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How to flush out & change my Can-Am Side-by-Side differential fluid?

By Can-Am Off-Road

October 2022

Most car owners understand the importance of getting an oil change as a part of routine vehicle maintenance. Your Can-Am vehicle requires the same type of care, but instead of oil, it needs differential fluid. In this article, we’ll be breaking down exactly how to flush out and change the differential fluid in your Can-Am SxS.

What is differential fluid?

Called “diff fluid” for short, this specialized oil interacts with certain gears that control your ability to take corners smoothly and conduct nice and easy turns.

For regular duty, we recommend changing your diff oil every 2 years, 200 hours or 6,000 km (4,000 mi). For heavy duty, switch it out every year, 100 hours or 3,000 km (2,000 mi).

What you’ll need

- Wrench
- Torque wrench 2.75 ± 0.25 Nm (24 ± 2 Ibf-in)
- Allen key 16.25 ± 2.75 Nm (144 ± 24 Ibf-in)
- Funnel
- Drain pan
- Rag or towels
- Gear oil, like XPS Synthetic

How to change your diff oil

To start, make sure your Can-Am SxS is on a level surface and the gear is set to park. The filler plug is accessible from the right side of the differential, while the drain plug is located underneath the differential. It can get a little tight while working in this enclosed space, so a quick trick is to turn the wheels to the right for a little more clearance.

STEPS:

Note: Removing the filler plug first will allow you to ensure that you’re able to fill the differential once you get to that point.

Start by removing the filler plug.
Place the pan under the differential.
Remove the drain plug.
Let the oil drip completely.
Install the drain plug back in with a new copper washer. Torque to 2.75 ± 0.25 Nm (24 ± 2 Ibf-in).
Pour your new diff fluid into the differential until it reaches the edge of the filler plug hole. Since XPS Oil is specially formulated to suit BRP’s differential, we very strongly recommend using this product to ensure an optimal performance.
Once you’re finished, install the differential filler plug. Torque to specification 16.25 ± 2.75 Nm (144 ± 24 Ibf-in). After that, you’ll be ready to take on your next adventure!

Tip: Diff fluid requires proper disposal; you can’t just pour it down a drain or throw it in a trash bin. Check with your municipality to locate your nearest oil dump station.

How to flush out & change my Can-Am Side-by-Side differential fluid?

What is differential fluid?

What you’ll need

How to change your diff oil

STEPS:

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