That unnerving clunk from the back of your Commander when you shift into gear. The strange vibration that seems to get worse as you accelerate down the trail. If you’ve experienced this, you know it’s a feeling that can instantly sap the fun out of any ride.
You’re not alone. These are classic symptoms pointing directly to the heart of your machine’s drivetrain. Agreeing that drivetrain issues are frustrating is the first step.
I promise this guide will demystify one of the most critical components: the 2013 can am commander 1000 rear prop shaft. We’ll give you the confidence to diagnose problems, perform crucial maintenance, and understand the entire process from start to finish.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll preview the common problems you might face, provide a step-by-step inspection routine, detail best practices for care, and answer your most pressing questions. Let’s get your rig’s power back to the ground smoothly and reliably.
What is the Rear Prop Shaft and Why Does It Matter?
Think of the rear prop shaft, also known as a driveshaft, as the main artery for your Commander’s power. Its job is simple but absolutely essential: to transfer rotational force from your transmission all the way to the rear differential.
Without it, the power your incredible Rotax V-twin engine makes would never reach the rear wheels. This makes it a cornerstone of your UTV’s performance, especially when you’re digging deep in mud or climbing a steep grade.
Key Components of Your Prop Shaft Assembly
Understanding the parts helps you understand the problems. Your prop shaft isn’t just one solid piece of metal. It’s an assembly of a few key parts working in harmony.
- The Shaft Tube: This is the long, hollow tube that makes up the main body. It’s built to be strong yet relatively lightweight to handle high rotational speeds without flexing.
- Universal Joints (U-Joints): These are the flexible “knuckles” at each end of the shaft. They allow the shaft to change angles as your suspension moves up and down, which is critical for off-road performance. They are the most common point of failure.
- Yokes: These are the U-shaped connection points. One yoke connects to the transmission output, and the other connects to the rear differential pinion, with the U-joints sitting between them.
The primary benefits of a 2013 can am commander 1000 rear prop shaft in good health are reliability and safety. A well-maintained shaft ensures power is delivered smoothly, preventing vibrations that can damage other components and ensuring you don’t get left stranded on the trail.
Common Problems with the 2013 Can Am Commander 1000 Rear Prop Shaft
Before you can fix a problem, you have to know what you’re looking for. The prop shaft will almost always give you warning signs before a catastrophic failure. Learning to recognize these signs is a key part of our 2013 can am commander 1000 rear prop shaft guide.
Telltale Signs of a Failing Prop Shaft
Keep your eyes and ears open for these classic symptoms. Catching them early can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration.
- Vibrations: A new or worsening vibration that you feel through the floor or seat, especially when accelerating, is the number one sign. This is often caused by a worn-out U-joint that is no longer centered.
- Clunking or Knocking Noises: Do you hear a “clunk” when you shift from park to reverse or drive? This is often caused by excessive play in the U-joints. The slop is taken up suddenly, creating the noise.
- Squeaking or Chirping: A rhythmic squeak that changes with your speed is a desperate cry for help from a dry, unlubricated U-joint. The needle bearings inside are running without grease and creating metal-on-metal friction.
Root Causes of Prop Shaft Failure
So, what causes these parts to fail? It usually boils down to three things: lack of maintenance, abuse, or just plain old wear and tear.
The most common cause is lack of lubrication. U-joints need a constant supply of quality grease to function. Water, mud, and dust wash out the old grease, leading to rapid wear.
Hard impacts from rocks or logs can also dent the shaft tube, throwing it out of balance and causing vibrations. Over time, even with perfect care, the needle bearings inside the U-joints will simply wear out.
A Step-by-Step Inspection and Maintenance Guide
Regular inspection is the cornerstone of a reliable machine. This simple check takes less than 10 minutes and should be part of your pre-ride routine. This is the ultimate 2013 can am commander 1000 rear prop shaft care guide.
Safety First: Pre-Inspection Checklist
Never work under a machine without taking the proper precautions. Your safety is non-negotiable.
- Park your Commander on solid, level ground. Avoid soft dirt or slopes.
- Turn the engine off and take the key out of the ignition.
- Set the parking brake firmly.
- Place wheel chocks in front of and behind the front tires for extra security.
- Always wear safety glasses and a good pair of mechanic’s gloves.
The “Wiggle Test”: Checking for Play
This is the most effective diagnostic you can perform. Safely slide under your machine so you can reach the rear prop shaft.
Firmly grab the shaft tube near the rear U-joint. Try to move it up, down, left, and right. There should be almost zero movement. A tiny bit of rotational play is normal, but any up-and-down clunking indicates a worn-out U-joint.
Repeat this process at the front U-joint near the transmission. Any noticeable play means it’s time for a replacement.
