Can Am Commander Differential Oil - The Ultimate DIY Service Guide

You hear that faint whine from the drivetrain as you let off the gas. You feel that slight hesitation when locking in 4WD on a tough trail. It’s that nagging thought in the back of your mind: “When was the last time I checked the diffs?” We’ve all been there. Your Can-Am Commander is a beast of a machine, built to conquer, but even the toughest rigs need basic care to stay at peak performance.

This is where your can am commander differential oil service comes in. It’s one of the most critical—and most often neglected—maintenance tasks you can perform.

We promise this guide will strip away the confusion and intimidation. We’ll walk you through everything, from choosing the right fluid to the final turn of the torque wrench. You’ll learn exactly why this matters, how to do it yourself, and how to spot trouble before it sidelines you. Consider this your complete playbook for a healthier, happier drivetrain.

Why Your Commander’s Differentials are Begging for Fresh Oil

Before we get our hands dirty, let’s talk about the “why.” Your Commander’s front and rear differentials are marvels of engineering. They allow your wheels to turn at different speeds while cornering, delivering power exactly where it’s needed. But inside those housings, gears are meshing under incredible pressure and heat.

The gear oil is their only line of defense. It does three critical jobs:

Lubricates: It creates a microscopic film between gear teeth, preventing catastrophic metal-on-metal contact.
Cools: It pulls heat away from the hardworking gears, preventing them from overheating and warping.
Cleans: It suspends the tiny metal particles that naturally wear off the gears, keeping them from causing further abrasive damage.

Over time, this oil breaks down from heat and shearing forces. It also gets contaminated with water (from creek crossings) and debris. The benefits of changing your can am commander differential oil are massive. You’re not just doing maintenance; you’re investing in the heart of your machine’s 4WD system, ensuring reliability and preventing a five-figure repair bill down the road.

Choosing the Right Can-Am Commander Differential Oil

Walking into an auto parts store can be overwhelming. The wall of oils is confusing, but for your Commander, the choice is actually quite specific. Using the wrong fluid is one of the most common problems with can am commander differential oil service, so let’s get it right.

OEM vs. Aftermarket: The Great Debate

Can-Am, of course, recommends its own BRP XPS products. For most Commander models, this means:

Front Differential: XPS 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil
Rear Differential / Gearbox: XPS 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil

These are excellent, high-quality fluids guaranteed to work. However, you can absolutely use high-quality aftermarket oils, provided they meet the same specifications. Look for a full synthetic gear oil from a reputable brand (like Amsoil, Mobil 1, or Valvoline) that is rated API GL-5. The GL-5 rating is crucial as it’s designed for the high-pressure environment inside a hypoid gear differential.

Always, always, always double-check your owner’s manual for the exact fluid specifications for your specific year and model.

A Note on Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Options

The world of powersports is slowly embracing greener solutions. While less common, some manufacturers offer biodegradable or sustainable can am commander differential oil options. These are often ester-based fluids designed to break down more safely in the environment. For most riders, a high-quality synthetic is the standard, but as technology evolves, these eco-friendly can am commander differential oil choices may become more prevalent. The most important eco-friendly step, however, is proper disposal of used oil, which we’ll cover later.

Your Essential Toolkit: Gearing Up for the Oil Change

Having the right tools makes any job easier and safer. You don’t need a professional shop, but you do need a few key items. This is a core part of our can am commander differential oil care guide.

Here’s your checklist:

The Right Oil: 1-2 quarts of both 75W-90 and 75W-140 synthetic GL-5 gear oil.
Ratchet & Sockets: A basic set will do. You’ll likely need an 8mm or 10mm hex (Allen) socket for the plugs.
Torque Wrench: This is not optional. Over-tightening drain plugs can strip the threads in the aluminum housing, creating a massive headache.
Drain Pan: A pan with at least a 3-quart capacity is ideal.
Fluid Transfer Pump: This screws onto the oil bottle and makes refilling the differentials clean and easy. A squeeze bottle with a pointed tip can also work in a pinch.
Shop Towels or Rags: For cleaning plugs and wiping up inevitable drips.
Nitrile Gloves & Safety Glasses: Protect your hands and eyes. Used gear oil is nasty stuff.
New Sealing Washers: Your drain and fill plugs have crush washers. It’s a best practice to replace them every time to ensure a perfect seal.

