Top ATV Maintenance Projects You Can Do Yourself

Aug 24, 2024

Off-road and power sports enthusiasts may seem into it for the thrill, but that thrill can be short lived if equipment isn’t running at full capacity. Worse, if repairs are needed.

Part of the fun for many is the skill and knowledge it takes to maintain your quad. Hands-on maintenance is a satisfying and economical way to keep performance vehicles on the road and out of the repair shop.

It takes a lot of skill and practice when it comes to mastering the sport, and the same is true for maintenance. These five DIY projects are good ways to ramp up skills and get to know your machine.

Getting your hands greasy maintaining boots and air filters, as well as taking on DIY oil changes and getting a professional look over will allow you to stay in action longer and get dirty doing what you really love - experiencing the thrill of riding.

Project 1: Replacing Your CV Boots

Constant Velocity (CV) boots are useful parts, in that they keep lubricating grease inside joints and dirt, moisture, and heat out. If it cracks and needs a replacement, some DIY will keep equipment at top performance on all your adventures, and the mess that they can make. Here’s how.

You will need:

  • A model-specific boot replacement kit that includes new boots, stainless steel mounting hardware, bolts and clamps
  • Tube of CV grease and contact cleaner (which may be included in some kits)
  • Gloves, a rag, and safety glasses
  • Bending, clamping, and cutting tools specific to clamps
  • A dead blow hammer, standard hammer, small flat screwdriver, and a drift

Basic steps to replace boots on ATVs:

  1. Refer to model-specific service manual to remove CV axle from machine
  2. Remove outer and inner bands with band-cutting tools
  3. Pull boot down and wipe as much grease off as possible with rag
  4. Pop off end of CV joint, moving it past circlip using a drift and a hammer
  5. Wipe clean and remove circlip with flat screwdriver
  6. Replace boot (or boots) first, and then circlip
  7. Add entire tube of CV grease into axle cup and on joint, packing in with (gloved) finger and moving joint around
  8. Replace CV axle and use dead blow hammer to knock it into place
  9. Wipe grooves where boot sits with contact cleaner and slide boot into place
  10. Replace clamps

Tip: Replacing both boots at the same time is another time-saver while the axle is removed

Project 2: Clean And Maintain Your Air Filter

ATVs get dirty - it's all part of the fun. However, clogged filters lower gas mileage and performance so make sure to maintain and clean them often.

Air filter cleaning kits are available, which is convenient. They can come with most of the elements for this project.

You will need a:

  • Bottle of cleaning solution
  • Spray can of filter oil
  • Plastic cleaning tub and rags
  • Bucket of soapy water and chemical-resistant gloves

To clean air filter:

  1. Remove foam filter and wipe off any debris
  2. Dunk the filter in the cleaning solution for the recommended time
  3. Squeeze out excess solution.
  4. Rinse the filter and let it dry

Project 3: Changing the Oil

Changing the oil in your motorcycle or ATV is a straightforward DIY project that can prolong engine and transmission life, as well as reduce war.

This simple drain-and-refill procedure should be done regularly. Before starting, refer to your owner’s manual for recommended change intervals, and to ensure you have all the correct tools, parts, and compatible oil.

One tip before starting is to take a 10-minute ride to warm machine and let oil flow faster. You can also clean and/or replace filters while oil is draining.

To change oil, you will need:

  • 4-in-1 screwdriver
  • Drain pan and funnel or pour spout
  • Rags and gloves
  • Socket and box wrench set
  • Utility knife
  • Low-pressure tire gauge, sidecutter, banding tool, crowbar, and a chain-cleaning brush

The process:

  1. Access the drain plug and oil filter, removing any parts that restrict access (including foot pegs or fairings)
  2. Drain and catch used oil in pan under drain plug
  3. Remove oil-fill plug, then remove the drain plug with a socket wrench, letting oil drain for another 5-10 minutes
  4. Add new oil until the level is between "low” and “full”
  5. Reinstall the oil-fill plug
  6. Run the engine and check for leaks, double check the oil level, and add or remove oil if necessary
  7. Properly dispose of the used oil - Most municipalities, auto parts stores and oil change facilities accept used oil at no charge and recycle it

Tip: Do NOT substitute auto, diesel, or small engine oil

Project 4: Get a Tune-Up

Maintenance is important to keep your bike or ATV in tip-top shape and makes it much safer to ride. A trusted technician can keep an eye on things, too.

Schedule regular tune-ups with a technician who will:

  • Check the tires
  • Check and change the oil
  • Check the spark plugs
  • Check the brake fluid
  • Inspect the brake pads and shoes

Always follow the manual before attempting DIY fixes and for regular check-up information.

The good news is, if it turns out that parts have issues, many can be fixed by getting your (gloved) hands greasy.

Then, you’re ready to head back out there and enjoy the ride.

POWER UP with Vito's

Since 1998, Vito’s Performance has been supplying the world with top-quality and hard-to-find ATV parts for builders and enthusiasts alike. We specialize in the Yamaha Banshee and the Yamaha Blaster, and carry parts for all Yamaha Raptors, the Yamaha Warrior, Honda 300ex and 400ex, and the Honda TRX450r. For assistance with all performance products, contact Vito’s Performance online or call (248) 969-9168.
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