diff --git a/src/lib/sidenav/sidenav.ts b/src/lib/sidenav/sidenav.ts
index 87ddc659c187..6c0a3274a49d 100644
--- a/src/lib/sidenav/sidenav.ts
+++ b/src/lib/sidenav/sidenav.ts
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ export class MdDuplicatedSidenavError extends MdError {
   encapsulation: ViewEncapsulation.None,
 })
 export class MdSidenav implements AfterContentInit {
-  @ViewChild(FocusTrap) private _focusTrap: FocusTrap;
+  @ViewChild(FocusTrap) _focusTrap: FocusTrap;
 
   /** Alignment of the sidenav (direction neutral); whether 'start' or 'end'. */
   private _align: 'start' | 'end' = 'start';