We’ve all heard it. That nagging squeak from the A-arms every time the suspension compresses. That slight groan from the steering stem on a tight turn. These are the tell-tale sounds of a thirsty machine, an ATV begging for one of the most crucial, yet often overlooked, maintenance tasks: a proper grease job. You agree that keeping your rig running smoothly is a top priority, right?
Well, you’re in the right place. We promise this guide will cut through the confusion and give you the confidence to service your machine like a seasoned pro. We’ll demystify the entire process, from creating a bulletproof service schedule to mastering the technique itself.
This comprehensive how often to grease can am outlander care guide will walk you through why it’s so important, the real-world service intervals you should follow, the exact tools you’ll need, and a step-by-step walkthrough to get the job done right. Let’s get those hands dirty and keep your Outlander conquering trails, not collecting dust.
Why Greasing Your Can-Am Outlander is Non-Negotiable
Before we grab the grease gun, let’s talk about the why. Understanding the purpose behind the process transforms it from a chore into a vital part of protecting your investment. The benefits of a consistent greasing schedule are massive, impacting everything from performance to your wallet.
Prevents Premature Wear on Bushings and Bearings
Your Outlander’s suspension and steering systems are a network of moving metal parts. Pivot points, like those in your A-arms and steering knuckles, rely on bushings and bearings to allow for smooth, controlled movement. Without a protective layer of grease, you get metal-on-metal contact.
This friction rapidly wears down components, leading to sloppy steering, poor suspension performance, and eventually, total failure. Grease acts as a sacrificial, lubricating barrier that takes the abuse so your expensive hard parts don’t have to.
Creates a Water and Debris Barrier
Think of grease as your ATV’s first line of defense against the elements. When you pump fresh grease into a zerk fitting, you’re not just lubricating; you’re also pushing out old, contaminated grease, and with it, any water, mud, sand, and grit that has worked its way in.
A joint packed with fresh, high-quality grease creates a seal that makes it much harder for these contaminants to penetrate in the first place. This is especially critical for those of us who love finding the deepest mud hole on the trail.
Ensures Smooth Suspension and Steering Operation
A well-lubricated machine is a joy to ride. You’ll notice the difference immediately. The suspension will cycle smoothly through its travel without binding, and the handlebars will turn effortlessly from lock to lock.
This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about control and safety. A suspension that can react quickly and predictably to terrain changes is essential for maintaining traction and stability, especially at speed or on challenging off-road sections.
Saves You Money on Costly Repairs
Let’s be blunt: a tube of grease and a grease gun are infinitely cheaper than replacing A-arms, ball joints, wheel bearings, or tie rod ends. A few minutes of preventative maintenance every few rides can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in parts and labor down the line.
This is one of the best examples of “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” in the world of powersports maintenance.
The Official vs. The Real-World: How Often to Grease Can-Am Outlander
This is the core question, and the answer isn’t a simple “every X hours.” Your owner’s manual provides a baseline, but the real answer depends entirely on how and where you ride. Here are some how often to grease can am outlander tips based on real-world experience.
BRP’s Official Recommendation (The Baseline)
Most Can-Am owner’s manuals suggest greasing all fittings at every major service interval, which can be as long as every 100 hours or 1,200 miles for casual use. They also add a crucial note: service more frequently if you ride in severe conditions like water and mud.
Consider this the absolute minimum. For the vast majority of riders, this is not nearly frequent enough to ensure maximum longevity of your components.
The FatBoysOffroad “Real-World” Schedule
We believe in proactive maintenance. Waiting for a squeak is waiting too long. We recommend tailoring your greasing schedule to your riding style for the best results.
- For the Casual Trail Rider: If you stick to dry, dusty trails and avoid deep water, a thorough greasing every 20-25 hours of ride time is a solid plan.
- For the Aggressive Mud/Water Rider: This is where things get serious. If your rides involve deep water crossings, thick mud, or frequent pressure washing, you need to be much more diligent. The best practice is to grease your machine after every single wet or muddy ride. Water is the #1 enemy of your bearings and bushings.
- For the Hard-Working Utility User: If you use your Outlander for plowing snow, hauling heavy loads, or daily farm work, your machine is under constant stress. A good schedule for you is every 15-20 hours of work, paying special attention to pivot points that see the most load.
Pro Tip: A great rule of thumb is to make greasing part of your post-ride cleanup routine. After you wash your ATV, let it dry, and then hit all the zerks. This ensures you’re pushing out any water that may have been forced in during the wash.
Tools and Supplies: Getting Ready for the Job
Having the right gear makes this job quick, clean, and effective. You don’t need a professional shop, just a few key items. This is one of the most important parts of the how often to grease can am outlander guide.
The Right Grease Gun
Your primary tool will be a standard grease gun. You have two main choices:
- Pistol-Grip Gun: This allows for easy one-handed operation, which is fantastic for reaching awkward fittings while holding a rag with your other hand. Highly recommended for DIY use.
- Lever-Action Gun: These can sometimes deliver more pressure per stroke but require two hands to operate, which can be cumbersome in tight spaces.
Whatever you choose, get one with a flexible hose attachment. It’s nearly impossible to reach all the zerks on an Outlander with a solid metal tube.
Choosing the Best Grease
Not all grease is created equal. The grease you use in your truck’s ball joints might not be the best choice for your ATV. You need a high-quality grease that is resistant to water washout.
We strongly recommend a premium, waterproof marine-grade grease. Look for a lithium complex or calcium sulfonate based grease. These are designed to repel water and stay put under the harsh conditions your Outlander will face. Brands like Lucas Oil Marine Grease, Mobil 1 Synthetic Grease, or Bel-Ray Waterproof Grease are all excellent choices.
