Heim Joint Link (Tie Rod) Breakage

[BajaRon]

There have been some reports of breakage of the links which connect the sway bar ends to the suspension (A-Arms). BRP calls it a 'Tie Rod', but more accurately, it is a Heim Joint Link. But whatever you choose to call it, I am looking to quantify how many have had this happen to them.

The OEM links are made from a very strong plastic compound. I have been considering producing a stainless steel replacement part which would be many times stronger. But first I want to discover if there is a real need for this product.

It is not my intention to stir anything up or to insinuate that these links are an issue. I am just looking for information.

If you have had one of these break I would greatly appreciate your input.

1- Was the breakage attributable to any outside cause (Impact or improper installation)?
2- Did you have a stock or my aftermarket sway bar installed when the breakage occurred?
3- How has the replacement link held up?

There is no better source than owner information.

Thank you for helping me with this project. We're all here to make the Spyder a better ride! :thumbup:

 

[NancysToy]

I have not expeienced a broken link...at least not yet, but I do think I may have stmbled on the a reason they may break. When I installed the BajaRon swaybar, I found that one of my links was all the way to the stop, hitting on the bracket. It also had the the ball joint pretty much at maximum extension on that side...likely due to a slightly different angle for the bracket. It remained that way with the BajaRon bar...in exactly the same position. I believe this is due to variations in the location and angle of the mounting brackets. Unwilling to grind clearance in the powder coated frame bracket, I decided just to keep a close eye on it. Hitting the bracket when in use could cause a link to break in the middle, and reaching the limit of its pivoting capability could snap the end. If I break a link I will modify the bracket or shim the top or bottom. If the mounting is the issue, aftermarket links would be subject to the same stresses, and could also fail...although they may be sturdier and live longer.

 

[BajaRon]

I have not expeienced a broken link...at least not yet, but I do think I may have stmbled on the a reason they may break. When I installed the BajaRon swaybar, I found that one of my links was all the way to the stop, hitting on the bracket. It also had the the ball joint pretty much at maximum extension on that side...likely due to a slightly different angle for the bracket. It remained that way with the BajaRon bar...in exactly the same position. I believe this is due to variations in the location and angle of the mounting brackets. Unwilling to grind clearance in the powder coated frame bracket, I decided just to keep a close eye on it. Hitting the bracket when in use could cause a link to break in the middle, and reaching the limit of its pivoting capability could snap the end. If I break a link I will modify the bracket or shim the top or bottom. If the mounting is the issue, aftermarket links would be subject to the same stresses, and could also fail...although they may be sturdier and live longer.

Are you referring to possible differences in where the top bracket is welded to the A-Arm?

 

[NancysToy]

Are you referring to possible differences in where the top bracket is welded to the A-Arm?

Yep.

 

[BajaRon]

Yep.

I've wondered that myself as the bars I've installed seem to have some variance in the way the linkage comes off those brackets. I don't believe it affects handling in any meaningful way. But it does make it difficult to get proper clearance in the tight quarters found on the pre-2013 Spyders.

The current links are strong enough as long as they are stressed as designed. But they are designed to take only in-line force. Anything outside of that will probably cause breakage. Even if it is only slight.

 

[2 Cruysyn]

I've wondered that myself as the bars I've installed seem to have some variance in the way the linkage comes off those brackets. I don't believe it affects handling in any meaningful way. But it does make it difficult to get proper clearance in the tight quarters found on the pre-2013 Spyders.

I observed slight wear on the upper end of one of the links on my RT that had made contact with that bracket while the OEM bar was in place. To avoid that situation I installed the BajaBar slightly off center to provide equal clearance for both links which wasn't much. They are still in one piece, so far.

 

[NancysToy]

I observed slight wear on the upper end of one of the links on my RT that had made contact with that bracket while the OEM bar was in place. To avoid that situation I installed the BajaBar slightly off center to provide equal clearance for both links which wasn't much. They are still in one piece, so far.

I couldn't offset my bar enough to gain any clearance. One link hits, and is as at the extent of its rotation, and the other only has a few thousanths clearance after centering. I may try to shim the link outward at the upper mount on the a-arm to gain a tiny bit of clearance.

