Any advice on adjusting toe on the front wheels? Is the job doable without BUDS?

[NorwegianRT]

Hi all!
My RT has uneven tyre wear, but it is equal on the inside of both wheels, so I think there is too much toe out?
I have seen a youtube video where a guy has made his own tool with some square pipes.
If I make a set of this tool and keep the steering straight forward, is there anything to worry about regarding the steering position sensor?
Or is the job doable without Buds??
My local mechanic is away for two days on a work related course, so thought I would ask in here first!

 

[BajaRon]

There is a steering angle sensor that is very important. Any adjustment to alignment needs to take this sensor into consideration. If you get outside the parameters, you will create a 'Limp Home Mode'. Not much fun.

I highly recommend a laser alignment and BUDS connection to zero the SAS. You will not believe the improvement you'll find with a properly aligned front end on the Spyder.

 

[NorwegianRT]

There is a steering angle sensor that is very important. Any adjustment to alignment needs to take this sensor into consideration. If you get outside the parameters, you will create a 'Limp Home Mode'. Not much fun.

I highly recommend a laser alignment and BUDS connection to zero the SAS. You will not believe the improvement you'll find with a properly aligned front end on the Spyder.

Thank you @BajaRon
Very informative. I will get in contact with my local CanAm mechanic and ask if he has the needed tools for my issue.

 

[2dogs]

I had Joe and Ann, who owned Squared Away, align my spyder years ago. It came from the dealer with (if I recall correctly) a right front wheel 2 1/4" out of alignment. They showed me their findings and why my tire was wearing more than the other one. Many dealers don't do alignments during their pre-sale prep work. It's easy for the new owner to check their toe-in and toe-out, but the rest of the alignment is a bit complicated for the average Joe. The alignment is based on the rear tire's position. Who'd have thought? So when you go to replace the rear tire (because it wears out much faster than the fronts), you want someone who knows what they are doing. That goes for the belt adjustment too. I've been on rides with other Spyder owners (not many, because wifey and I generally ride alone), and I've noticed more than one Spyder in front of me going down the road slightly sideways. Oops, slightly out of alignment there buddy. Get that checked out when you get home.

 

[mecsw500]

I suspect somebody who really knows what they are doing could align everything without a laser system, but that would be somebody very experienced in what they are doing and has had years of practice. I suspect the laser system is far more accurate for the vast majority of techs.

Getting the fronts aligned with the thrust line of the rear wheel is the important thing, not necessarily with the center line of the chassis exactly.

We are talking about a millimeter or less of measurement across the diameter of the front wheel. You want toe-in not toe-out. Toe-out, or even excessive toe-in will give uneven tire wear and make it wander about a bit.

I would ask your tech how he intends to do the alignment. It can be done without a laser alignment, but it needs someone with years of experience under their belt, not someone reading from a book.

I would recommend a laser alignment as the most reliable method as that will not only show up alignment issue but will also likely show if your rear wheel thrust line is accurately aligned enough to the frame and not miles out from someone who set the belt tension without regards to an accurate rear wheel thrust line.

The OP being in Southern Norway, I have no idea if there are any Can Am Spyder shops in Norway with laser alignment capabilities. It might be worth calling around your major Can Am dealers to see how they do things. It might also be worth checking Denmark or Northern Germany if you are willing to travel a little further.

It will probably require a BUDS system to ensure the steering angle sensor is set correctly too.