The Step-by-Step How To: Can Am Commander Differential Oil Service

Alright, let’s get to it. This is the complete how to can am commander differential oil walkthrough. Take your time, stay organized, and you’ll be done in under an hour.

Step 1: Prep for Success

First, get your Commander ready. Ideally, ride it for 5-10 minutes to warm up the drivetrain. Warm oil flows out much faster and carries more suspended contaminants with it.

Park the machine on a completely level surface. This is critical for getting an accurate fluid level reading when you refill. Finally, take a rag and thoroughly clean the area around the fill and drain plugs on both differentials. You don’t want any dirt falling into the housing.

Step 2: Draining the Front Differential

Locate the front differential. You’ll see two plugs: a fill plug on the side and a drain plug on the bottom.
Pro Tip: Always, always loosen the fill plug first! You want to make sure you can get it open before you drain the fluid out. There’s nothing worse than an empty differential you can’t refill.
Place your drain pan underneath the drain plug.
Carefully remove the drain plug and let the old oil drain completely.
While it’s draining, inspect the magnetic tip of your drain plug. A light, fuzzy coating of metallic paste is normal wear. However, if you see large metal shavings or chunks, it’s a sign of a serious internal problem that needs a professional diagnosis.

Step 3: Refilling the Front Differential

Once the draining slows to a drip, wipe the drain plug clean, install a new sealing washer, and reinstall it.
Use your torque wrench to tighten the drain plug to the manufacturer’s specification (check your manual, but it’s typically around 15-20 lb-ft). Do not overtighten!
Using your fluid pump, begin filling the differential through the fill hole with the correct 75W-90 gear oil.
Continue pumping until the fluid just starts to weep out of the bottom of the fill plug hole. That’s your “full” mark.
Wipe the fill plug clean, install its new washer, and reinstall it. Torque it to spec.

Step 4: Servicing the Rear Differential & Gearbox

The process for the rear is identical to the front, with two key differences: the location of the plugs and the type of oil.

The rear differential and the transmission are often a combined unit on the Commander, located toward the back of the machine. Follow the same procedure: loosen the fill plug first, then the drain plug. After draining, inspect the magnetic plug, clean and reinstall it with a new washer, and torque it to spec.

Refill the gearbox with the heavier 75W-140 synthetic gear oil until it weeps from the fill hole. Reinstall the fill plug with a new washer and torque it to spec. You’ve just completed one of the most important can am commander differential oil best practices.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Even a simple job can have pitfalls. Here are a few common issues and how to steer clear of them.

Using the Wrong Oil: This can cause overheating and premature wear. Triple-check your manual and use only API GL-5 synthetic gear oil of the correct viscosity.
Over/Under Filling: Too little oil starves the gears of lubrication. Too much can cause seals to blow out from pressure. Fill only until the oil is level with the bottom of the fill hole.
Stripped Plugs: This is a direct result of not using a torque wrench. The aluminum housings are soft. Be precise.
Forgetting New Washers: Reusing old crush washers is asking for a slow, messy leak. Spend the extra couple of bucks for new ones.

Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Commander Differential Oil

How often should I change my Commander’s differential oil?

Check your owner’s manual for the official interval. A good general rule is every 100 hours or 1,500 miles, or at least once a year. If you frequently ride in deep water, mud, or sand, you should change it much more often—perhaps every 25-50 hours.

Can I use the same oil in the front and rear differentials?

No. On most Can-Am models, the front and rear require different viscosity oils (75W-90 front, 75W-140 rear). Using the wrong weight can affect performance and protection. Always verify with your service manual.

What are the signs of low or bad differential oil?

The most common signs are whining, humming, or grinding noises from the front or rear of the machine, especially while turning or decelerating. You might also notice visible leaks around the differential seals or axles. If you suspect a problem, check the fluid level immediately.

Properly disposing of your used gear oil is a critical final step. It is considered hazardous waste. Never pour it down a drain or on the ground. The best practice is to pour the old oil back into the empty new oil bottles, seal them tightly, and take them to your local auto parts store, a quick lube shop, or a municipal recycling center. Most of these places accept used oil for free.

And there you have it. You’ve successfully serviced your Commander’s differentials, saving money and gaining invaluable experience. This simple task is fundamental to drivetrain health and ensures your machine is ready for whatever the trail throws at it.

Now, wipe down your tools, clean up your space, and go plan your next adventure. You’ve earned it. Ride hard, ride safe, and know that FatBoysOffroad has your back.

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.