tire problem, anyone else?...advice?

[csmead]

Right front tire, inside edge is totally worn away. Went to alignment shop and they said no way, alignment set at the factory...took bike to dealership (Clawsons, Fresno). Clawsons comfirmed that alignment was set perm. at factory and they had no way to align it. Waiting for info from BRP, they actually suggested that I make too many turns in one direction (why no wear on the other tire, outside edge?). Still no answer from BRP and bike has been gone for over TWO WEEKS :yikes:!!! Clawsons said that I have more miles on the bike than anyone else they deal with (okay, trudat), they want me to replace all three tires for $700++. (okay, maybe it is time but that the labor costs more than the tires ($296) ...that bothers me). Why replace the tire if the alignment is bad, I am just gonna be upset again? and they insist that both front tires must be replaced at the same time.
Anybody else have tire issues? :sour:

 

[dltang]

Right front tire, inside edge is totally worn away. Went to alignment shop and they said no way, alignment set at the factory...took bike to dealership (Clawsons, Fresno). Clawsons comfirmed that alignment was set perm. at factory and they had no way to align it. Waiting for info from BRP, they actually suggested that I make too many turns in one direction (why no wear on the other tire, outside edge?). Still no answer from BRP and bike has been gone for over TWO WEEKS :yikes:!!! Clawsons said that I have more miles on the bike than anyone else they deal with (okay, trudat), they want me to replace all three tires for $700++. (okay, maybe it is time but that the labor costs more than the tires ($296) ...that bothers me). Why replace the tire if the alignment is bad, I am just gonna be upset again? and they insist that both front tires must be replaced at the same time.
Anybody else have tire issues? :sour:

I had a similar situation but it turned out to be my fault. I did not check my tire pressure regularly over the winter and I drove it all winter. My pressure was way down and very uneven which in turn caused very uneven tire wear. It was only an hour labor to change out the front tires and of course the cost of the tires which was reasonable but I don't remember the exact amount. Here are two threads on tires for you to check out.

Tire Thread

Another tire thread

 

[BajaRon]

I don't know why you would have to replace the other 2 tires if they are not worn.

Some people feel much more comfortable turning one way than the other. I suppse if you tended to ride hard in right hand turns and less agressive in left hand turns one side would wear more.

But I'm with you. I don't think you have enough answers to make an informed decision.

Sounds like everyone is trying to figure this out on your dime! If it works everyone is good.

If it doesn't work, then THEY are still good!

 

[Becky Ann]

Tire Problem

I went to the dealership last Tuesday with significant wear on the inside of both front tires. I had 8,700 miles on my Spyder. The wear seemed to happen within the last 1,000 miles. Dealership called BRP. BRP stated this was normal tire wear, not an alignment issue. I keep the specified air pressure in all three tires. No heavy loads in front compartment.

Dealership stated they could replace my two front tires for $282.46. I questioned the mechanic that performed the 6,000 mile checkup about an alignment issue. He said he checked the alignment at 6,000 miles and it was OK. Another mechanic was standing there, and he stated there was not an adjustment for the front.

If that is normal tire wear for Kenda, I think I will be looking at trying to replace all three tires with another brand.

Becky

 

[BajaRon]

I run more than what the book calls for in my front tires. They roll under too much for me at less than 20~22 psi.

There should be some other, less expensive tire options out there but I have not needed to look yet.

 

[jimcrom]

I had the same problem with mine. 9000 miles. The tech told me that they adjusted the alignment, so I don't know how the alignment is permanent. Also I don't know how you can be taking to many turns in one direction. HOW DOES THAT MATTER??? They also pumped up my shocks to seven. I told mine down to San Luis Obispo Motorsports.

Jim

Right front tire, inside edge is totally worn away. Went to alignment shop and they said no way, alignment set at the factory...took bike to dealership (Clawsons, Fresno). Clawsons comfirmed that alignment was set perm. at factory and they had no way to align it. Waiting for info from BRP, they actually suggested that I make too many turns in one direction (why no wear on the other tire, outside edge?). Still no answer from BRP and bike has been gone for over TWO WEEKS :yikes:!!! Clawsons said that I have more miles on the bike than anyone else they deal with (okay, trudat), they want me to replace all three tires for $700++. (okay, maybe it is time but that the labor costs more than the tires ($296) ...that bothers me). Why replace the tire if the alignment is bad, I am just gonna be upset again? and they insist that both front tires must be replaced at the same time.
Anybody else have tire issues? :sour:

 

[Dudley]

I went to the dealership last Tuesday with significant wear on the inside of both front tires. I had 8,700 miles on my Spyder. The wear seemed to happen within the last 1,000 miles. Dealership called BRP. BRP stated this was normal tire wear, not an alignment issue. I keep the specified air pressure in all three tires. No heavy loads in front compartment.

