rear boarding step keeps breaking!? anyone else having this problem

There is a recall on them ...

In the the owners manual it says never use the boarding step with your foot. It is not designed to handle the full weight of someone standing on it. (although it should have been) Thats why it has a padded rounded knee cup . They should have named it a knee assist handle or something.

I just don't use it

never bought them. you don't need them. Just something else to break which looks like they do.

Never had a problem yet with mine. You are not supposed to use your foot and put all your weight on it. It is used for your knee.

Mine is currently broken. We only used our knee on it.. It's under warranty so whenever I feel like bringing it In I will

I don't think there is a recall on it, but I believe they are aware of the problem.

serpent710 said:

I don't think there is a recall on it, but I believe they are aware of the problem.

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Yes, they had some issues with the first ones, the springs were failing on them, dealers should be aware of it, and have fixed the problem.

Used my boarding step that I installed my self for the first time today 3 times and it held up fine

Mine broke, first time I used it. I hate riding around with it down but I guess until I get it to my dealer an hours drive away. It's just going to have to be.

Thanks I forgot I had one .I'll try it tomorrow. And see if 200lbs..gets it ..

Just remove it and be done with it. Climbed many times and don't see how you can comfortably get your knee on that step. Overpriced $80 junk.

You could pull it off, just two screws hold it on, I think they are a #30 torx.
See if your dealer will let you mail it in and mail you a new one, that would save your drive.

Bug Stomper said:

Just remove it and be done with it. Climbed many times and don't see how you can comfortably get your knee on that step. Overpriced $80 junk.

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You can't get your knee comfortably on the reboarding step but can comfortably reboard without it? How do you pull that off

RunItTwice said:

You can't get your knee comfortably on the reboarding step but can comfortably reboard without it? How do you pull that off

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My family and friends have reboarded many times without that step.

Its easy. Find a firm handhold, bring your right knee+thigh up onto the transom, grab firm hold of the seat handle, pull yourself up following with your left knee thigh to the transom. Now you're kneeling on the rear transom of the Spark.

It would take much longer trying to find a underwater step 3 inches in diameter underwater, then the pain in your knee as your full body weights rests on the step.

I see no need for the step. The front cargo yes. I hear plenty of warranty work for broken step springs. For me would be even more of pain hauling sparks to dealership just for that.

Try boarding without. I'm sure you'll agree.

p.s. It's the perfect time to work out your upper body as well.

I'm not saying I don't need the upper body work, but I will say, the step was pretty easy to use for me. I'll try without next time I'm out.

If you are going to be climbing up on the plastic Spark....
For those of you who have the 3up version , we now sell the rear Sparkmat piece seperately. It helps a lot to have that cushioned area in the back for reboarding. 29.00 ..shipped to your door , we can bundle and sell 2 for 40.00 (saves on shipping costs). Send me a PM if you need mats.

I personally love the step.. My gf has short legs to it is eSier for her as well. Ours is currently broken but it is being replaced under warranty this Wednesday

I have 7 hours on my Spark and the step does not spring back into position. I took it off and looked at what happened. It needs re-designed. The springs force on one end broke the plastic that stops it from rotating. It needs beefed up.

My dealer told me there was a "Campaign" on these devices which I think means there are too many problems popping up.