You found them. The perfect set of wheels and tires online—aggressive tread, killer looks, and a price that’s too good to pass up. But there’s a catch. They came off a Polaris RZR, and you’re staring at your Can-Am Maverick in the garage. That sinking feeling hits as you ask the number one question we hear at FatBoysOffroad: “Will they fit?”
We get it. The world of UTV wheel fitment can feel like a confusing mess of numbers and jargon. But getting it wrong isn’t just frustrating; it’s downright dangerous.
This is your definitive guide to solving that puzzle. We promise to break down the can am and polaris bolt pattern mystery once and for all. You’ll learn exactly what the bolt patterns are for each brand, why they usually don’t match, how to measure your own, and the safe way to make that dream set of wheels fit your machine. Let’s get you wrenching with confidence.
What Exactly is a Bolt Pattern (And Why It’s Critical for Safety)
Before we dive into brand specifics, let’s get the basics down. A wheel’s bolt pattern is its most critical mounting measurement. It’s a simple code, like 4x137mm, that tells you two things:
- The first number (4): This is the number of lug nuts your wheel has. For most modern UTVs, this is almost always four.
- The second number (137mm): This is the diameter of an imaginary circle that runs through the center of all the lug studs, measured in millimeters. This is often called the Pitch Circle Diameter, or PCD.
Getting this measurement wrong is a recipe for disaster. A wheel with the wrong bolt pattern might seem like it fits, but it will never center correctly on the hub. This creates immense stress on the wheel studs, leading to dangerous vibrations, premature wear, and even the catastrophic failure of a wheel coming off at speed. This is the foundation of our entire can am and polaris bolt pattern guide—safety first.
The Can-Am and Polaris Bolt Pattern Showdown: Are They the Same?
Here’s the short answer that every off-roader needs to know: No, in almost all cases, the standard Can-Am and Polaris bolt patterns are different. This means you cannot take a stock wheel off a Polaris and bolt it directly onto a Can-Am, or vice versa. Let’s break down the specifics.
Common Can-Am Bolt Patterns
For the vast majority of modern Can-Am side-by-sides, including the Maverick, Commander, and Defender series, the standard bolt pattern is 4x137mm.
This has been a long-standing spec for BRP. While some older or youth ATV models might vary, if you have a modern Can-Am UTV, you can be almost certain you’re working with a 4×137 hub.
Common Polaris Bolt Patterns
Polaris, on the other hand, uses a different standard for their flagship models. Most modern Polaris UTVs, like the RZR, Ranger, and General, use a 4x156mm bolt pattern.
This larger bolt circle is a key differentiator. It’s one of the most common patterns in the UTV world, but it is distinctly different from Can-Am’s choice.
The Verdict: Direct Swaps are a No-Go
The difference between 137mm and 156mm is significant. There is no way to force a 4×156 wheel onto a 4×137 hub. The studs simply won’t line up with the holes. This is the most common problem with can am and polaris bolt pattern swaps, but don’t worry—where there’s a will, there’s a way. And we’ll get to the solution shortly.
Beyond the Bolt Pattern: Hub Bore and Offset Explained
True expertise means looking beyond the obvious. Even if two wheels had the same bolt pattern, there are two other crucial measurements that determine if a wheel will fit and perform correctly: hub bore and offset. Ignoring these can cause big headaches.
Why Hub Bore Matters
The hub bore is the large hole in the very center of the wheel. It’s designed to fit over the axle hub on your UTV. Most UTVs use a lug-centric design, meaning the tapered lug nuts are what truly center the wheel on the hub.
However, the hub bore still plays a role. If the bore on the new wheel is smaller than your machine’s hub, the wheel won’t even sit flat against the mounting surface. It simply won’t go on. If it’s much larger, it can make it trickier to get the wheel perfectly centered before tightening the lugs.
Understanding Wheel Offset and Backspacing
Offset determines how far your wheel and tire assembly will stick out from the hub. It’s the distance between the wheel’s mounting surface and its true centerline.
- Positive Offset: The mounting surface is pushed towards the outer face of the wheel. This tucks the wheel further into the fender well.
- Negative Offset: The mounting surface is towards the back of the wheel. This pushes the wheel out, creating a wider stance.
Changing your offset dramatically can alter your UTV’s handling, increase stress on wheel bearings, and—most commonly—cause your new, larger tires to rub against suspension parts or fenders. It’s a key part of getting your fitment right.
How to Measure Your Own Can-Am and Polaris Bolt Pattern
While the 4×137 and 4×156 numbers are reliable standards, it never hurts to confirm. Maybe you bought a used machine with aftermarket parts, or you just want to be 100% sure. This is a core skill for any DIYer and a key part of learning how to can am and polaris bolt pattern measurement works.
Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy equipment. All you need is:
- A good tape measure or, even better, a digital caliper.
- A notepad to write down your measurement.
Step-by-Step Measurement Guide
Measuring a 4-lug pattern is the easiest of all. Follow these simple steps:
- Pick one wheel stud to start with.
- Measure from the exact center of that stud directly across the hub to the exact center of the stud opposite it.
- That’s it! The distance you measure is your bolt pattern’s second number (the PCD). For example, if you measure 156mm, you have a 4x156mm pattern.
Always measure in millimeters for the most accurate comparison to manufacturer specs. This simple check provides absolute peace of mind before you spend your hard-earned cash.
Making it Work: Adapters and Spacers Done Right
So, we’ve established the bolt patterns are different. How do you safely mount those 4×156 Polaris wheels onto your 4×137 Can-Am hub? The answer lies in a high-quality wheel adapter. This is where we apply some essential can am and polaris bolt pattern best practices.
What are Wheel Adapters?
A wheel adapter is a precisely machined metal puck, usually made of billet aluminum. It has two sets of holes:
- One set of holes matches your vehicle’s hub pattern (e.g., 4×137). You use a special set of lug nuts to bolt the adapter directly to your machine’s hub.
- One set of studs is pressed into the adapter that matches your new wheel’s pattern (e.g., 4×156). You then bolt your new wheel to these new studs.
In short, it adapts your hub from one bolt pattern to another. This is the correct and safe solution for pattern mismatches.
The Safe Way to Use Adapters
Not all adapters are created equal. This is not a part you want to cheap out on. Here are the non-negotiable rules for using them safely:
- Buy Quality: Only purchase adapters from reputable brands. Look for ones made from T6 billet aluminum. Avoid cheap, cast aluminum adapters, which can crack under stress.
- Install Correctly: Clean your hub surface thoroughly. Use a calibrated torque wrench to tighten the adapter to the hub, following the manufacturer’s specs. We recommend using a drop of blue threadlocker on the hub studs for extra security.
- Torque Twice: Once the adapter is on, mount your wheel and torque the lug nuts to your machine’s spec. Here’s the pro tip: After your first 20-30 miles of riding, you MUST re-check the torque on both the adapter’s nuts and the wheel’s lug nuts. Things can settle, and this check is critical.
Sustainable Choices for Your UTV Wheels
You might not think about sustainability when wrenching on your rig, but making smart choices can reduce waste and save you money. Adopting a sustainable can am and polaris bolt pattern mindset is easier than you think.
The most eco-friendly can am and polaris bolt pattern approach is to use what you already have. If you’ve upgraded from a Polaris to a Can-Am but have a perfectly good set of expensive aftermarket wheels, using adapters is the ultimate form of recycling. You prevent a great set of wheels from ending up in a scrap heap and save the resources needed to produce a new set.
Furthermore, a proper can am and polaris bolt pattern care guide involves more than just fitment. Regularly cleaning your wheels, checking torque specs, and maintaining proper tire pressure extends the life of your components. Investing in durable, high-quality parts from the start means you replace them less often, which is both economically and environmentally smart.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am and Polaris Bolt Pattern
Will Polaris RZR wheels fit a Can-Am Maverick?
No, not directly. A stock Polaris RZR typically uses a 4x156mm bolt pattern, while a Can-Am Maverick uses a 4x137mm pattern. You will need a set of high-quality wheel adapters to convert from the 4×137 hub to the 4×156 wheel.
Are wheel adapters safe for aggressive off-roading?
Yes, but with a huge caveat. High-quality, properly installed, and regularly checked wheel adapters from reputable manufacturers are extremely safe and used by off-roaders everywhere. Cheap, poorly made, or incorrectly installed adapters are a major safety hazard and should be avoided at all costs.
How do I know what my bolt pattern is without measuring?
The most reliable ways are to check your owner’s manual, search for your specific year and model on reputable off-road forums or parts websites, or call a dealership. However, measuring takes only two minutes and is the only method that guarantees you know what’s on your machine right now.
Does changing the bolt pattern with an adapter affect my machine’s warranty?
It certainly can. Most manufacturers can be particular about modifications. Adding wheel adapters or non-standard wheels could potentially void the warranty on related parts like wheel bearings, hubs, or axles. Always check your warranty agreement before making significant changes.
Understanding the difference between the Can-Am and Polaris bolt pattern is the first step to unlocking a whole new world of wheel and tire options for your machine. The key takeaway is simple: they are not the same (4×137 for Can-Am vs. 4×156 for Polaris), but a quality set of wheel adapters makes the swap safe and effective.
By following the best practices for installation and prioritizing quality parts, you can run just about any wheel you want. Now you have the expert knowledge to make smart, safe choices for your ride. Get in the garage, wrench with confidence, and we’ll see you on the trails!
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