Dealership stated they could replace my two front tires for $282.46. I questioned the mechanic that performed the 6,000 mile checkup about an alignment issue. He said he checked the alignment at 6,000 miles and it was OK. Another mechanic was standing there, and he stated there was not an adjustment for the front.

If that is normal tire wear for Kenda, I think I will be looking at trying to replace all three tires with another brand.

Becky

What is the specified air pressure that you use? Many of us are running 20 pounds in the front tires. I just turned 10,000 miles and tires look almost new. My dealer had mine at 13 pounds. I didn't know that until I checked the pressure after the 625 service. I raised the pressure to 17 pounds, and it felt a bit better. It was then that I realized that the steering had been really sluggish. I ran it that way for a while, then went to 20 pounds. That really improved the steering, so that's where I keep it. Also, tubeless tires have a tendency to lose air, so really need to be checked often. $282.46 for 2 tires installed!!!! What are they made of, anyway? I would definitely seek a few more estimates. Maybe ask for some input from others on the Forum as to how they handled front tire replacements and what brand they used. Just my thoughts.

 

[Becky Ann]

What is the specified air pressure that you use? Many of us are running 20 pounds in the front tires. I just turned 10,000 miles and tires look almost new. My dealer had mine at 13 pounds. I didn't know that until I checked the pressure after the 625 service. I raised the pressure to 17 pounds, and it felt a bit better. It was then that I realized that the steering had been really sluggish. I ran it that way for a while, then went to 20 pounds. That really improved the steering, so that's where I keep it. Also, tubeless tires have a tendency to lose air, so really need to be checked often. $282.46 for 2 tires installed!!!! What are they made of, anyway? I would definitely seek a few more estimates. Maybe ask for some input from others on the Forum as to how they handled front tire replacements and what brand they used. Just my thoughts.

I check the tire pressure each time before I ride. I keep the pressure at 18 pounds on the front and 30 pounds in the rear. The dealership said the tire pressure I was running was OK. The rear is wearing in the center, so I changed to 27 pounds.

Becky

 

[spyryder]

I went to the dealership last Tuesday with significant wear on the inside of both front tires. I had 8,700 miles on my Spyder. The wear seemed to happen within the last 1,000 miles. Dealership called BRP. BRP stated this was normal tire wear, not an alignment issue.

Becky

Tires should never wear just on the insides.....they should be worn evenly across the tread, just like any other vehicle with 2 front wheels.

 

[Becky Ann]

Tires should never wear just on the insides.....they should be worn evenly across the tread, just like any other vehicle with 2 front wheels.

I agree with what you say about even wear. It seems that all BRP wants to do is sell new Kenda tires.

Becky

 

[Firefly]

How many miles are on your Spyder csmead?

While the tires will wear differently depending on your riding style, it sounds like your alignment is out of whack.

Whoever told you the alignment isn't adjustable is clueless or lazy. It obviously can be adjusted. Find a new dealer!

Unless you're riding really hard and have like 20,000 miles or so - I can't see your front tires being shot yet. Then again I only got 8500 out of my rear tire.

 

[QuadManiac]

The manual shows a procedure for adjusting toe-in, and there is a spec listed for both toe-in and camber... so alignment, although rudimentary, is something that at least should be checked.

 

[bone crusher]

My tire pressure was very low and I just had it serviced...I don't think they checked...how about 10 and 13 in the front, 25 in the rear tire?...talk about inefficient...

I quickly bumped it up to 20 in the front and 30 in the rear...looked at the tire specs and went from there...BRP might like it lower but the specs ON the tire are what matters most...otherwise, uneven wear is more likely.

