You’re bombing down a steep, muddy hill, and you let off the throttle, expecting that familiar engine braking to kick in and control your descent. Instead, you get nothing—just a freewheeling sensation that sends your heart into your throat. Or maybe you hit the start button, only to be met with a nasty grinding sound or a high-pitched whir that does nothing to turn the engine over. Sound familiar?
You’ve likely come face-to-face with a failed one-way bearing. This small but mighty component is the unsung hero of your Can-Am’s starting and engine braking system. When it goes bad, it doesn’t just create annoying noises; it creates a serious safety hazard and can leave you stranded.
The good news? You can absolutely tackle this job yourself. We promise this comprehensive guide will give you the confidence, knowledge, and pro tips to perform a can am outlander one way bearing replacement right in your own garage. We’ll preview the symptoms to look for, the tools you’ll need, and a detailed, step-by-step process to get your machine back to peak performance.
What is a Can-Am Outlander One-Way Bearing and Why Does It Matter?
Before we tear into the machine, let’s understand what we’re fixing. Think of the one-way bearing as a highly specialized clutch. It’s designed to grab and engage in one direction of rotation but spin freely in the opposite direction.
This simple mechanism is critical for two major functions on your Outlander:
- The Starting System: When you press the start button, the starter motor spins the one-way bearing. The bearing engages the flywheel, which in turn rotates the crankshaft and starts the engine. Once the engine is running faster than the starter, the bearing freewheels, protecting your starter from being spun to death.
- The Engine Braking System (EBS): When you’re coasting or decelerating, the momentum of the wheels keeps the clutches spinning. The one-way bearing engages, connecting the clutch back to the engine and using its compression to slow you down. This is the engine braking you rely on for controlled descents.
A failed bearing compromises both of these systems. It’s not just an inconvenience; it’s a critical component for both safety and reliability on the trail.
Telltale Signs Your One-Way Bearing is Failing
Your Can-Am will usually give you a few warnings before the one-way bearing completely gives up. Catching these signs early can prevent further damage to more expensive parts like the flywheel or starter. This is the first step in any good can am outlander one way bearing replacement guide.
Audible Warnings
The most common indicators are noises coming from the clutch side of the engine (usually the left side on an Outlander). Listen for a distinct grinding, clicking, or loud whirring sound, especially when you first hit the starter or right after the engine fires up. The sound might also appear when you let off the gas at speed.
Performance Problems
Pay attention to how your machine behaves. A failing bearing directly impacts performance and is a major red flag.
- Loss of Engine Braking: This is the big one. If your ATV suddenly freewheels down hills when it used to slow itself down, the one-way bearing is almost certainly the culprit. This is a massive safety issue that needs immediate attention.
- Starting Issues: Does the starter motor just spin without turning the engine over? Do you hear a “zing” or freewheeling sound instead of the engine cranking? This indicates the bearing isn’t engaging the flywheel correctly.
- Violent Starter Kickback: In some cases, a failing bearing can cause the starter to kick back harshly, which can damage the starter gear or the engine case itself.
Tools and Parts You’ll Need for the Job
Walking into a job with the right gear is half the battle. Trying to improvise on this particular task can lead to broken parts and a much bigger headache. Gather everything on this list before you turn the first bolt.
Essential Parts
- New One-Way Bearing: We strongly recommend an OEM BRP part or a reputable aftermarket bearing from a brand like All Balls Racing. This isn’t a part you want to cheap out on.
- New CVT Cover Gasket: Never reuse the old one. A fresh gasket ensures a perfect seal to keep water and dust out of your clutches.
- Brake Cleaner & Shop Rags: You’ll need these for cleaning tapered shafts and clutch faces.
- Assembly Lube or Engine Oil: For properly lubricating the new bearing upon installation.
Required Tools
- Metric Socket Set & Ratchets
- Torque Wrench: This is non-negotiable for reassembly. The flywheel and clutch bolt torque specs are critical.
- Impact Wrench (highly recommended)
- Can-Am Primary Clutch Puller Tool: You cannot do this job without the correct puller for your model year.
- Flywheel Puller: Another specialty tool that is essential for removing the flywheel to access the bearing.
- Strap Wrench or Clutch Holding Tool
- Safety Glasses & Mechanic’s Gloves
Your Step-by-Step Can-Am Outlander One-Way Bearing Replacement Guide
Alright, you’ve diagnosed the problem and gathered your tools. It’s time to get our hands dirty. This section covers how to can am outlander one way bearing replacement from start to finish. Work slowly, stay organized, and always prioritize safety.
Safety First: Ensure the ATV is on a level surface, in park, with the parking brake set. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before you begin.
Step 1: Access the CVT System
Your first task is to get to the clutches. This typically involves removing the left side plastics, the floorboard/footwell, and any interfering brackets. Once clear, remove all the 8mm or 10mm bolts around the perimeter of the black plastic CVT cover and carefully pry it off.
