Fix).

He said the dealers will do the swap but at the prevailing service rate plus parts. There is no authorization from BRP to do this on warranty because there is nothing wrong with the original OEM pads (hence the Service Bulletin and not a Recall).

He said that while the new pads are less prone to noise they sacrifice performance (especially repeated hard braking -Hot-). He also said that keeping the original pads clean will keep them quiet.

According to him, those that ride (and brake) hard have much less trouble with noise than those that take it easy on the braking system.

I can't confirm any of this but I can say I have no problems with my brakes making noise.

 

[lorenzo_28]

My power steering seems to be OK at rest and slow speed. However, because it is "progressive" I do find I have a lot of bar pressure when riding the fast twisties, like Palomar Mountain. I was used to riding my dual-sport trikes which have essentially neutral steering (very little bar pressure at any time). I wish the Spyder's power steering wasn't quite as progressive as it is. It is easier to drive my Honda pickup truck around a fast mountain curve than it is the Spyder - as far as steering pressure is concerned.

I am glad I now have the hand brake on my Spyder.

Hi,
I'm French, and some french guys have this power steering trouble (first in May 2008).
The PS works up to 37 miles/h (60 kms/h) but two of us had this trouble around 56 miles/h (90 kms/h) with the consequence that the spyder would not turn or was very very hard to keep balanced.

10 PS box had a waterproofness problem and were changed but a guy changed three time this box with no issue...
BRP France tell us that it is very difficult to understand this trouble and continue their research ... They say too that could be interactions of the no BRP Product (socks, alarm, ..) with electronic circuit ???????? or sensors, or waterproofness trouble of some other sensors, ...

We keep a look on this subject because it s very dangerous for us to use our spyders in these conditions and we are not happy about how is managed by BRP.

We want a preventive fix before a biker fall on the road ...

Take care
Lorenzo

 

[trikester]

Yes, I find it troubling to have to hold a lot of bar pressure when I'm going around a long mountain curve at speed. I feel that if I sneeze the trike is going to go straight, because I'm having to force it so much to stay in the turn.

So now I'm beginning to wonder if something is not right with the power steering progression curve on my Spyder. Maybe mine reduces the assist too soon, or too much.

 

[lorenzo_28]

Yes, I find it troubling to have to hold a lot of bar pressure when I'm going around a long mountain curve at speed. I feel that if I sneeze the trike is going to go straight, because I'm having to force it so much to stay in the turn.

So now I'm beginning to wonder if something is not right with the power steering progression curve on my Spyder. Maybe mine reduces the assist too soon, or too much.

The spyder is "riddled" with calibrated sensors which work with the embedded software. And if one of these parts is defective the consequences touch all the spyder's behavior ...
It's the main default this full electronic machine ...

Lorenzo

 

[BajaRon]

Well, nothing new to report except that tomorrow my Spyder will have been at the dealer for 1 week. They have not yet called me...

 

[lorenzo_28]

Steering... read this thread.

Clicky: http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7831

.

Thanks a lot ataDude, i ll share that with my friends.
Take care

Lorenzo

 

[BajaRon]

Well, Monday has gone by with no contact from the dealer about my Spyder fix.

It has now been 9 days in the shop (not counting the Saturday I dropped it off). So really, 6 full business days.

I don't want to be a butt....but I'd like to know what (if anything) is going on.

Guess I'll give them a call tomorrow.

 

[ataDude]

I'd be willing to bet that it's a whole new power steering unit that they're waiting for. But, you're right... they could at least call.

To the best of my recollection, if you had to pay for it yourself, the tab would be about $1,500... excluding tips of course.

Good luck... time to push a little.

.

Well, Monday has gone by with no contact from the dealer about my Spyder fix.

It has now been 9 days in the shop (not counting the Saturday I dropped it off). So really, 6 full business days.

I don't want to be a butt....but I'd like to know what (if anything) is going on.

Guess I'll give them a call tomorrow.

 

[BajaRon]

Very interesting! This is the info you get if you go to Alcoa's web site under Service

Our Service Manager, Ben Loope and his team of highly qualified technicians do a great job at repairing your bikes quickly. He is very creative in managing our customers' work and completing it as quickly as possible. Ben has 1 service writer aside from himself and 4 technicians to get your unit back to you quickly. Call Ben Tuesday thru Saturday at 981-4444 and ask to speak with the service department. They will be happy to take care of you.

Looks like service is closed on Monday. So I learned something. Called the number and got an answer machine. It said they will call me back...

They also have a very trick idea. A link on their web page to check your service status. When you click on this link you get this info.

Wondering the status of your vehicle? Be sure to check it out. The status codes are (parts only no labor involved) (labor only no parts involved)(parts/labor the repair is in progress) (parts requested parts are to be or are on order but not here yet) (completed work is complete and if no other repair orders are on the unit then it is ready to be picked up) (parts W/T parts are here) here.

Sounds great but when you click on the 'here' link this is what you get this error message. I tried it several times so it's not working for sure. Lamont...maybe you could get a side job keeping Alcoa's web page up to date!

 

[BajaRon]

Alcoa just called so they did call back.\

Still trouble shooting the steering so it isn't fixed yet.

Still waiting on the PB replacement part.

So... I guess I'm still waiting...

 

[bjt]

Did you mention to them that their web page for checking repair status online wasn't working? opcorn:

 

[BajaRon]

Did you mention to them that their web page for checking repair status online wasn't working? opcorn:

No, I didn't. I was so happy that they even called me at all I forgot. I will be talking to them again and I will be sure to mention it next time.

I wish they would just give me the Spyder back with the replacement parts. I'd have that thing done this weekend.

In a perfect world....