Essential Extras
- Shop Rags or Paper Towels: You’ll need plenty for cleaning zerks and wiping up excess grease.
- Brake Cleaner or Degreaser: For cleaning dirty, clogged zerk fittings.
- Zerk Fitting Cleaner Tool (Optional): A handy little tool that uses impact to clear stubborn blockages in a zerk.
- Small Pick or Screwdriver: Useful for cleaning out the recessed area around a zerk fitting before you attach the grease gun.
Step-by-Step: How to How Often to Grease Can-Am Outlander
Alright, let’s get to it. Follow these steps for a perfect grease job every time. This is where we apply the how often to grease can am outlander best practices.
Step 1: Prep and Safety First
Park your Outlander on a level surface. For best results, it helps to get the wheels off the ground using a suitable ATV lift or jack stands. This unloads the suspension, allowing grease to penetrate the pivot points more easily. Ensure the machine is stable before you start working on it.
Step 2: Locating All the Grease Zerks
This is the scavenger hunt part of the job. Zerk fittings are small metal nipples where the grease gun attaches. On a Can-Am Outlander, you’ll typically find them on:
- Upper and lower A-arm pivot points (where they attach to the frame)
- Steering knuckles / Ball joints (where the A-arms attach to the wheel hub assembly)
- Tie rod ends
- Driveshaft U-joints (you may need to rotate the wheels to see these)
- Rear suspension knuckles and pivot points
Your owner’s manual is your best friend here. It will have a diagram showing the location of every single zerk fitting on your specific model and year.
Step 3: Cleaning the Zerk Fittings
This is a critical step! Do not skip it. Each zerk fitting will be covered in dirt, mud, and old grease. If you attach your grease gun without cleaning it first, you will force all that grit and grime directly into your sensitive bearings and bushings, doing more harm than good.
Use a rag and some brake cleaner to wipe each zerk meticulously clean before you proceed.
Step 4: The Proper Greasing Technique
Firmly press the coupler of your grease gun onto the zerk fitting. It should “snap” into place. Now, begin to pump the handle slowly and deliberately. You are watching for one of two things:
- You see fresh, new grease begin to seep out from the seals of the bushing or joint.
- You feel firm resistance on the grease gun handle, indicating the joint is full.
Once you see fresh grease, stop. Usually, 2-4 pumps is sufficient for a joint that is regularly maintained. Don’t go crazy and pump 10 times, as this can blow out the rubber seals.
Step 5: Wiping Up the Excess
Use your shop rags to wipe away all the old, dirty grease that was pushed out, as well as any excess new grease. This keeps your machine clean and prevents dirt from sticking to the fresh grease.
For a more sustainable how often to grease can am outlander approach, dispose of your greasy rags properly. Don’t leave them on the trail or throw them in the regular trash where oils can leach into the environment. Many auto parts stores and local waste facilities accept used oil and greasy rags for recycling.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Even a simple job can have its hiccups. Here’s how to handle some common problems with how often to grease can am outlander maintenance.
The Zerk Won’t Take Grease: What to Do
This is a common issue. It usually means the fitting is clogged with hardened old grease or dirt. First, try pushing the small ball bearing at the tip of the zerk in with a small pick to see if it’s just stuck. If that doesn’t work, you can try a zerk cleaner tool or simply unscrew the old zerk fitting with a wrench and install a new one. They are very inexpensive.
I Pumped Too Much Grease: Is it a Problem?
In most cases, it’s not a catastrophe. The excess grease will just get pushed out. The main risk is damaging the rubber dust boot or seal that protects the joint. If you see a seal has “ballooned” or popped off, you’ve used too much pressure. Just wipe up the excess and be a little gentler next time.
Spotting a Bad Bushing or Bearing
Greasing is also a great time to inspect your machine. While the wheels are off the ground, grab the top and bottom of a tire and try to wiggle it. If you feel any significant play or hear a clunking noise, it’s a sign of a worn ball joint or wheel bearing that grease alone can no longer save. It’s time for a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Greasing a Can-Am Outlander
Can I use the same grease for my Outlander that I use for my truck?
You can, but it’s not ideal. The best choice is a dedicated marine-grade grease due to its superior water resistance. ATVs live in a much wetter and dirtier environment than most road-going vehicles, so they need that extra protection.
What happens if I never grease my ATV?
Neglecting this service will lead to a cascade of failures. First, you’ll hear squeaking. Then, your suspension and steering will feel loose and sloppy. Finally, components like A-arm bushings, ball joints, and bearings will fail completely, leading to a very expensive repair bill and a potentially unsafe riding condition.
How many grease zerks are on a Can-Am Outlander?
The exact number varies significantly by model, year, and trim level (e.g., a base model vs. an XMR). It can range from as few as 8 to more than 20. Your owner’s manual is the only definitive source for your specific machine.
Is it better to grease the suspension with the wheels on or off the ground?
It is always better to grease the suspension with the wheels off the ground. This unloads the weight from the bushings and joints, creating a small amount of space that allows the new grease to penetrate fully and evenly around the entire component.
Mastering this simple maintenance task is one of the most empowering things you can do as an owner. It connects you with your machine, keeps it performing at its peak, and saves you a ton of money. So grab that grease gun, follow this guide, and give your Outlander the care it deserves. Happy trails!
- 2006 Honda Accord Serpentine Belt Diagram – Your Ultimate DIY - December 18, 2025
- 2008 Honda Accord 3.5 Serpentine Belt Diagram – Your Ultimate DIY - December 18, 2025
- 2005 Honda Accord Fuse Box Location – Your Complete Guide To - December 18, 2025