I just want to start off by saying I'm not a mechanic, but I'm willing try some stuff.

I have a 2007 sportsman that gets used daily hauling feed and water. Today, out of the blue the brakes just quit. Luckily, I had just climbed a hill and was in a safe place. It was getting dark so I left it there and will look at it in the morning.

So what should I look at? Brakes were working great, then poof! The hand lever has no resistance to it. Cable? Is this something I can tackle myself or should I find somebody more qualified?

Thanks!

 

First off check for any visible leaks at the calipers and lines and master cylinder level.You may be able to trace it down to one caliper that may have blown piston seals.If no leaks are visible,check for pressure at the foot brake also. Usually these small master cylinder seals become hard and brittle from non use and suck air. Hand brake piston seals can do the same thing but usually because they're worn out. You can try a mityvac and see if you can regain brake pressure. If it doesn't work you can pull the brake line from the master cylinder,block the opening with your thumb and see if it can build up pressure. If it can't replace the seals. After market seals are available instead of having to order a 100 buck piston and seal kit for the hand brake. Same for the small foot brake master cylinder. http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-14-Polaris-Sportsman-450-500-700-800-Front-Brake-Master-Cylinder-Seal-Kit-/161649471052?hash=item25a30f2e4c&vxp=mtr http://www.ebay.com/itm/1998-2009-POLARIS-SPORTSMAN-REAR-FOOT-BRAKE-MASTER-CYLINDER-SEAL-REPAIR-KIT-DR16-/281708309365?hash=item41971fab75&vxp=mtr Rear caliper seal kit is cheaper here if needed.http://www.cyclepartswarehouse.com/f...007&fveh=11305

 

Thanks for the response! In daylight I could see what happened. A chunk of baling twine wrapped around the axle, cutting into the rubber boot behind the front wheel. Fluid leaked all over. I hope I can just replace the front boot and be good to go. Need to order the right part and wait for it to get here. Hope it is quick, I use this machine every day!

 

Brake line should a lot less work to replace than caliper kits or master cylinder kits. Be sure to bleed the system well starting at the rear caliper after every things back together.Again a mity vac if you have one can make short work of this..