Polaris Discussions about Polaris ATVs.

Sportsman rear brakes

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 04-15-2012, 08:58 PM
nucci6753's Avatar
Weekend Warrior
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thumbs down Sportsman rear brakes

Today I tried to bleed my rear master cylinder with no luck, the pedal still goes to the floor. When I push down the pedal with the bleeder valve open only a little fluid comes out, is this correct? The reservoir is full of fluid. What is the best way to bleed the brakes or is my master cylinder bad?
 
  #2  
Old 04-15-2012, 09:15 PM
old polaris tech's Avatar
Polaris ATV Expert
Retired and loving it!
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: North Texas
Posts: 24,352
Likes: 0
Received 34 Likes on 34 Posts
Default

Sometimes takes a while to completely bleed the rear brakes. If you go through about three reservoirs full of fluid while bleeding and either air is present in the fluid or you just can't get a firm pedal,possibly the small master cylinder needs to be replaced(they do go out and suck air or just can't build up pressure) plus make sure you have good brake pads or it's also hard to bleed properly. OPT
 
  #3  
Old 04-15-2012, 10:14 PM
nucci6753's Avatar
Weekend Warrior
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

When I push the pedal only a little fluid comes out of the bleeder valve, is that ok???
 
  #4  
Old 04-16-2012, 06:32 AM
old polaris tech's Avatar
Polaris ATV Expert
Retired and loving it!
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: North Texas
Posts: 24,352
Likes: 0
Received 34 Likes on 34 Posts
Default

There wont be a gush of fluid because of the small master cylinder. Just takes patience to bleed the rear brakes. If like I said after about 3 reservoir bottle of fluid is used(top off between bleeding) you can't get a firm pedal,it may be a leaking master cylinder. Another way to bleed is to use a vacuum bleeder to pull the fluid through. Pump the vacuum bleeder while attached to the bleed valve and keep pushing the pedal with your other hand. OPT
 
  #5  
Old 04-16-2012, 07:57 PM
nucci6753's Avatar
Weekend Warrior
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I used a bleeder pump and the rear brakes work great, thanks for the help!!!
 
  #6  
Old 05-14-2012, 03:24 PM
Oldman800's Avatar
Pro Rider
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Missouri
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

My rear brake pedal also goes to the floor with no resistance. I thought maybe a leak, and no fluid. I put just a small amount in the funnel I was using, and it ended up running out everywhere, and the fill tube was to thje top. What level should the fluid be. It didn't take much if any so I don't think it was low. I never use the reat brake, so I don't know why the master cylinder would be bad. I'll try bleeding the line, but I don't think it has air in it.
 
  #7  
Old 05-14-2012, 04:42 PM
old polaris tech's Avatar
Polaris ATV Expert
Retired and loving it!
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: North Texas
Posts: 24,352
Likes: 0
Received 34 Likes on 34 Posts
Default

That's why they don't work if you never use them! You have to bleed the system and then use the rear brakes occasionally to keep the small master cylinder seals pliable. If you don't they just loose pressure and allow air in. If you can't get the rear brakes to bleed properly even with a brake bleeder then you may have to replace the small master cylinder. OPT
 
  #8  
Old 05-16-2012, 11:21 PM
Oldman800's Avatar
Pro Rider
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Missouri
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks tech. Got them to bleed, and they are working now. Just wanted them to work for an "in case" when we are at H/M in a couple weeks.
 
  #9  
Old 05-17-2012, 07:08 PM
stendori's Avatar
Super Quad Patrol
I'm watching you!
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: central maine
Posts: 14,260
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
Default

another trick some have used(me included) is to place a weight on the pedal over night and sometimes the pressure will come back after a few pumps. speaking from experince(4 days ago) i had to completely bleed the rear caliper(hand and foot) when i replaced the piston and seals in the rear and it does take alot to get the air outand you do ahve to do both if you have an issue w/ both hand and foot brake. as mentioned if you use the foot brake once in awhile, it does help keep it working better.
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jmuddin284
Polaris
7
06-28-2017 04:59 PM
KimSJoh
Polaris Ask an Expert! In fond memory of Old Polaris Tech.
14
07-18-2015 07:20 PM
rcappie4
Kawasaki
2
07-10-2015 04:54 PM
Rider252
Chinese Quads
0
07-06-2015 03:37 PM
Shifts
Polaris
5
07-03-2015 07:59 AM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: Sportsman rear brakes



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:42 AM.