Unless you happen to be a great handyman, performing ATV repairs can be a real pain. Sometimes, it is just easier to hire a professional so you don’t have to waste your time trying to fix something, not knowing if you are actually doing it the right way.
While that can be a relief, there are few things less stressful than thinking you are getting ripped off by a mechanic that knows more than you.
In an effort to put you at ease, and let you know what you should expect, we have compiled general price guidelines for all the common ATV repairs. Obviously, the market you live in is going to play a big part in the price, as well as how reputable the mechanic or dealer is that you are using.
You can also save some money doing it yourself if you are willing to learn how. For comparison sake, I am also sharing the cost of the parts so you know what you would be paying to do it yourself. Just remember, a lot of these jobs will require specialized tools, so factor that cost in if you need to buy new tools as well.
First Service
Getting a first service after you buy a new ATV is important because it is required under most ATV warranties. You don’t have to have a dealer do it, as they charge a premium, but you need to keep all the documentation showing it was done if you do it yourself of go to a different ATV mechanic.
Part of the first service includes swapping out the “break-in” oil for regular oil. The rest of it is checking the valves, changing the other fluids, changing the spark plugs, adjusting engine idle speed, inspecting the major systems and other maintenance that doesn’t justify the high cost, especially since I would hope everything is in good shape after just 25 hours of ride time.
How much does the first service cost? It will likely run you $150-350 depending on your dealer and your ATV. ATV riders generally consider this price exorbitant and a definite way for the dealer to try and milk extra money out of you. If you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself, try getting it thrown into the deal for free, or heavily discounted, when negotiation a sale. Getting stuff thrown in is pretty standard when negotiating an ATV deal, as we discussed in this guide.
Basic Oil Change
A basic oil change in an ATV should include an oil filter change, and it shouldn’t be that much more than an oil change in your car. How much does an ATV oil change cost? You can probably expect an ATV oil change to run about $30-55 total.
If you want to change your own oil, the 2-3 quarts of oil you will need is going to run you $10-30 on Amazon depending what you go with. Doing the oil change yourself will only take about 20 minutes once you get the hang of doing it.
Replacing Air Filter
Most of us ride our ATVs in dirty conditions. That’s kind of the point right? The problem is it cloggs up the air filter real quickly. A dirty filter lowers your gas mileage and causes poor engine performance. While you can clean it to expand the filter’s life, you will want to replace it fairly regularly.
How much does it cost to replace an air filter? Most dealers only really do it as part of a more full service, so just do it yourself if needed since it is super easy. A new air filter will cost you $5-50 on Amazon or cycle-parts.com, depending what ATV you own and what brand you go with.
General Tune-Up
How much does an ATV tune-up cost? Generally, an ATV tune-up is going to cost somewhere between $100-400, depending on what services are included. There is a wide range here because of the wide array of what is typically included. You can expect a typical tune-up to include some of the following services. The more that is included, the higher the price is going to be.
- Oil change
- Cable adjustment and lube
- Clean and oil filter
- Inspection
- Setting air pressure in tires
- Clean, lube and adjust chain
- Compression test
- Change spark plugs
- Flush cooling system
- Repacking of silencer
- Valve adjustment
- Flush braking systems (front and rear)
Brake Pad Replacement
Replacement of brake pads should include new pads and the bleeding of the brake system. Both sides should be done at the same time to ensure maximum performance and safety. How much does ATV brake pad replacement cost? About $40-70 per side.
If you want to replace the brake pads yourself, they will run you anywhere from $10-60, depending on your ATV and the brand you choose, if you order them from Amazon or cycle-parts.com.
Top-End Rebuild.
A top-end rebuild includes typically includes the valves (including valve seats, shims and guides), piston rings, cylinder wall hone, de-carbonized combustion chambers, replacement and and base gaskets and seals, R&R idler guide or tensioner, and spark plugs. It is designed to improve the fuel economy, efficiency, and overall performance of your ride.
How much does an ATV top-end rebuild cost? Generally, it will run between $500-750. The lower end of the price range is going to apply if you have a 2-stroke ATV, while the higher price range is going to be for 4-stroke ATVs.
Doing this on your own is really going to depend on how much you need to replace, but it is likely going to be in the $200-400 range. If you can get away with just buying a kit from Amazon or cycle-parts.com, it will be a bit cheaper.
