You hop on your Can-Am Renegade, ready to tear up the trails. You turn the key, hit the start button, and instead of that satisfying engine roar, you’re met with a sickening GRIND or a high-pitched WHIRRR. The engine doesn’t turn over. Your heart sinks. It’s a sound that can ruin any off-roader’s day.
We’ve all been there. That awful noise is one of the most common—and frustrating—issues Renegade owners face. But don’t start pricing out a new starter or, worse, a new engine just yet. The culprit is very likely a small but mighty component: the can am renegade one way bearing.
Promise yourself you won’t throw a wrench across the garage. We promise to guide you through exactly what this part does, how to be 100% sure it’s the problem, and how you, the DIY enthusiast, can replace it yourself. This comprehensive guide will give you the confidence and the steps to get your machine firing up perfectly every time.
What Exactly is a Can-Am Renegade One Way Bearing (and Why Should You Care)?
Think of the one-way bearing, also known as a sprag clutch, as the handshake between your starter motor and your engine’s crankshaft. Its job is brilliantly simple but absolutely critical.
When you press the start button, the starter motor spins a gear that engages this bearing. The bearing locks in one direction, grabbing the flywheel and turning the crankshaft to start the engine. The moment the engine fires up and spins faster than the starter, the bearing instantly freewheels in the other direction, disengaging the starter motor.
Without it, two things could happen: either the starter would just spin without ever turning the engine over, or it would stay engaged after the engine starts, causing the engine to spin the starter motor at thousands of RPMs—a recipe for catastrophic failure. A healthy one-way bearing is one of the key benefits of a reliable Can-Am Renegade.
Diagnosing Common Problems with a Can Am Renegade One Way Bearing
Before you start tearing things apart, you need to be sure the one-way bearing is the problem. Luckily, the symptoms are usually quite distinct. This section of our can am renegade one way bearing guide will help you pinpoint the issue.
Telltale Sounds to Listen For
Your ears are your best diagnostic tool here. A failing one-way bearing typically makes one of a few nasty noises:
- A Loud Grinding or Clanking: This often happens if the bearing is trying to engage but is slipping violently. It sounds like metal gears chewing on each other.
- A High-Pitched Whirring: If the starter motor is spinning freely but the engine isn’t turning over, you’ll hear the starter whirring away at high speed. This means the bearing isn’t grabbing at all.
- An Intermittent “Clack”: Sometimes a failing bearing will try to catch, fail, then try again, creating a series of loud, sharp clacks.
The Classic “Starter Spins, Engine Doesn’t” Symptom
This is the most definitive sign. You can clearly hear the starter motor doing its job, but all that energy is going nowhere. The engine remains completely still. This tells you the connection between the starter and the engine—the one-way bearing—has failed.
When to Rule Out Other Culprits
To avoid a misdiagnosis, do a quick check on these components first:
- Weak Battery: A low battery might not have enough juice to turn the engine over, sometimes resulting in a “clicking” sound from the solenoid. Make sure your battery is fully charged and tested.
- Bad Starter Solenoid: If you hear a single, solid “click” when you hit the start button but nothing else, the solenoid might be the issue, not the bearing.
- Worn Starter Teeth: While less common, it’s possible the teeth on the starter or flywheel gear are worn down, but this usually presents with the grinding symptom more consistently.
Tools and Parts You’ll Need for the Job
Tackling this job requires a few specific tools. Having everything ready beforehand makes the process smooth and prevents you from getting stuck halfway through. Here are some can am renegade one way bearing tips for preparation.
Essential Tools Checklist
- A good quality socket set (metric)
- A reliable torque wrench
- An impact wrench (highly recommended for the flywheel nut)
- The most important tool: A dedicated flywheel puller for your Can-Am model. Do not try to use a jaw puller or pry on it!
- Oil drain pan
- Gasket scraper (plastic is best to avoid gouging surfaces)
- Brake cleaner or solvent for cleaning parts
- Blue Loctite (threadlocker)
Required Parts Checklist
- New OEM or high-quality aftermarket one-way starter bearing
- New flywheel cover/stator cover gasket
- Fresh engine oil (check your owner’s manual for the correct type and amount)
- New oil filter (since you’re draining the oil anyway)
How to Replace Your Can Am Renegade One Way Bearing: A Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, it’s time to get your hands dirty. This is a very manageable job if you are patient and methodical. Follow these steps on how to replace the can am renegade one way bearing for a successful repair.
Safety First: Before you begin, ensure the ATV is on a level surface, the engine is cool to the touch, and you have disconnected the negative terminal of the battery.
