Bleeding the Brakes on a 2014 Can-Am Spyder ST SM5

Shop parts for a 2014 Can-Am Spyder ST SM5 Motorcycle.

This MotoSport.com guide is written for the 2014 Can-Am Spyder ST SM5. Your roadster uses hydraulic disc brakes at all three wheels, with ABS and a foot pedal that applies the front and rear brakes together. That combined, ABS-assisted layout matters: a routine bleed through the caliper bleeders can refresh fluid and clear air from the calipers and lines, but air trapped inside the ABS unit is a different job. Keep that distinction in mind before you open anything.

When a Brake Bleed Is Due

A soft or spongy brake pedal is the classic sign that air is in the hydraulic system. So is a pedal that travels farther than it used to before the Spyder slows, or one that feels inconsistent from stop to stop. Dark, cloudy, or contaminated fluid in the reservoir is another reason to bleed. You should also bleed after any work that opened the hydraulic system—new brake lines, caliper service, or master cylinder work—because that work lets air in.

Even without symptoms, brake fluid absorbs moisture over time. Moisture lowers the fluid’s boiling point, which can lead to brake fade under hard or repeated use. Many riders refresh the fluid on a regular schedule for that reason alone. On a combined ABS system like this one, clean fluid and a firm pedal are worth checking before a long ride or a loaded trip.

Tools & Supplies to Have Ready

  • Fresh brake fluid of the type marked on the master cylinder reservoir cap, from a sealed container
  • A box-end wrench that fits the bleeder valve
  • A length of clear tubing that fits snugly over the bleeder
  • A catch bottle for the old fluid
  • Rags or shop towels
  • A syringe or turkey baster for removing old fluid from the reservoir
  • A screwdriver or driver that fits the reservoir cap screws

A one-way check-valve bleeder or a vacuum bleeder can make this job easier when you are working alone, but neither is mandatory. What matters is that the tubing seals on the bleeder and that you can see the fluid moving through it. Do not substitute a different fluid just because it is on the shelf; the cap marking is the reference.

Setting Up Safely

Park the Spyder on a level, solid surface and secure it so it cannot roll. Set the bars straight and make sure the reservoir is as level as possible before you open it. Brake fluid damages paint and plastic on contact, so cover the bodywork, the instrument area, and any painted surfaces near the reservoir with rags before you start. If a spill happens, wipe it up immediately and rinse the area with water.

Work with the reservoir cap off only while you are actively bleeding, and keep the area clean. Dirt or grit that falls into the reservoir can end up in the calipers. Also plan your bleed so the reservoir never runs dry; that is the fastest way to pull air into the system and turn a simple fluid refresh into a much longer job.

The Bleeding Procedure, Step by Step

Because the Spyder ST SM5 uses a combined, ABS-assisted system, the calipers must be bled in the correct order. If you do not have that sequence, do not guess—have a shop perform the bleed. The steps below assume you are following the correct sequence and are refreshing fluid through the caliper bleeders.

  1. Remove the reservoir cap and diaphragm. Use the syringe or turkey baster to pull most of the old fluid out of the reservoir without letting the level drop low enough to draw air into the master cylinder.
  2. Refill the reservoir with fresh fluid of the type marked on the cap. Keep the container sealed when you are not pouring, and do not reuse fluid that has been sitting open.
  3. Attach the clear tubing to the bleeder valve and route the other end into the catch bottle. The tubing should fit snugly so air cannot sneak in around the bleeder.
  4. Press and hold the brake pedal. Keep steady pressure on it while you open the bleeder about a quarter turn. You should see fluid and any air bubbles move through the tube.
  5. Close the bleeder before you release the pedal. If you release the pedal with the bleeder open, air can be drawn back into the caliper.
  6. Repeat the press-hold-open-close cycle until fresh, clean fluid comes through the tube with no bubbles. Check the reservoir level often and top it off before it gets low.
  7. If you are bleeding each front caliper, do one at a time and complete it before moving to the next. In a conventional system, you start with the caliper farthest from the master cylinder, but on this combined ABS Spyder, follow the vehicle-specific sequence rather than a generic order.
  8. Move to the rear caliper only after the front calipers are complete, again following the correct sequence. Keep the reservoir topped off throughout the entire job.

Finishing and Testing Before You Ride

When the fluid runs clean and bubble-free, close the bleeder snugly without overtightening it. Fill the reservoir to the correct level marking, reinstall the diaphragm and cap, and clean any spilled fluid from the bodywork and surrounding parts. Check the bleeder and the banjo fittings for leaks. A dry fitting after a few firm pedal applications is a good sign.

Before you ride, the brake pedal should feel firm and consistent, not spongy, and it should not slowly sink while you hold steady pressure. Spin each wheel and confirm the brakes are not dragging. Then test the brakes at low speed in a safe area before riding normally. If the pedal still feels soft, do not ride the Spyder.

When the Job Belongs at a Shop

Stop and get professional help if the pedal will not firm up after several bleeding attempts, if it firms only after pumping, if bubbles keep appearing, or if you see fluid leaking from the master cylinder or a caliper. Also stop if the reservoir ran dry, if the ABS unit or its lines were disconnected, or if you are not confident about the combined system’s bleed sequence. Air trapped in an ABS unit or a linked brake system may require a dealer-level procedure or diagnostic tool, and guessing is not worth the risk on a safety-critical system.

Related Shopping Categories

Shop Brake Fluid for a 2014 Can-Am Spyder ST SM5 Motorcycle.

Shop Brake Lines for a 2014 Can-Am Spyder ST SM5 Motorcycle.

Shop Brake Pads for a 2014 Can-Am Spyder ST SM5 Motorcycle.

Shop Stands for a 2014 Can-Am Spyder ST SM5 Motorcycle.

Shop Brake Tools for a 2014 Can-Am Spyder ST SM5 Motorcycle.

Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace your motorcycle's official owner's manual. Always refer to your manufacturer's documentation for model-specific instructions, torque specifications, safety procedures, and maintenance requirements. If you are unsure or inexperienced, consider seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician.