Is the Alternator shaft squeal just a nuisance, or is it damaging anything?

[Little Blue]

I believe that 'TSB' IS LOST.
Please keep us updated

Would like to Help but we...
They all do that occasionally.
They...

 

[Peder]

There is a TSB out for this problem. My 2025 F3-T was making that noise. When I took it for it's 3K service, the dealer replaced the offending parts at no charge.

I should have been a little more clear. When I took the bike in for the 3k service, the tech noticed the squeal. I had not noticed it. The tech said that it was a known problem and ordered the parts (shaft) to fix it. When the parts came in I took the bike in and the new parts were installed.

 

[Rusticle]

The squeal indicates friction. Friction always creates wear. Whether or not this is significant beyond the aggravation is something that I'm not sure has been decided. We've had a good deal of success switching customers with this squeal to Amsoil 10W/40. We have not tried the new 5W/40 offered by Amsoil. I think it might be a good alternative for those who ride in cold climates. But most quit when temps get into low 40's. 10W/40 is more than light enough at startup for that kind of riding.

I want to make a notation here before I start. There are some good and even great dealerships out there with quality employees that you can trust. I want to commend them. Unfortunately, my gut feeling is that they are not in the majority. I've always hoped I am wrong with this assumption. I'm basing this both on personal and many customer experiences.

Wow! I've always said, if you're going to lie, fabricate something that is at least slightly plausible. But dealerships have been getting away with this kind of customer treatment for so long that some just can't help themselves. Proof that they are wrong will just get you another lie.

It can turn into a 'Whack-a-Mole' process.

Of course BRP and anyone paying attention to the Spyder experience knows about the alternator squeal. Though I suppose you could chalk it up to ignorance. Still, this person is speaking for all of BRP with that statement. Indicating that he has his finger on the pulse of the machine. You just can't have it both ways. I'm sorry.

Here are some common sayings from dealerships which can indicate that you're getting the mushroom treatment.

• Oh, they all do that. It's not a problem.
• You are the only one that has ever experienced this problem.
• It's your imagination.
• Your Spyder was engineered to do that.
• Ride it for a while and see if it goes away.

I'm sure that some of you could add to this list.

I took my '23 RTL, 12,000 miles, in to the dealer for this squeal issue, picked it up last week. They said Can-Am told them that I needed a new battery and there is no fix for the issue. I installed a NOCO 600A Lithium battery, (Summer 2025), and there was been no change in the level of the squeal so I am inclined to not believe that. Per Can-Am -

"This is very common. Every Spyder is different. There are many factors involved.​

​

1. Is the Battery a Haiju? They have low voltage and next to no capacity... (suggest) adding a Yuasa battery to nearly eliminate the noise.​

2. Loose battery cables or bad frame grounds.​

3. Alternator shaft lubrication.​

4. Excessive electrical accessories... you may find that with lights etc. all off, the noise will be less than with all accessories "cranked wide open"."​

Then they tried to sell me a new battery, I passed. I have a front and rear dash camera, a set of fog lights, that are on a switch and NOT on when starting, also some SlingMod lighting that comes on when turning/braking. I feel this answer was meant to lay the blame back on the owner.