Carb Overhaul
An ATV carb overhaul should include the disassembly, cleaning, clearing of all passages, reaming jets, tuning accelerator pump timing and replacement of needed parts. How much does an ATV carb overhaul cost? Typically, it will cost between $75-200. Keep in mind, that is going to be per carb, so you will want to know how many carbs your ATV has.
You can buy your own Carburetor kit from Amazon or cycle-parts.com for $20-40 depending on the model of your ATV.
Clutch Replacement
A standard clutch replacement should include the replacement of the clutch plate and an oil change. The price is going to go up significantly if you are looking at changing out the entire clutch system.
How much does the clutch replacement cost for an ATV? About $150 unless you are doing the whole clutch system, then you can expect $300-500.
Doing it yourself is going to cost you $50-150 depending on your ATV. The time it is going to take is also going to depend on your ATV, as some models, like the Raptor, require you to pull the motor, while some models, like the Warrior, do not.
If you don’t have to pull the motor, you can probably get it done in under an hour. If you have to pull the motor, you are looking at two to three hours.
Valve Job or Adjustment
How much does an ATV valve job or adjustment cost. You should expect to pay about $100-250 for either.
If you want to do it yourself, a set of valve’s will only cost you $5-15 on Amazon or cycle-parts.com, but you may need a shim kit as well, which could run $50-70 (shim kit is reusable).
Shock rebuild
An ATV shock rebuild typically includes the disassembly of the shock, the cleaning of all components, the replacement of any worn parts, the filling of oil and the bleeding and charging with nitrogen.
How much does a shock rebuild cost? A shock rebuild is going to run about $100-250 per shock. You may be able to get it a bit cheaper if your shocks do not have a reservoir.
The kit to do it yourself is going to run anywhere from $50-125 on Amazon or cycle-parts.com.
Water Pump Seal Replacement
A water pump seal replacement should include the flushing of your coolant system in addition to a new water pump seal. How much does an ATV water pump seal replacement cost? You should expect to pay between $75-150.
To do it yourself, you will need to pay $20-60 for a replacement water pump seal on Amazon or cycle-parts.com.
CV Boot and/or Joint Replacement
Constant velocity (CV) boots keep the lubricating grease inside the joint and the dirt out. So, if you notice a crack in the boot, you want to replace it as quickly as possible.
If the dirt and other bad stuff gets inside the joint, it will grind up all the metal parts inside the joint really quickly. Then, you have to replace the whole joint, which is a lot more expensive.
How much does it cost to replace a CV boot? About $80-125 depending on whether you get an OEM part. How much does it cost to replace a CV joint? About $200.
If you can do it yourself, a CV boot is only about $15 on Amazon or cycle-parts.com. You can expect the job to probably take about two hours.
Coolant Change
How much does a radiator coolant change cost in an ATV? Generally, you will pay about $60-100. Changing the coolant yourself will take an hour or two and the coolant will run $20-30. You will need 2 quarts to get get the job done.
Brake Fluid Change
How much does an ATV brake fluid change cost? It is likely going to cost $50 each for the front, rear or clutch system. You can flush and replace your brake fluid by picking up some DOT 3 or DOT 4 (don’t mix) on Amazon for about $10-15.
Chain and Sprockets Replacement
A chain and sprocket replacement should include both front and rear sprockets and the chain. It’s always a good idea to replace your chains and sprockets at the same time. You’ll notice a difference in the way your vehicle runs, shifts, and sounds.
How much does an ATV chain and sprocket replacement cost? You should budget between $100-200. The difference is going to depend on the cost of the chain and sprocket kit for your ATV. Those typically run $50-125. You should expect to be charged about $50 for labor.
If you want to do it yourself, it should take just under an hour and the kit will be $50-125 on Amazon or cycle-parts.com.
Chain adjustment and cleaning
If you just have a grimy chain and don’t need a full replacement, you can get it cleaned, lubed and adjusted. This will dramatically increase the life of your chain. How much does an ATV chain adjustment and cleaning cost? It should only cost about $15-25.
Tire Change
How much does an ATV Tire Change cost? The labor should run no more than $25 per tire, but the total cost is going to depend on the tires you get. ATV tires can run anywhere from $20-250 per tire.
The basic tires are going to be cheaper, while your more specialty tires like mud, sand or snow tires are going to be most expensive. Doing it yourself is just going to save you the installation fee.