Prep and Drain Fluids
Place your oil drain pan under the engine and remove the drain plug. Let all the engine oil drain out completely. This is also a good time to remove any plastics, skid plates, or footwells that are blocking access to the left side of the engine (the stator cover side).
Remove the Flywheel Cover
Carefully unplug the stator wiring harness. Then, systematically remove the bolts holding the flywheel cover on. Keep track of them, as some might be different lengths. Gently tap the cover with a rubber mallet to break the seal, then pull it straight off. Be prepared for a little residual oil to drip out.
Remove the Flywheel Nut
You’ll now see the flywheel. In the center is a large nut holding it to the crankshaft. This is where an impact wrench is your best friend. Zip it off quickly. If you don’t have one, you may need a special flywheel holding tool to keep it from spinning while you use a breaker bar.
Pull the Flywheel (The Critical Step)
Take your model-specific flywheel puller. It will thread into the hub of the flywheel. Once it’s fully seated, tighten the center bolt of the puller. This will press against the crankshaft and safely “pop” the flywheel off the tapered shaft. Never, ever pry behind the flywheel or hit it with a hammer. You will damage the flywheel, stator, or even the crankshaft.
Inspect and Remove the Old Bearing
With the flywheel off, you can now access the one-way bearing. It’s typically bolted to the back of the flywheel. Inspect it for damage. You’ll likely see worn rollers or broken springs. Unbolt the old bearing and remove it.
Install the New One-Way Bearing
Clean the mounting surface on the flywheel with brake cleaner. Place the new bearing in position—pay close attention to its orientation! It is designed to lock in only one direction. Test it by hand before bolting it down. Apply a drop of blue Loctite to the bolt threads and torque them to the manufacturer’s specification.
Reassembly
Carefully slide the flywheel back onto the crankshaft, making sure the keyway is aligned. Clean the crankshaft threads and the flywheel nut, then install the nut and torque it to spec—this is a critical torque setting! Scrape off all old gasket material from both the engine case and the cover. Install your new gasket, place the cover back on, and tighten the bolts in a star pattern to ensure it seals evenly. Reconnect the stator wiring.
Final Steps
Reinstall the oil drain plug, put in a new oil filter, and fill the engine with the correct amount of fresh oil. Reconnect the battery. Turn the key, hold your breath, and hit the start button. You should be rewarded with a clean, crisp start!
Can Am Renegade One Way Bearing Best Practices and Care Guide
Replacing the bearing is one thing; making the new one last is another. Following these can am renegade one way bearing best practices will extend the life of your new part and your engine.
The Importance of Clean Oil
The one-way bearing is bathed in engine oil. Dirty, contaminated, or broken-down oil can cause the small rollers and springs inside the bearing to wear out or stick prematurely. Regular oil changes with high-quality oil are the best preventative maintenance you can do.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Maintenance
Part of being a responsible rider is responsible maintenance. A truly sustainable can am renegade one way bearing approach involves choosing high-quality parts that last longer, reducing waste. Always take your used oil and old metal parts to a certified recycling center for proper disposal. Don’t just toss them in the trash or dump oil on the ground.
Choose Quality Replacement Parts
While it can be tempting to buy the cheapest bearing you can find online, this is often a mistake. A low-quality bearing can fail quickly, leaving you right back where you started. Stick with OEM or reputable aftermarket brands known for their durability.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Can Am Renegade One Way Bearing
How long should a Can-Am one-way bearing last?
There’s no set mileage, as it depends heavily on riding conditions and maintenance. With regular oil changes and proper starting technique, a quality bearing can last for many years and thousands of miles. However, frequent water crossings or dusty environments can shorten its lifespan.
Can I still ride my Renegade if the one-way bearing is going bad?
We strongly advise against it. If the bearing is slipping, you risk getting stranded far from the trailhead. If it’s starting to seize or break apart, metal fragments could circulate in your engine oil, causing severe damage to other internal components.
What is the hardest part of replacing the one-way bearing?
Without a doubt, the most difficult and critical step for any DIYer is safely removing the flywheel. Attempting this job without the correct flywheel puller tool is the number one cause of damaged parts and a much more expensive repair bill.
How much does it cost to have a shop do this repair?
The part itself isn’t terribly expensive, typically ranging from $50 to $150. However, the repair is labor-intensive. You can expect a dealership or repair shop to charge anywhere from $300 to $600+ for the complete job, depending on their labor rates.
Fixing your can am renegade one way bearing is a deeply satisfying project that saves you a ton of money and connects you more closely with your machine. By following this guide, using the right tools, and taking your time, you’ve got this. That sweet sound of a perfectly starting engine is your reward.
Now, gear up, be safe, and get back out on those trails!
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