Rear axle doesn't/can't have a cotter pin - anyone else?

[jlc41]

Warning axle nut cotter pin missing

I just want to FYI all, I have a 2018 Spyder & my drive belt was up against the flange. So I took a look see if I could adjust it. In so doing I discovered that the cotter pin is missing. Furthermore, the hole for it was not drilled through the shaft. I took it to the dealer, and they aligned and drilled the shaft for the cotter pin. They could not believe that a flat nut with no lock washer would not have a cotter pin. You may want to check yours out I'd hate to think what could happen if that nut comes off at speed. Ride safe everyone.

Joe

 

[PMK]

As I recall, the hole is drilled not through the threads, but through the stub end of the axle.

In short, the cotter key does not prevent the nut from loosening, just prevents it from actually falling off. If you run the BRP trailer hitch, the cotter key is removed, the hitch is installed, and the long bolt for the hitch 'safties' the axle with the long bolt having a cotter key.

 

[Chupaca]

Good catch... :yikes: must have been a batch of undrilled axle bolts but does make you wonder why it was not caught in assembly... :dontknow: Worth a look for other owners that have not been in that area as yet... :lecturef_smilie:

 

[Highwayman2013]

I just checked my 2016 F3L and it has a cotter pin.

 

[jlc41]

PMK, you are correct the hole is drilled through the stub end precisely to keep the nut from coming completely off.

 

[PMK]

PMK, you are correct the hole is drilled through the stub end precisely to keep the nut from coming completely off.

My thought was BRP did not believe it should require removing the cotter key to tension the belt. Regardless, I did away with the cotter key and went to a reusable safety pin. No more bending the cotter key to remove when needed, or grabbing a new one. Simply unclip as needed, and reclip after install.

 

[bluewoo]

But if the nut becomes loose the belt would walk off the pulley. From what I've already read no 2018's have a cotter pin anymore mine included. Could anyone show this on a repair manual if its required?

No being an ass, but I would ASSUME BRP would of addressed this already if it was a safety issue.:dontknow:

Update: I found this remembering I read it in this forum.

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?117378-What-does-the-cotter-pin-on-the-rear-axle-do&p=1440860&viewfull=1#post1440860

 

[4 MARIE]

my 2014 RT had a castellated nut, but no cotter pin.
" 2017 RT has " " " " " " "

never really missed them. Of course I don't dink around with my axle very much.

 

[bluewoo]

I did send BRP a email about this with a picture of my axle and may be we can get an answer........:roflblack:

 

[jlc41]

To me it's just common sense to have the cotter pin. Why, because there is no lock washer. Why tempt the hand of faith. I guess having worked around cars and heavy machinery it's just prudent to have it.
The starter hole is already there, my dealer drilled through and installed the cotter pin. They all commented that it should have been there.
Joe

 

[h0gr1der]

My 2018 RTL had one side of the axle drilled, no split pin. I drilled the other side and installed the split pin when I replaced the rear tire. Overabundance of caution I reckon. Thankful they at least gave me a pilot hole on one side.

 

[stmike 1800]

2018 RTL no cotter pin .

 

[BigBlock]

No cotter pin on my 2018 RTL either.

 

[Tenic]

No cotter pin on my 2018 RTL. I asked dealer about this and Spyder tech confirmed that its correct for my bike. No pin used.

 

[jcthorne]

The pin has been removed as part of the hitch installation for years. Guess BRP decided it was no longer needed at all.

 

[bluewoo]

This is what they (BRP) replied with.

thank you for taking the time to contact BRP Customer Services.

As you may know, our dealers are more than just sales people; they're the best positioned people to help you with most of your requests, as they are not only technically knowledgeable, but have a lot of information on hand at the dealership. I would recommend that you to get to know them better so they can help make your riding experiences unforgettable.

Please feel free to use our dealer locator option on our website www.brp.com. I have copied the direct link to this option below for your convenience:

https://can-am.brp.com/on-road/dealer-locator.html

Please feel free to contact us anytime.
Best Regards,

Aniko Zsigmond
Customer Service Representative
BRP Support Desk Services

I'm okay with out the pin - for what ever reason its not part of the axle anymore and since my spyder has been to a dealership several times Im not losing sleep over it. I wonder if its a Prevailing torque nut? I noticed how stiff it is on the axle even when the adjuster were lose.
:bdh:

 

[javajaws]

When removing my rear wheel yesterday I noticed it didn't have a cotter pin on the rear axle. This is a 23 RTL. When I got the axle off I looked closer and noticed the axle only had 1 hole drilled in it and not 2 like you would normally have to insert a cotter pin.

Anybody else seen/heard of this?

 

[Bfromla]

:hun: Still had a castle nut, like would fit a cotter pin? :dontknow: have read some axles discovered not hollow & causing trouble installing trailer hitch.

 

[Snowbelt Spyder]

When removing my rear wheel yesterday I noticed it didn't have a cotter pin on the rear axle. This is a 23 RTL. When I got the axle off I looked closer and noticed the axle only had 1 hole drilled in it and not 2 like you would normally have to insert a cotter pin.

Anybody else seen/heard of this?

Mine only has one hole, also. Looks like the way they are coming now. And besides, with a torque spec of 166 ft-lbs, what are the odds of ever needing that cotter pin? No mention of replacing the cotter pin in the shop manual either. Looks intentional.

 

[KX5062]

The newer Spyder don't come with a cotter pin anymore. I'm sure they just dropped it due to saving a few pennies per unit for an unnecessary and redundant part.