Can Am Commander Wheel Bearing Replacement

You’re bombing down your favorite trail, the engine is humming, and the suspension is soaking up the bumps. Suddenly, you hear it—a faint grinding or a low-pitched hum that changes with your speed. Or maybe you feel a slight wobble in the steering. Your heart sinks. That, my friend, is the classic tell-tale sign of a failing wheel bearing.

We’ve all been there. It’s a common wear-and-tear issue, especially for machines that see a lot of mud, water, and rough terrain. Ignoring it isn’t an option unless you enjoy the thought of a catastrophic failure miles from anywhere.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need to haul your rig to the dealer and pay a hefty bill. We promise this guide will give you the confidence and the know-how to tackle your can am commander wheel bearing replacement right in your own garage. We’ll walk you through diagnosing the problem, gathering the right tools, and the exact steps to get you back on the trail with a machine that feels solid, safe, and smooth.

Recognizing the Signs: When to Replace Your Commander’s Wheel Bearings

Before you start tearing things apart, you need to be certain the wheel bearing is the culprit. A bad bearing usually gives you a few clear warnings. Learning to spot them early is key to preventing a bigger, more expensive problem down the road.

Common symptoms include:

A Grinding or Humming Noise: This is the most common sign. The noise will typically get louder as you speed up and may change or disappear when you turn left or right, as the load shifts off the failing bearing.
Wheel Play or “Wobble”: The bearing’s job is to keep the wheel hub spinning smoothly and without any slop. When it wears out, it allows for movement that shouldn’t be there.
Vibration in the Steering: A failing front wheel bearing can sometimes transmit a subtle vibration through the steering wheel.

The “Wiggle Test”: A Quick and Easy Diagnosis

The best way to confirm a bad bearing is with a physical check. This is one of the most important can am commander wheel bearing replacement tips we can offer—diagnose before you buy parts.

First, make sure your Commander is parked on a solid, level surface. Using a floor jack, lift the suspect corner of the machine until the tire is off the ground. Crucially, place a sturdy jack stand under the frame or a solid suspension point. Never work on a vehicle supported only by a jack.

Now, grab the tire at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions. Try to wiggle it by pushing with one hand and pulling with the other. If you feel any clunking or significant play, your wheel bearing is likely shot. You can also grab it at 3 and 9 o’clock to double-check.

Benefits of Can Am Commander Wheel Bearing Replacement (And the Risks of Ignoring It)

Putting off this job might seem tempting, but the benefits of can am commander wheel bearing replacement go far beyond just silencing an annoying noise. It’s a matter of performance, safety, and preventing a chain reaction of damage.

By replacing a worn bearing, you will:

Restore Safety and Control: A tight, solid bearing ensures your wheel stays where it’s supposed to, giving you predictable handling and steering response.
Prevent Further Damage: A completely failed bearing can destroy your hub, knuckle, and even your axle. A $50 bearing job can quickly turn into a $500+ repair if neglected.
Enjoy a Smoother, Quieter Ride: You’ll be amazed at how much quieter and smoother your Commander feels with fresh bearings.
Gain Peace of Mind: Knowing your machine is in top shape lets you push it harder on the trail without worrying about a major breakdown.

The High Cost of Procrastination

A wheel bearing that fails completely on the trail can be disastrous. At best, you’re stranded. At worst, the wheel can separate from the vehicle, leading to a serious accident. This isn’t a repair you want to put on the back burner.

Gearing Up: Tools and Parts You’ll Need

A successful job starts with having everything you need laid out and ready to go. This isn’t the time for mid-project runs to the auto parts store. This is a core part of any good can am commander wheel bearing replacement guide.

Essential Parts

Wheel Bearing Kit: We recommend buying a full kit which usually includes the bearing and any necessary seals. Brands like All Balls Racing or Pivot Works offer quality aftermarket options, or you can stick with BRP OEM parts.
New Cotter Pin: Never reuse an old cotter pin for the axle nut. It’s cheap insurance.
High-Temperature Grease: For lubricating the axle splines and other components during reassembly.

Must-Have Tools

Safety Gear: Safety glasses and gloves are non-negotiable.
Jacks and Stands: A good floor jack and a pair of heavy-duty jack stands.
Socket Set and Breaker Bar: You’ll need a range of metric sockets, including a large axle nut socket (typically 30mm or larger, check your model). A long breaker bar is essential for the axle nut.
Torque Wrench: Absolutely critical for reassembly. Do not guess the torque on your axle nut or lug nuts.
Snap Ring Pliers: You will need these to remove the circlip that holds the bearing in the knuckle.
Bearing Press: The “right” way to do this is with a hydraulic shop press. However, many DIYers have success with a large bench vise or a heavy-duty C-clamp and a collection of large sockets or bearing drivers to press the old bearing out and the new one in.
Miscellaneous: A hammer, a punch or drift, a wire brush, and a can of brake cleaner.

The Complete How To Can Am Commander Wheel Bearing Replacement: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty. This is the heart of the process. Take your time, stay organized, and focus on one step at a time. Safety first, always.

