There’s nothing more frustrating—or potentially dangerous—than a sticky or failed throttle on your kid’s ATV. You hit the thumb throttle on the Can-Am DS 70, and it hesitates, feels gritty, or worse, doesn’t snap back instantly. That laggy response not only kills the fun but is a major safety concern every parent and rider worries about.
I promise, you don’t have to settle for that stock cable that seems destined to stretch, fray, and fail. With the right parts and a little bit of garage time, you can perform a can am ds 70 throttle cable upgrade that dramatically improves throttle response, reliability, and overall safety.
In this guide from the experts at FatBoysOffroad, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the clear benefits of an upgrade, the tools you’ll need, a detailed step-by-step installation process, and crucial post-install checks to ensure your DS 70 is safer and more responsive than ever.
Why Bother with a Can-Am DS 70 Throttle Cable Upgrade?
You might be thinking, “It’s just a cable, right?” But on a youth ATV, this single component is critical for both performance and safety. The stock cables are built to a price point and often lack the durability needed for the mud, water, and repeated use that off-roading demands.
Here are the real-world benefits of can am ds 70 throttle cable upgrade that you’ll notice immediately:
- Smoother, More Responsive Throttle: Upgraded cables often feature a nylon or Teflon liner, reducing friction to almost zero. This means a buttery-smooth feel at the thumb lever and an instant response from the engine.
- Enhanced Safety: The number one reason for this upgrade. A high-quality, properly routed cable drastically reduces the risk of a stuck or hung throttle, which can happen if a frayed cable binds in its housing.
- Increased Durability: Aftermarket upgrade cables are typically built with stronger materials, like braided stainless steel housings and heavy-duty wire. They resist stretching, kinking, and internal fraying far better than OEM parts.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you’ve installed a robust, reliable component gives you confidence that the machine is as safe as it can be for its rider. This is one of the best sustainable can am ds 70 throttle cable upgrade choices you can make, as it lasts longer and reduces future repairs.
Gearing Up: Tools and Parts You’ll Need
Before you start tearing into the plastics, let’s get organized. Having everything ready makes the job go faster and prevents you from getting stuck halfway through. This isn’t a complex job, but the right tools make all the difference.
Essential Tools
You likely have most of these in your toolbox already. No need for anything highly specialized here.
- Socket set and/or wrench set (typically 8mm, 10mm)
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Needle-nose pliers
- Wire cutters or snips (for zip ties)
- New zip ties
- Cable lubricant and a cable luber tool (optional but highly recommended)
- Shop rags
Choosing the Right Upgrade Cable
Not all aftermarket cables are created equal. Look for a cable specifically designed as an upgrade for the Can-Am DS 70. Here’s what to look for:
- Lined Housing: A cable with a Teflon or nylon inner liner is the gold standard. It provides a low-friction surface that the inner wire glides on, ensuring a smooth pull and snap-back return.
- Quality Construction: Look for brands known for quality, like Motion Pro or All Balls Racing. Their cables often feature longitudinally-wound (LW) housing that resists compression and kinking.
- Proper Seals: Good cables have rubber boots and seals at the ends to keep dirt and water out of the housing, which is the primary cause of cable failure. This contributes to a more eco-friendly can am ds 70 throttle cable upgrade by extending the part’s life.
The Step-by-Step Can Am DS 70 Throttle Cable Upgrade Guide
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty. This process should take about an hour if you take your time and follow the steps carefully. We’ll start at the handlebars and work our way back to the carburetor.
Safety First & Preparation
Park the ATV on level ground and ensure the engine is cool. For safety, it’s always a good practice to disconnect the negative terminal on the battery. This prevents any accidental starts.
Access the Throttle Housing and Carburetor
You’ll need to remove some of the plastic bodywork to access the cable’s full path. Typically, this involves removing the seat and the front plastics or fender assembly that covers the frame and engine. Take photos as you go if you’re worried about remembering where screws go.
Disconnect the Cable at the Handlebars
Locate the throttle housing on the right handlebar. There are usually two Phillips head screws on the bottom. Loosen them until you can split the housing open. Carefully note how the cable end (a small metal barrel) sits in the thumb lever. You can now slide the barrel out and free the cable from the housing.
Disconnect the Cable at the Carburetor
Follow the old cable down to the carburetor. You’ll see a black plastic or metal cap on top of the carb where the cable enters. Unscrew this cap. As you pull it up, the entire throttle slide and needle assembly will come out with it. Be careful not to bend the long, thin needle. Compress the spring, and you’ll see how the cable’s barrel end slots into the slide. Unhook it to free the cable completely.