Step 2: Remove the Primary Clutch
The primary clutch is the one at the front, connected to the engine’s crankshaft. Use your impact wrench to remove the long center bolt. Now, grab your primary clutch puller. Thread it into the clutch by hand until it stops, then use a ratchet or wrench to tighten it. It will take significant force, but it will eventually “pop” the clutch off the tapered crankshaft. Do not use a hammer or a jaw-puller here!
Step 3: Remove the Inner Cover and Flywheel
With the primary clutch off, you can now see the inner aluminum clutch housing. Remove all the bolts holding it to the engine case and set it aside. This will expose the flywheel (sometimes called a magneto). Remove the center nut, then thread your flywheel puller onto the flywheel hub and tighten the center bolt to pop it off the crankshaft, just like you did with the clutch.
Step 4: Inspect and Replace the Bearing
The one-way bearing is located on the back of the flywheel you just removed. It’s usually held in place by a plate and a few small bolts. Remove them and the old bearing will come right out. Now is a great time to inspect the housing for any scoring or damage. Clean the area thoroughly with brake cleaner.
Step 5: Install the New Bearing and Reassemble
Lightly oil your new one-way bearing. Pay close attention to its orientation! It must be installed in the correct direction to function. Test it by hand before bolting it in—it should spin freely one way and lock up in the other. Reinstall the retainer plate and bolts.
From here, the process is the reverse of removal. Slide the flywheel back onto the crankshaft (it’s keyed, so it only goes on one way). Use your torque wrench to tighten the flywheel nut to the manufacturer’s specification. Reinstall the inner housing, then the primary clutch. Again, use the torque wrench on that main clutch bolt. This is one of the most important steps in our list of can am outlander one way bearing replacement best practices.
Step 6: Final Checks
Clean both mating surfaces of the CVT housing and install your new gasket. Reinstall the plastic CVT cover, footwell, and plastics. Reconnect your battery. Start the machine and listen for any unusual noises. Test the engine braking in a safe, low-speed area to confirm the repair was successful.
Common Problems and Best Practices for a Smooth Replacement
Even with a good guide, you can hit a snag. Here are some common problems with can am outlander one way bearing replacement and tips to avoid them.
The Stuck Clutch or Flywheel
Sometimes, a clutch or flywheel can be extremely stubborn. If it doesn’t pop off, double-check that you are using the correct puller tool. You can apply more pressure, and a firm tap on the head of the puller tool with a mallet can sometimes help shock it loose. Never hit the clutch itself.
The Importance of Torque Specs
We can’t stress this enough. The torque values for the flywheel nut and the primary clutch bolt are engineered to be precise. Under-tightening can cause the part to come loose and destroy your crankshaft. Over-tightening can stretch the bolt or damage the threads. Look up the specs for your specific model and use your torque wrench.
A Note on Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Replacement
Being a responsible DIYer includes managing your waste. A key part of a sustainable can am outlander one way bearing replacement is proper disposal. Take your old metal parts to a scrap metal recycler. Collect any used brake cleaner or fluids in a sealed container and take it to your local hazardous waste disposal facility. Using high-quality parts that last longer also reduces future waste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am One-Way Bearing Replacement
How long does a Can-Am one-way bearing last?
There’s no set lifespan. A bearing can last for thousands of miles with gentle use. However, frequent water and mud riding, aggressive engine braking, or high-horsepower modifications can cause it to wear out much faster. Regular CVT maintenance is part of a good can am outlander one way bearing replacement care guide to extend its life.
Can I ride my Outlander with a bad one-way bearing?
We strongly advise against it. If the bearing is failing for engine braking, you are operating the machine without a key safety feature. If it’s failing for starting, it can grenade and send metal fragments through your engine, causing catastrophic damage.
Should I use an OEM or aftermarket one-way bearing?
Both can be good options. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts guarantee a perfect fit and function as the engineers intended. High-quality aftermarket brands often claim to use stronger materials, which can be beneficial for modified or hard-ridden machines. Avoid cheap, no-name bearings at all costs.
Tackling your own can am outlander one way bearing replacement is an incredibly rewarding project. It saves you a significant amount of money on labor costs and gives you a deeper understanding of how your machine works. The key takeaways are simple: use the correct specialty tools, clean every part meticulously, and always use a torque wrench for reassembly.
By following this guide, you’ve addressed one of the most common failure points on these ATVs and restored the safety and reliability you depend on. Now get those tools out, work with confidence, and we’ll see you back on the trails. Ride safe!
- 2018 Honda Accord Tire Size – The Ultimate Guide To Perfect Fit, - December 18, 2025
- 2012 Honda Accord Fuse Box Diagram – Your Ultimate Guide To DIY - December 18, 2025
- 2013 Honda Accord Fuse Box Diagram – Your Essential Guide To - December 18, 2025