Greasing Your U-Joints: The Most Important Task
This is one of the most crucial 2013 can am commander 1000 rear prop shaft tips we can offer. Regular greasing is the single best thing you can do to extend the life of your prop shaft.
- Locate the grease zerks (small fittings) on each U-joint. You may need to rotate the shaft to get access.
- Wipe the zerk clean with a rag to prevent forcing dirt inside.
- Attach your grease gun to the zerk. We recommend a quality, water-resistant marine grease.
- Pump fresh grease in until you see clean grease purging from all four seals of the U-joint cap. This ensures old, contaminated grease has been pushed out.
- Wipe off any excess grease to prevent it from flinging everywhere.
How to Remove and Replace the Rear Prop Shaft
If your inspection reveals excessive play, a replacement is in order. While this is a more involved job, it’s well within the reach of a determined DIYer. This is how to 2013 can am commander 1000 rear prop shaft replacement is done right.
Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes all the difference. Gather these before you start:
- A good socket and ratchet set (metric)
- A set of combination wrenches
- A torque wrench
- A paint marker or chalk
- A quality grease gun and marine grease
- Safety glasses and gloves
Step-by-Step Removal Process
Follow these steps carefully for a smooth removal.
- Mark for Alignment: This is a critical step! Use your paint marker to make a clear line across the rear differential yoke and the prop shaft yoke. This ensures you reinstall it in the same orientation, or “phase,” to prevent vibrations.
- Unbolt the Rear: Remove the four bolts holding the prop shaft to the rear differential. You may need to use a wrench to hold the bolt head on the back side.
- Unbolt the Front: Repeat the process for the four bolts connecting the shaft to the transmission output yoke.
- Remove the Shaft: The shaft should now be free. You might need to gently pry it loose. Carefully slide it out from under the machine.
Installation Best Practices
Installing the new or rebuilt shaft correctly is just as important as the removal. Following these 2013 can am commander 1000 rear prop shaft best practices is key.
First, ensure your replacement U-joints are fully greased before installation. Install the new shaft by reversing the removal steps.
Align the mark you made on the differential yoke with the corresponding part of the new shaft’s yoke. Hand-tighten all bolts first to ensure everything is seated correctly.
Finally, use your torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the factory-specified torque. Do not just “guess” with a ratchet. Overtightening can damage the yokes, and undertightening can be catastrophic. Finish the job by greasing the U-joints one last time.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Prop Shaft Maintenance
Being a responsible rider extends to how we maintain our machines. You can apply sustainable practices to your drivetrain care.
Extending Part Life Through Proactive Care
The most sustainable 2013 can am commander 1000 rear prop shaft practice is simply making the original part last as long as possible. Regular cleaning and greasing prevents premature failure, reducing waste and the need for new parts.
By preventing a U-joint from failing, you also prevent it from potentially damaging the yokes on your transmission or differential, which are much larger, more expensive, and resource-intensive parts to replace.
Choosing Eco-Conscious Products
When it’s time to buy supplies, look for an eco-friendly 2013 can am commander 1000 rear prop shaft maintenance option. Several companies now offer high-quality, biodegradable greases that are less harmful to the environment if they happen to wash off on the trail.
Furthermore, always dispose of old metal parts at a proper recycling facility and use a service to clean oily rags instead of throwing them in the trash.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2013 Can Am Commander 1000 Rear Prop Shaft
How often should I grease my prop shaft U-joints?
A good rule of thumb is to grease them after every significant water or mud crossing, or every 25-50 hours of normal trail riding. If you ride in very dusty or wet conditions, more frequent greasing is always better.
Can I drive my Commander with a bad rear prop shaft?
It is highly discouraged. A vibrating shaft can damage expensive transmission and differential seals. If a U-joint fails completely at speed, the flailing prop shaft can cause catastrophic damage to your machine and is a major safety hazard.
What’s the difference between a U-joint and a CV joint?
A U-joint is a simple cross-and-bearing style joint that allows for angle changes, perfect for a prop shaft. A CV (Constant Velocity) joint is more complex and is designed to transfer power smoothly even at very sharp angles, which is why they are used for your axles that connect to the wheels.
Is “phasing” the prop shaft really that important?
Yes, absolutely. The U-joints are designed to be installed in a specific orientation to each other. Installing the shaft out of phase will cause the speed of the shaft to fluctuate with every rotation, creating a terrible vibration that can’t be fixed without re-aligning it properly.
Taking care of your 2013 can am commander 1000 rear prop shaft is a fundamental part of responsible UTV ownership. By listening for noises, checking for play, and greasing regularly, you can ensure your machine delivers power reliably for years to come.
Don’t be intimidated by your drivetrain. With the right knowledge and a little bit of preventative maintenance, you can tackle these jobs yourself and gain a deeper understanding of your machine.
Now get out there and hit the trails with confidence. Ride hard, and ride safe!
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