I purchased a 2000 Trailblazer 250 used from a Polaris dealer. During my pre-purchase ride, I noticed the rear brake would not lock up the rear wheels. The dealer said this is normal that the rear brake is not designed to stop the quad but more slow it down. I was told the handbrake is designed to be used while riding. The handbrake works great. I can understand part of this, but I have never had an ATV that would not lock up the rear wheels. Is the dealer correct? If they are not correct, how do I get better performance out of the rear caliper. I have replaced brake pads and brake fluid. The brakes are bled and I have also adjusted the footpedal to get maximum push. Thanks for your help.

Keith

 

If you've tried bleeding the lines, I don't know what to tell you, that's what fixed mine. Keep in mind that the rear brake is an EMERGENCY brake, not meant for regular use. The handbrake does all four wheels, the foot pedal is a backup.

 

Wavehog-
When I bought my Traillazer from the dealer he said that when the bikes come to them their back brakes aren't broken in. My dealer said that when you ride the bike step on the back brake and ride around with it engaged and then let off for a little and then apply the back brake again and ride around like that again. I did that about 5-10 time and the back brake works much better than when I test drove it. So try doing that and hopefully that will make the back brake work better for you.

 

Hello wavehog. The hand brake supplies considerably more force on the rear brake caliper than the foot brake. The foot brake on my Trailblazers will lock up the rear wheels on dirt. But, I haven't checked pavement. Also, do as Tyler711 recommends if the foot brake seems spongy.
I hope this helps you
BryceGTX

 

the hand brake applys 60% braking to the front and 40% to the rear, it uses a valve bank on the steering post/frame mount to do this. The foot brake applies 100% to the rear caliper, it u test it, and it will not lock up and skid the rear axle, there is an issue. Most comonly the brakes have faded from air and need to be bled out, typical, may also want to inspect the pads condition, may be worn. hope this helps.

 

Hey rmkcac700. Not sure what your saying here. This only talks about front to rear brake modulation. But it says nothing about the amount of force applied by the two braking systems. The two brake systems are separate hydraulic circuits and the hand brake creates higher force to the rear brake calipers than the foot pedal. You really need to hammer on the rear brake pedal to get anywhere near the same amount of force.
BryceGTX

 

Bryce man, if u gotta hammer on the rear brake pedal to apply the brakes on a polaris atv, U got a problem. If they are bled out properly, and are of good condition, they will completely lock up even a lot larger set of rubber.

 

My previous was to say, IF U TEST IT< AND IT DOES NOT LOCK........

 

LOL rmkcac700. You're missing my point. The front hand brake provides higher braking force than the foot pedal. I have no problem locking my rear wheels up with the pedal.
BryceGTX

 

ahhhh gotcha, yes U are correct, the hand brake does apply more force, but I was more refering to the previous problem of the blazer not being able to lock up the rear with the foot brake. haha ahha ahha thanks, got it stait now , smell ya leter..