video- Steering issue

[Lamonster]

Pretty sure I still have an issue with my steering. If I'm in my garage on the concrete it turns fine but when I get out on the asphalt it's pretty much locked up. If I move at all it's fine, a little hard to turn but not bad.

This is what it was doing in Daytona too and at that time I was able to check mine side by side with another Spyder that did turn easy on the same pavement. At this point I'm not sure if I should have it looked at or not. :dontknow:

 

[SSG Bean]

I think you probably have much more mechanical wisdom than I do, but I would lean towards the cautious side. When it comes to steering and brakes, I do not take too many chances. I've not experienced any on my own spyder, so I don't know how severe the ill-effects can be. However, if it impairs your ability, in any way, to keep positive control over your vehicle, it is definitely worth at least hooking it up to the BUDS. Thanks again for all you do Lamonster.

 

[dave01]

That is exactly what mine is doing. Mine will do that at times when I stop for a light too. Then, once moving, it seems to " come on" and work fine.
I am waiting for BRP to send out a safety issue on this. In the mean time, I am still ryding, but am staying aware in case any issues surface.

Awesome video too Lamont. It makes it easier to compare mine to yours or others.

 

[Smylinacha]

I am so mad - I can't watch this at work because they won't let me and I have school tonight and won't be home till later - darn darn darn.

OH, maybe I can watch it on my phone? That is what I can do when I get to class cuz class is boring.

 

[docdoru]

I am so mad - I can't watch this at work because they won't let me and I have school tonight and won't be home till later - darn darn darn.

OH, maybe I can watch it on my phone? That is what I can do when I get to class cuz class is boring.

Try on the phone. <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lfW9ANO5XN...&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lfW9ANO5XNA&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

 

[Smylinacha]

Yup - once I get to school - I don't wanna get caught doing that in here. At least I have a screen protector on my computer so nobody sees what I am doing but if I'm on the phone it will look bad. I am working though. I just have this up alot - I can multi task!

Try on the phone.

 

[Way2Fast]

Mine has the DPS fuses pulled and I can easily turn the bars with one hand with the Spyder's engine off and stationary on the concrete garage floor. Makes no difference when the fuses are reinstalled or with the engine on or off, it still turns easily. Something has to be binding with your Spyder ??

 

[Smylinacha]

I tried and my phone won't let me download it (time for a new phone) and then I just took the link and went directly to Youtube - said file was not found - also did a search Spyder steering video and came up with nada.

 

[Lamonster]

Mine has the DPS fuses pulled and I can easily turn the bars with one hand with the Spyder's engine off and stationary on the concrete garage floor. Makes no difference when the fuses are reinstalled or with the engine on or off, it still turns easily. Something has to be binding with your Spyder ??

There's not a problem on the concrete floor on or off, the problem is on the asphalt. Have you tried that?

 

[j45p3r]

Same issue I have, except I didn't even realize it was an issue.

At one point I was in a parking lot and tried to turn the bars sitting still and found I had to apply A LOT of pressure to make the wheels turn, start rolling just a little bit and it gets much easier. This was how my old Mazda 626 without power steering would behave so I questioned whether my DPS was working at all. So at home, on my gravel drive way, I tried turning the bars with the engine off and with the engine running and the steering is noticeably easier with engine running so I know I do have a functioning DPS. At that point I just figured the power assist must just not be that strong. I haven't tried this on a concrete pad.

 

[docdoru]

I tried and my phone won't let me download it (time for a new phone) and then I just took the link and went directly to Youtube - said file was not found - also did a search Spyder steering video and came up with nada.

http://www.youtube.com/v/lfW9ANO5XN...&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param

 

[dave01]

There's not a problem on the concrete floor on or off, the problem is on the asphalt. Have you tried that?

Lamont. I just pulled mine out in the street, on asphalt and when sitting still with the motor running, its real hard to turn. Once I move, even at 2 mph ( estimated) its easy. its like the Spyder holds the steering still until the wheels move with the engine running...Wierd....

