Can-Am Defender & Defender MAX HD10 RIDE System Rear Steering Kit, Up to 30% Tighter Turning, 12° Rear Steer, Crab Walk, Hydraulic, Auto-Centering, Waterproof

A lifted Can-Am Defender HD10 on big tires and portals is a beast, and beasts don't turn tight. Five-point turns on a narrow trail get old fast. The RIDE System Rear Steering Kit adds hydraulic, independently controlled rear steering, cutting the turning radius by up to 30% and letting you crab walk around obstacles, out of ruts and past broken-down machines.

Highlights

• Up to 30% tighter turning radius on most Defenders
• Turns the rear wheels up to 12°
• Independent rear control: turn tighter or crab walk
• Hydraulic steering cylinder and pump
• Wired, waterproof magnetic remote mounts to the cage or included dash mount
• Dash LED display shows your rear steering angle
• Manual or automatic centering, auto-calibrating center
• Auto-centers above 30 MPH for safety
• Fully waterproof, patent-pending design

Two Ways to Use It

• Tighter turns: steer the rear wheels opposite the front to swing the back end around switchbacks and tight trees
• Crab walk: point front and rear the same way to move sideways, step out of a rut for traction, or line up to a trailer or gate

Easy to Drive

The front steers just like always with the steering wheel; the rear is controlled by the remote. In manual mode, the rear wheels center every time you press the button. In automatic mode, they center whenever you let off the control stick. The LED display tells you exactly how far the rear is turned, and above 30 MPH it centers itself.

Built for Real Riding

A rear steering kit has to be tough. Chromoly ball joints, housings and pivot blocks strengthen the included A-arms, the hub plates use a high-strength steel alloy, and billet aluminum tie rods come with heavy-duty heim joints and inner ball-and-socket joints. Everything is waterproof, so deep mud and water crossings are no problem.

Configure for Your Build

The option pickers ask whether you run a portal gear lift (none, 4", 6" or 8" 45% single idler) and whether you run a 6" lift kit, so the kit is set up correctly for your suspension. All options are the same price.

Where Rear Steering Makes a Difference

• Tight wooded trails: make switchbacks and tree gaps in one move instead of a three- or five-point turn
• Ruts and mud: crab walk out of a rut to find fresh traction
• Riding parks: step out of line around a stalled machine without backing up
• Farm and property work: line up to trailers, gates, implements and barn doors more easily
• Long machines: MAX models benefit most, since their long wheelbase makes the turning radius even larger

Safety Features

The kit is designed so the rear wheels can't stay turned at speed. Above 30 MPH the system auto-centers, and the auto-calibrating center position keeps the rear wheels straight when you're not using rear steer. The dash display means you always know where the rear wheels are pointed before you take off.

Good to Know

Because it replaces the rear A-arms and hub plates, this kit is the ideal time to upgrade other rear suspension and driveline parts. Check your axles and rear bearings during install.

Expect a short learning curve: most riders practice the remote in an open field for a few minutes, and after that crab walking and tight turns become second nature on the trail.

At each service, check the hydraulic lines and fittings for leaks, rubbing or loose clamps, especially after rocky rides.

What's in the Box

• (4) A-arms with heavy-duty ball joints
• (2) billet aluminum tie rods with heim joints and ball and sockets
• (2) hub plates
• Hydraulic steering cylinder and hydraulic pump
• Wired controller and wiring harness
• Mounting brackets and hydraulic tubing
• All hardware, including a cylinder wrench
• Heads-up LED display
• Waterproof rear-steer ECU

Who It's For and What Pairs Well

For Defender and Defender MAX HD10 owners with lifts, portals and big tires who ride tight trails or work in tight spaces. Pair it with portals from Can-Am Defender portal gear lifts, a lift from Defender lift kits and power steering from Defender steering.

Fitment

Note: Not compatible with GDP 8” Portal Gear Lift with a 60% gear reduction

Installation Notes

Not compatible with the GDP 8" portal gear lift with 60% gear reduction. This is an advanced install involving hydraulics and rear suspension; a shop or experienced mechanic is recommended. Instructions are linked below.

• Installation instructions (RSA-CA-DEF, PDF)