Can-Am Defender & Defender MAX Heavy-Duty Prop Shaft, Rhino Driveline, 4130 Chromoly, U-Series U-Joint or C-Series CV, Front, Rear or Both, Carrier Bearing Option

Creeks, swamps, mud holes and rock ledges all put a beating on the prop shaft that carries power from the transmission to the front and rear differentials of a Can-Am Defender. When the factory shaft bends or a U-joint lets go, you're done for the day. The Rhino Driveline prop shaft is the heavier-duty replacement: a larger, thicker chromoly tube, balanced and phased for smooth running, with your choice of sealed U-joints or oversized CV joints.

Highlights

• 1.75" diameter tube, 0.5" larger than stock
• 0.120" wall thickness vs. stock 0.088"
• 4130 chromoly tubing (stock is plain carbon steel)
• Phased and balanced: no vibration, no wobble
• Choose U-Series U-joints or C-Series CV joints
• Sealed joints, no maintenance
• Front, rear, or front and rear shafts
• Optional cast or billet aluminum carrier bearing

A Stronger Driveline Backbone

A thicker-wall chromoly tube resists bending and twisting far better than the factory carbon steel shaft, so a rock strike or a hard load on a hill won't fold it. Every shaft is phased and balanced at the factory, which means no new vibration at speed.

U-Series or C-Series?

• U-Series: traditional needle-bearing U-joints like OEM, but with a 4340 chromoly steel body. Sealed tight to prevent wear and need no maintenance. The value pick.
• C-Series: oversized CV joints with a 4130 chromoly cage, spider and cup. A tough boot seals out water and dust, and the CV design runs with no balance issues or wobble for the smoothest ride. The premium pick for mud and water riders.

Carrier Bearing Options

These prop shafts work only with the matching Rhino Driveline carrier bearings, so the picker lets you add one:

• Cast: A380 cast aluminum, long-lasting and stronger than stock
• Billet: 6061 billet aluminum, CNC machined in the USA, stronger than cast, for riders pushing limits

Both bearings are greaseable and self-aligning with a two-piece design that makes installation and service easier. If you already have the matching carrier bearing, or your selection doesn't need one, choose that option instead.

Build Your Shaft

Pick your model (Defender or Defender MAX), U- or C-Series, front, rear or both, and carrier bearing. Price changes with each choice; upgrades never lower the base price.

Signs Your Prop Shaft Needs Attention

• Clunking when you shift from forward to reverse or get on and off the throttle
• Vibration that grows with speed
• Play you can feel by hand at the U-joints or carrier bearing
• A torn boot or grease slung around the carrier bearing
• A visibly bent or dented tube after a rock or stump strike

Catching these early can save the differentials and transmission from further damage. Grease the carrier bearing at each service interval if your setup has one.

Good to Know

Lifted machines and bigger tires increase driveline angles and load, which is when a stock shaft is most likely to fail. Pairing this shaft with stronger axles spreads the upgrade across the whole drivetrain.

What's in the Box

• Rhino Driveline prop shaft(s) as selected
• Carrier bearing (if selected)
• Instructions

Who It's For and What Pairs Well

For Defender owners who have broken a prop shaft, run bigger tires, plow, or work their machine hard in mud and water. Pair it with heavy-duty axles from Can-Am Defender axles, a lift from Defender lift kits and more parts from Defender drivetrain.

Fitment

Replaces OEM Part #: 705402125, 705402044

Note: For the above machines, our one-piece prop shaft will replace both the front and rear prop shaft and the carrier bearing

Replaces OEM Part #: 705402496

Replaces OEM Part # 705402045, 705401545

Installation Notes

On some machines (see the OEM part notes in the table), the one-piece prop shaft replaces both the front and rear shafts and the carrier bearing. Several instruction sheets are linked below; use the one matching your shaft and location.

• Installation instructions (BEA07-001-DEFMAX, PDF)
• Installation instructions (PRP07-001R-0, PDF)
• Installation instructions (PRP07-001F-0, PDF)
• Installation instructions (PRP07-001F-001R-0, PDF)
• Installation instructions (PRP07-001F-001R-0, PDF)
• Installation instructions (PRP07-001F-001R-0, PDF)