 

[Questions]

tire wear

If the roads you mostly ride on have a high crown for drainage that will cause your right front to wear on the inside edge. I have the 2008-2009 shop manual #219 100 327 and it has the front end alignment info starting on page 450 but it is rather complicated. Good luck!!!!!

 

[Roaddog2]

The Dealers that seem to be ahead of the curve check front alignment on every :spyder:no matter what it is brought in for :ani29:

 

[NancysToy]

There is an alignment specification for the Spyder in the Service manual. See this thread. There is also an alignment procedure, which is to be used if parts are replaced. Unfortunately, BRP does not carrye shims to adjust the alignment, from what I can see. There have also been reports here of worn suspension parts, or improper alignment settings (especially toe-in), causing the severe and uneven tire wear. If you check your tire pressures often, and they are correct, I would lean on the dealer. It is his responsibility to prove that there is no actual, mechanical problem. He needs to measure the alignment as specified in the manual, and check for play in the suspension components. Get the measured numbers from him, and compare to the spec. No sense putting on new tires if there is an alignment problem.
-Scotty

 

[docdoru]

Waiting for info from BRP, they actually suggested that I make too many turns in one direction (why no wear on the other tire, outside edge?).

Are you rYding in circles?!? Change the service provider.

 

[VIspyderman]

How many miles are on your Spyder csmead?

While the tires will wear differently depending on your riding style, it sounds like your alignment is out of whack.

Whoever told you the alignment isn't adjustable is clueless or lazy. It obviously can be adjusted. Find a new dealer!

Unless you're riding really hard and have like 20,000 miles or so - I can't see your front tires being shot yet. Then again I only got 8500 out of my rear tire.

Would you be so kind as to point me in the direction of a dealer that has, in fact, adjusted the camber on the front wheels of a Spyder. The only dealer on Vancouver Island hasn't done it yet. The tech, who is quite educated, can't find a way to adjust mine. BRP tech advice told him that uneven wear is caused by an aggressive ryding style.
The answer to "tech problems" is not... FIND A NEW DEALER. The answer is for you owners to pass helpfull tech tips along thru the forum and then let the service departments know what is working for fixes of problems.
I'm behind the counter at the service dept now, was in sales, when it comes to the Spyder... it's too new for techs to have all the answers. Go easy on your local dealers and help educate them further.

 

[Firefly]

Sorry, but I'm not going to let up one inch on a service department that is lazy or stupid enough to say "there is no alignment adjustment" or that they are "factory set and they cannot adjust them". It's very clearly stated in the service manual how to do it.

So yes - if you've got a service place telling you these things---- I most certainly WOULD find a new dealer. What other things are they NOT doing that they should be on the Spyder?

Don't sell em if you can't support em!

I've been more than willing to work with my dealer and have been the 1st on just about every procedure on the Spyder - and I can tell you they would never try and feed me some line about not being able to adjust alignment. I've been first to hit 600, 3,000 and 6,000 mile services - and will be first for a rear tire this week. They also dealt with my steering problems and never tried to bail by shrugging their shoulders and looking stupid.

The answers are in the service manual - perhaps these dealers should buy one!

 

[QuadManiac]

Toe-in is certainly adjustable, but the ball joints appear to be permanantly affixed to the a-arms, so I don't see how caster or camber would be adjustable. BTW, this is very common - most quads (I have 4) are the same; ball joints welded to the a-arms so no caster/camber adjustment. A post above mentioned shims - I don't see that in my manual, but I haven't read it from page to page.

So, if your tech tells you that alignment is not adjustable, you can at least tell him that toe-in (last time I checked it WAS part of front end alignment procedures) most certainly is, with procedures and tools described in the service manual. Inspection of front wheel alignment IS specified as a maintenance item, every 6000 miles, and since two specs are given in the manual (toe-in and camber), I would expect my dealer to learn how to measure both, in order to meet the maintenence requirements.

However, relative to the original poster here, one would expect improper toe-in to cause symmetric wear on both tires, inside or outside edge, not just on one tire. His issue certainly sounds more like camber or caster limited to one side. Perhaps a faulty ball joint, loose wheel bearings or bad a-arm bushing? Since there IS a spec for camber in the manual the dealer should figure out how to measure it, at least for pass/fail of the a-arms.

UPDATE: There DOES appear to be a caster adjustment and specification, detailed on pages 477 and 480 of the service manual.