How to Bleed & Replace Brake Fluid on a 2011 Can-Am Outlander 800R

Shop parts for a 2011 Can-Am Outlander 800R ATV.

This MotoSport proprietary guide walks you through replacing the brake fluid on a 2011 Can-Am Outlander 800R, with model-specific notes and professional tips so you can leave the job clean, safe, and reliable.

What you need

  • DOT 4 brake fluid (fresh, unopened)
  • Tube and clear catch bottle or vacuum bleed kit
  • Brake bleeder wrench or appropriately sized box wrench
  • Clean rags, gloves, eye protection
  • Turkey baster or fluid syringe to remove old fluid from reservoir
  • New bleeder screw crush washers if applicable
  • Torque wrench for wheel/caliper hardware if you remove wheels
  • Service manual for torque specs & model illustrations (keep for reference)

Model-specific notes for the 2011 Can-Am Outlander 800R

  • The Outlander 800R uses hydraulic disc brakes front and rear with a reservoir located on the handlebars or master cylinder near the right handlebar depending on trim. Confirm reservoir location before starting.
  • The factory system uses DOT 4 fluid. Do not mix DOT 3 & DOT 4. If you are unsure which fluid is present, flush and replace with DOT 4 only.
  • Some 2011 Outlanders were fitted with optional ABS components. If your machine has ABS, avoid turning over the ABS pump or opening ABS module hydraulic lines. If ABS is present and service is required, follow the ABS bleed procedure in the service manual or consult a dealer.
  • Brake lines on this model are routed and secured to the frame; inspect them for chafe, cracks, or bulges while you have the system open.
  • Replace any corroded bleeder screws and use fresh crush washers on caliper bleed fittings when reassembling.

Preparation

  1. Park the Outlander on level ground, put it in park, and secure the engine off. Block wheels and wear PPE.
  2. If you prefer easier access and cleaner work, remove the front wheels and rear wheel for unrestricted access to calipers and bleeders.
  3. Clean the reservoir cap area to prevent dirt contamination. Remove the cap and diaphragm; note the fluid level and condition.
  4. Use the turkey baster to remove most of the old fluid from the master cylinder reservoir, leaving a small amount to prevent introducing air into the system.
  5. Top up reservoir with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid to the full mark and keep the cap loosely seated to limit contamination while allowing pressure equalization.

Bleeding sequence

Follow the furthest-from-master-cylinder principle. For the 2011 Outlander 800R the common sequence is:

  1. Rear caliper (furthest)
  2. Right front caliper
  3. Left front caliper (closest)

Note: if your machine has a different master-cylinder location or a factory note saying otherwise, follow that specific ordering. If ABS is present, use ABS-specific directions.

Manual (pump) bleed procedure

  1. Attach a clear hose to the rear caliper bleeder nipple and submerge the other end in a small container partially filled with fresh fluid to avoid drawing air back into the system.
  2. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal or lever slowly several times and hold pressure on the lever/pedal.
  3. Open the bleeder nipple 1/4 to 1/2 turn until fluid/air bubbles flow into the hose, then close the nipple before the assistant releases the lever/pedal.
  4. Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid appears; top up the reservoir frequently so it never falls below the minimum level.
  5. Move to the next caliper in sequence and repeat the same pump-open-close cycle.
  6. After the last caliper is bled, re-check each caliper nipple for tightness and the reservoir level. Clean any spilled fluid immediately.

Vacuum/pressure bleeding (recommended for cleaner operation)

  1. Connect a vacuum pump to the caliper bleeder and draw until clear fluid flows without bubbles, topping the reservoir as required.
  2. Or use a pressure bleeder on the master reservoir and open each caliper bleeder in sequence until fluid runs clear.
  3. Both methods reduce the chance of introducing air and are faster for complete fluid replacement.

Full system flush tip

To fully replace old fluid, repeat bleeding until fresh fluid appears at each caliper and the reservoir content is clear. Typical practice: flush until four reservoir refills have been drawn through each circuit, or until the fluid colour and boiling-point properties are restored.

Reassembly & final checks

  • Torque any caliper or wheel fasteners to factory specs from your service manual.
  • Ensure bleeder screws are snug but not over-torqued; use new crush washers where applicable.
  • Clean fluid spills from painted/plastic surfaces immediately with water; brake fluid can damage finishes.
  • With vehicle on wheels, start engine and operate brake lever/pedal several times to confirm firm feel. If soft or spongy, re-bleed until firm.
  • Test brakes at low speed in a safe area before normal riding to confirm full braking performance.

Safety & disposal

  • Brake fluid is hygroscopic and corrosive to paint. Store and dispose of it per local hazardous-waste rules.
  • Never reuse drained fluid. Seal new fluid containers immediately after opening to avoid moisture absorption.
  • If you encounter persistent sponginess after correct bleeding, inspect master cylinder seals, caliper pistons, and lines for leaks or air ingress. Consider professional service if ABS faults or internal master-cylinder faults are suspected.

Final MotoSport maintenance notes

MotoSport recommends replacing brake fluid every 12-24 months depending on use & exposure to water or heavy braking. Regular inspections of lines, calipers, and reservoir keep the Outlander 800R braking system reliable in trail or utility service. If your 2011 Outlander shows signs of uneven braking, pulling, or ABS warnings, stop riding and diagnose immediately.

Related Shopping Categories

Shop Brake Fluid for a 2011 Can-Am Outlander 800R ATV.

Shop Brake Bleeders for a 2011 Can-Am Outlander 800R ATV.

Shop Brake Pads for a 2011 Can-Am Outlander 800R ATV.

Shop Brake Lines for a 2011 Can-Am Outlander 800R ATV.

Shop Brake Tools for a 2011 Can-Am Outlander 800R ATV.

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.