Remove the Old Cable (The Smart Way)
Here’s a pro tip and one of the most important can am ds 70 throttle cable upgrade best practices: do not just yank the old cable out. The way it’s routed through the frame is important. Take a few new zip ties and loosely attach the new cable to the old one at a few points. Now, as you gently pull the old cable out from one end, it will perfectly guide the new cable into the exact same path. This saves a massive headache.
Install the New Cable
Once the new cable is routed, connect it in the reverse order of removal. Start at the carburetor: compress the spring on the slide, insert the cable’s barrel end, and carefully lower the slide back into the carburetor body, ensuring the needle goes in straight. Screw the cap on securely. Then, connect the other end to the thumb throttle lever and reassemble the housing.
CRUCIAL: Adjust and Test for Safety
Your new cable will need adjustment. Locate the inline adjuster—a threaded barrel, usually covered by a rubber boot, somewhere along the cable’s length. You’re aiming for a tiny bit of free play in the thumb lever before it starts pulling the cable—about 1/8 inch of movement is perfect.
With the engine OFF, test the throttle. It should feel smooth and, most importantly, snap back crisply when you let go. Now, turn the handlebars all the way to the left and test it again. Then turn them all the way to the right and test. If the engine RPM changes (or would change if it were running) when you turn the bars, the cable is routed incorrectly or is too tight. This is a serious safety issue that must be fixed before riding.
Post-Installation Checks and Care Guide
You’ve done the hard part! But a little follow-up ensures your upgrade lasts. This can am ds 70 throttle cable upgrade care guide is simple but effective.
After the first ride, give the cable’s free play another check. New cables can have a tiny bit of initial stretch, and a quick readjustment might be needed.
Periodically (every few months or after a very wet/muddy ride), use a cable luber tool to force a quality cable lubricant down the housing. This pushes out any moisture or grit that may have worked its way in, keeping that smooth feel you paid for.
Troubleshooting Common Problems with Can Am DS 70 Throttle Cable Upgrade
Even with the best guide, things can sometimes go sideways. Here are a few common hiccups and how to fix them.
Throttle is Sticking or Not Returning Smoothly
This is often a routing issue. Check the entire length of the cable for any sharp bends, kinks, or places where it might be pinched by the plastics or zip-tied too tightly to the frame. A smooth, gentle arc is what you want.
Too Much Slack in the Throttle Lever
If the thumb lever feels sloppy, you have too much free play. Use the inline adjuster to remove the slack. Unscrew the adjuster barrel to effectively lengthen the housing, which tightens the inner wire. Aim for that 1/8 inch of play and no more.
Engine Revs When Turning the Handlebars
This is a classic sign the cable is being pulled tight when the bars are turned. It’s almost always caused by improper routing. The cable is likely caught on something or is taking too direct of a path. You must re-route it to have enough slack to accommodate the full range of motion of the handlebars.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Can Am DS 70 Throttle Cable Upgrade
How often should I inspect my DS 70 throttle cable?
A quick check should be part of your pre-ride inspection every time. Check for smooth operation and proper snap-back. A more thorough inspection for fraying (near the ends) and proper lubrication should be done every 6 months or so, depending on riding conditions.
Can I use a universal throttle cable for my DS 70?
We strongly advise against it. While it might be possible to make one work, universal cables often require custom-fit ends and may not have the correct “throw” (the distance the inner wire travels). A model-specific upgrade cable is the safest and easiest solution.
What’s the real difference between an OEM and an aftermarket upgrade cable?
The primary differences are materials and construction. Aftermarket upgrades, like those from Motion Pro, use superior inner liners (like Teflon) for less friction and stronger outer housings that resist kinking and compression, leading to a longer life and better performance.
Do I need to lubricate a brand new, Teflon-lined cable?
While Teflon-lined cables are “low friction,” they are not “no friction.” A light lubrication with a Teflon-safe cable lube during installation is a great practice. It helps protect against any moisture that gets inside and ensures the longest possible service life.
Completing a can am ds 70 throttle cable upgrade is one of the most satisfying and impactful DIY jobs you can do. You’re not just replacing a part; you’re installing safety, reliability, and better performance.
Take your time, follow the steps, and double-check your work. The result will be a safer machine and a more confident rider. Now get out there and hit the trails!
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