Steering Noise Explained

[Roadster Renovations]

Our 2014 RTS started having some squeaking going on when turning the bars when first starting out. Took it to the dealer and they diagnosed (incorrectly) that it had a bad DPS unit. They replaced it and I was very disappointed that the sound didn't go away after replacement. I started asking around and finally something someone said made sense. They explained that the DPS unit draws a great deal of power and at idle the alternator wasn't able to keep up. At higher RPM's it has no problem doing so. At idle, when this occurs the alternator has a slip clutch in it's drive system, and that is the noise. The slip clutch doing it's job. So, I decided to experiment a little....

 

[billybovine]

Good detective work. Time for a new alternator.

 

[UtahPete]

I don't get that noise on either of my 2014RTLs. But, good to know if and when I do get it.

 

[PW2013STL]

Mine did and does make that noise. In the first 3 months of ownership I took my RT in for the noise. To me it sounded like a belt slipping on a pulley. But was told that there is no belt and pulley for the power stearing.
The shop told me it was the alternator. They replaced it. The new alternator reduce the sound level, but did not eliminate it.

 

[RinconRyder]

The more I hear of stories like this I really wonder if BRP has any real engineers at all? Instead of mickey mouse "solutions" to alternator issues why not just install a larger output alternator and be done with crap like "slip clutches".

 

[Chupaca]

Agreed....

Nicely detected...guess you have to check after being checked..Just cause the dealer says doesn't make it so....:lecturef_smilie:

 

[Roadster Renovations]

The more I hear of stories like this I really wonder if BRP has any real engineers at all? Instead of mickey mouse "solutions" to alternator issues why not just install a larger output alternator and be done with crap like "slip clutches".

It works, they just get noisy as they get some miles on them. I didn't say but that is running Federal EVO's at 28 psi. It was substantially louder with the Kendra at 18 psi. We have 47,000 on the byke now....