 

[Yelhelp]

tie rod

I have had a broken tie rod and after talking to you (Ron) because I did replace the OEM with Ron's I think it may be possible that it was My fault. I was looking at the Manual and it clearly shows the tie rod on the inside of the anti-sway bar. I'm not sure if that is how I installed but I thought I put it on just like the old one came off. So as soon as I get the replacements (bought two so I would have a spare) I will install and keep an eye on it. One question does the spyder have to be jacked up so as to get the pressure off, because it is real tight when the two front wheels are up on a ramp. I have been looking at some motorcycle jacks like the ones they used at Lamonts BBQ when I had elka shocks put on.

 

[Bob Denman]

I've got one... Impact related... pps:

 

[Huddleston]

2013 RT and BajaRon sway bar

I've wondered that myself as the bars I've installed seem to have some variance in the way the linkage comes off those brackets. I don't believe it affects handling in any meaningful way. But it does make it difficult to get proper clearance in the tight quarters found on the pre-2013 Spyders.

The current links are strong enough as long as they are stressed as designed. But they are designed to take only in-line force. Anything outside of that will probably cause breakage. Even if it is only slight.

Since you reference the "pre-2013 Spyders", is this an issue for the 2013 RTS? My dealer installed the Sway Bar for me, so I wonder if I need to have something checked.

 

[Sarge707]

New Comers should know what effect a broken link has on the Spyder!

If your right link is broken I would assume that on the next sharp right turn your Spyder is going to lean to the left a "Lot more" than usual?

Is this correct and how dangerous is it for rider control?:dontknow:

 

[Bob Denman]

You are correct... :thumbup:
I think that it'd be more "uncomfortable", than dangerous....

 

[Biosafena]

I have had two broken ones. The first was with the factory bar. I found it when I went install Ron's bar. The second one was with Ron's bar. Mine were not impact related. Both looked identical in the manner in which they failed. I believe one left and one right side failed. Have about 1000 miles since replacing the last one while on vacation and no issues, so I am not sure of he cause.


Sent from the corner of walk and don't walk....

 

[BajaRon]

I have had a broken tie rod and after talking to you (Ron) because I did replace the OEM with Ron's I think it may be possible that it was My fault. I was looking at the Manual and it clearly shows the tie rod on the inside of the anti-sway bar. I'm not sure if that is how I installed but I thought I put it on just like the old one came off. So as soon as I get the replacements (bought two so I would have a spare) I will install and keep an eye on it. One question does the spyder have to be jacked up so as to get the pressure off, because it is real tight when the two front wheels are up on a ramp. I have been looking at some motorcycle jacks like the ones they used at Lamonts BBQ when I had elka shocks put on.

BRP uses the RS series sway bar as reference for all Pre-2013 Spyder models. The RS sway bar does mount to the outside (Link to the inside). But the RT installs with the sway bar to the inside (Link to the outside).

When installed, the links should be vertical as far as left to right. If you install the links to the wrong side of the bar they will be angled (left to right) and you do not want this.

As long as the Spyder is sitting level there is no stress on the sway bar. You do not need to lift the front tires off the ground to connect/disconnect the sway bar. However, if you do lift the Spyder to where the wheels are off the ground it will lower the sway bar ends and they are more easily accessed.

Since you reference the "pre-2013 Spyders", is this an issue for the 2013 RTS? My dealer installed the Sway Bar for me, so I wonder if I need to have something checked.

The 2013's are a completely different animal as far as how the sway bar is mounted. However, there seems to be some link breakage since the 2013's use the same plastic links. There are no limiting collars on the 2013 sway bars because there is more clearance which will allow the sway bar to seek it's own center.

New Comers should know what effect a broken link has on the Spyder!

If your right link is broken I would assume that on the next sharp right turn your Spyder is going to lean to the left a "Lot more" than usual?

Is this correct and how dangerous is it for rider control?:dontknow:

If you break either link it will render your sway bar completely ineffective. You will get much more lean and dive in turns, get pushed around in crosswind and lose all sway bar functions. You will simply need to ride more conservatively until you get the broken part replaced.

The links are inexpensive and easily replaced with simple tools provided in your BRP tool kit.

 

[wis2013rtltd]

broken sway bar here on a 13 rt. 600 ish

Miles. Replaced under warranty, no impact I was aware of. Dealer did say mine was not the first 13 they saw with a broken passenger side link. Now at 4100 miles and ok now.

 

[MidLifeCrisis]

So, would there not be less play with the BajaRon bar, than with stock, or am I looking at this the wrong way?