 

[docdoru]

Mine is turning in the garrage and on the asphalt :2thumbs:

 

[Firefly]

In Lamonts case it's pretty clear that having to turn it that hard while running on the asphalt is NOT normal. No way should it be that hard to turn --- heck--- it almost looks like it's harder for him to turn with the bike ON than off.

Something ain't right there!


I've always noticed a difference between various surfaces - which would make sense - but nothing like his video shows. My smooth garage floor is always easier to turn than the asphalt. Ever notice the Spyder turns easier on wet pavement--- same deal.

I think the thing to really look at is how does it turn when OFF as compared to ON ---- on each surface.

I don't want people freaking out if they notice a difference between smooth pavement and asphalt... that would be expected due to the laws of physics - which I try not to break---

 

[krb1945]

I know you have...

checked it thourghly for parts binding, fuses and everything else you can think of... I know this because your a good mechanic:thumbup: like me. I'd check everything I can think of... so with this being said if I had any doubt at all I'd take it in for a check out by them. Then it is on the records for this particular issue.

Let us know what you find. I know because, I read your post and they tell me you are a very good mechanic.

And no... I'm not looking for a plug just pointing out the obvious.

 

[Firefly]

Another thing I just thought of--- I wonder if the DPS reacts any different while in reverse? We know the VSS sure does!

 

[Lamonster]

In talking with(some people I won't involve without their permission) this past weekend, we were discussing that some of these steering issues may have something to do with the torque sensor that is part of the DPS unit. If it is not functioning correctly, it might cause problems like your video indicates. It's supposed to measure (magnetically) the effort the rider exerts on the handlebars, and signal the ECM to provide a corresponding boost to the electric power assist (on a forward speed/diminishing curve). If this sensor is beginning to fail intermittently, I can understand everyone's occasional steering issues. Perhaps it doesn't call for assist when it should, or too much when it shouldn't. or confuses the electric assist motor, and causes it to 'lock'......Or never called for any assist from day one, and suddenly comes on occasionally and surprises a rider:dontknow:.

Our Spyder's steering would feel a little "weird" at times when turning the bars without benefit of forward movement. It also 'locked' a couple of times while on the road(fortunately without catastrophic consequences). It's at the dealer now. Even if the cause isn't found yet, it'll be well documented if it happens again.

Early in this thread you wondered if you should bring yours in. I would. Besides, you have another one to ride:doorag:

:agree:
Kurt said something about that before and I just sent him this video so maybe he can see whats going on now and let me know where we should look first.

 

[Spyder#353]

Thanks Lamont,
It's not like I have enough steering trouble. :roflblack::roflblack:

 

[BLACK WIDOW]

Steering

Pretty sure I still have an issue with my steering. If I'm in my garage on the concrete it turns fine but when I get out on the asphalt it's pretty much locked up. If I move at all it's fine, a little hard to turn but not bad.

This is what it was doing in Daytona too and at that time I was able to check mine side by side with another Spyder that did turn easy on the same pavement. At this point I'm not sure if I should have it looked at or not. :dontknow:

YouTube - Spyder steering issue

What about the steering gears binding? (mechanical issue):dontknow:

 

[Rando]

Here is an old post I remember reading awhile back. It makes me wonder if this might have something to do with all the steering issues? Can somone with more knowledge (Scotty?) please comment? Hopefully BRP has checked into this issue as a possible cause.

"On the very bottom of your frame rail, you will see a square aluminum box with a bunch of hard brake lines coming out of it. That's your VCM. There is a big black connector on the left side of the box. It has a lever on the top. Pull the lever down, until it pops the connector out. Look for green corrosion on the connctor's 4 big pins, and matching pins for VCM.

I've included some pics, that I sent to BRP. I replaced the VCM, which pays something like 2hrs, and the main wiring harness. There is no job code for this, so....I called BRP and got them to approve 5hrs of additional labor. Trust me you do not want to attemp this. Please if you see corrosion, take it to a dealer. Every piece of plastic has to come off, and all of the connectors in the back go thru the frame rail. NOT FUN!!!"