Secure the Vehicle: Park on level ground and chock the wheels that will remain on the ground. Use your breaker bar to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you’re working on before you lift the vehicle.
Lift and Support: Use your floor jack on a designated lift point and raise the Commander. Securely place a jack stand under the frame. Remove the lug nuts and the wheel.
Disassemble the Brakes: Unbolt the two bolts holding the brake caliper to the knuckle. Slide the caliper off the rotor. Do not let the caliper hang by its brake hose. Use a bungee cord or a piece of wire to hang it from the A-arm or frame. Now, pull the brake rotor straight off the hub.
Remove the Axle Nut: Pull out the old cotter pin and remove the castle nut cap. Using your large socket and breaker bar, remove the main axle nut. It will be tight.
Remove the Knuckle Assembly: Now you need to separate the entire knuckle/hub assembly. This involves disconnecting the upper and lower ball joints from the A-arms and the tie rod end. Remove the cotter pins, loosen the castle nuts (but don’t fully remove them yet), and then give the knuckle a sharp rap with a hammer near the joint to pop it loose. Once loose, you can remove the nuts and slide the entire assembly off the axle shaft.
Press Out the Old Bearing: This is where things get serious. First, locate and remove the large snap ring on the inside of the knuckle that retains the bearing. Now, using your shop press or heavy-duty vise method, press the old hub out of the bearing. Then, flip the knuckle over and press the old bearing out of the knuckle. Support the knuckle properly to avoid cracking it.
Clean and Inspect: This is a critical step. Use a wire brush and brake cleaner to scrub the inside of the knuckle bore until it’s perfectly clean. Inspect it for any deep scratches, gouges, or cracks. A damaged knuckle will not hold a new bearing correctly.
Install the New Bearing: Here’s a pro tip: put your new bearing in the freezer for about 30 minutes before installation. The cold shrinks the metal ever so slightly. Get your press ready, making sure you have a driver or socket that matches the diameter of the outer race of the new bearing. Never press on the inner race or the seal, as you will destroy the new bearing. Press it in slowly and evenly until it is fully seated against the lip inside the knuckle.
Reinstall the Snap Ring: Install the new snap ring, ensuring it clicks securely into its groove all the way around. This is what keeps the bearing from walking out.
Press the Hub In: Flip the knuckle over and carefully press the hub back into the new bearing. For this step, you must support the inner race of the bearing from behind to avoid blowing the new bearing apart.
Reassembly: The hard part is over! Reinstall the knuckle assembly onto the ball joints and tie rod. Slide it back onto the axle splines. Reinstall the axle washer and axle nut.
Torque to Spec: This is one of the most important can am commander wheel bearing replacement best practices. Use your torque wrench to tighten the axle nut to the manufacturer’s specification (check your service manual). Do not overtighten! Install the castle nut cap and a new cotter pin. Reinstall the brake rotor, caliper, and wheel. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the proper torque.

Post-Replacement: Your Can Am Commander Wheel Bearing Replacement Care Guide

You’re not quite done yet. A little post-job care ensures everything is working perfectly and will last for many miles to come.

The Break-In Drive

Take your Commander for a slow, short test drive around the block or on a smooth dirt road. Listen carefully for any new noises and pay attention to how the steering feels. Everything should be quiet and tight.

Re-Check Your Work

After about 20-30 miles of riding, it’s a great idea to bring it back into the shop. Re-check the torque on your lug nuts. Safely jack it up again and perform the “wiggle test” to confirm there is zero play in your new bearing. This final check gives you ultimate peace of mind.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices

Part of being a responsible DIYer is handling waste properly. The old steel bearing can be recycled with other scrap metal. Use shop towels to wipe up any old grease or spilled brake cleaner and dispose of them according to your local regulations, rather than washing contaminants down the drain. This is a simple step for a more eco-friendly can am commander wheel bearing replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Commander Wheel Bearing Replacement

How long do Can-Am Commander wheel bearings last?

There’s no set lifespan. It depends entirely on your riding style and conditions. A machine that sees a lot of deep mud and water crossings will go through bearings much faster than one that only sees dry, dusty trails. Regular inspection is more important than a mileage number.

Can I replace just one wheel bearing?

Yes, you can. However, wheel bearings are often exposed to the same conditions, so if one side has failed, the other side may not be far behind. Many mechanics follow the best practice of replacing them in pairs (both fronts or both rears) to ensure even performance and save time later.

What are some common problems with can am commander wheel bearing replacement?

The most common problem is damaging the new bearing during installation by pressing on the wrong race or hitting it with a hammer. Another issue is not cleaning the knuckle properly, which can cause the new bearing to not sit straight, leading to premature failure.

Do I absolutely need a hydraulic press for this job?

A press makes the job infinitely easier and safer for the parts. However, it can be done without one using a large, high-quality bench vise and the correct size sockets or drivers. This method requires more care and patience to ensure the bearing goes in straight.

Tackling your own can am commander wheel bearing replacement is a hugely rewarding project. You not only save a significant amount of money, but you also gain a deeper understanding of your machine. You build the confidence to handle trailside repairs and the satisfaction of a job done right.

Take your time, prioritize safety, and use the right tools. Before you know it, that annoying grind will be replaced by the sweet sound of your engine and tires on the trail.

Now get out there, stay safe, and enjoy the ride you just earned!

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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.