MotoSport Guide: How to Bleed & Replace Brake Fluid on a 2011 Can-Am Renegade 800R

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This MotoSport-exclusive procedural guide covers fluid replacement and bleeding on the 2011 Can-Am Renegade 800R (MMY CAN_AM;REN800R;2011). Follow these steps closely for safe, reliable stopping power. This walkthrough assumes basic mechanical competency and access to tools; if you’re unsure, contact a certified technician.

Notes specific to the 2011 Can-Am Renegade 800R

  • Brake system uses DOT 4 brake fluid. Use fresh, unopened DOT 4 fluid and keep bottles sealed until use.
  • 2011 Renegade 800R commonly has separate front and rear master cylinders—front on the handlebar and rear operated by the foot lever with its reservoir near the rear brake assembly. Treat each circuit separately.
  • The Renegade has exposed brake lines and calipers typical of ATVs; inspect for chafing, leaks, cracked hoses, and corroded banjo bolts before starting.
  • ABS was not standard across all 2011 Renegade packages. If your unit has ABS, consult factory service info first — ABS units require special procedures and scan-tool activation to fully purge air from modulators.
  • After bleeding, check pedal/lever travel under load and perform a slow road/trail test in a safe area to confirm braking performance.

Tools & supplies

  • Fresh DOT 4 brake fluid (one to two 12 oz bottles depending on condition)
  • Brake bleeder kit: vacuum pump or hand-pump pressure bleeder or clear tubing & catch bottle for traditional two-person bleeding
  • 10mm or 8mm flare wrench (banjo/bleeder nut size varies by caliper—verify on your bike)
  • Torque wrench (for banjo bolt reinstallation) and appropriate sockets
  • Clean rags, nitrile gloves, safety glasses
  • Brake cleaner, small funnel or syringe, and a catch container for old fluid
  • Small screwdriver or pick (to lift rubber dust caps on bleeder nipples)

Safety & preparation

  • Work on a level surface with the engine off and key removed. Support the ATV securely on a stand so wheels can rotate freely.
  • Wear eye protection and gloves. Brake fluid damages paint and plastics — cover painted surfaces and immediately wipe any spills with clean rags and brake cleaner.
  • Never let the master cylinder reservoir run dry during the process; sucking air into the system will require additional bleeding.

Overview of the procedure

1) Drain and replace old fluid in the reservoir(s). 2) Bleed each caliper from the caliper bleeder nipple, working from the caliper farthest from the master cylinder to the closest. 3) Verify pedal/lever feel and check for leaks.

Step-by-step: Replace fluid and bleed brakes

  1. Locate reservoirs: front master cylinder on the handlebar; rear master cylinder near the rear brake pedal assembly. Clean around caps to prevent contamination.
  2. Remove caps and diaphragms from reservoirs. Use a syringe to remove as much old fluid as possible from each reservoir to minimize contamination when topping up.
  3. Fill reservoirs with fresh DOT 4 fluid to the recommended level. Leave caps off but keep contamination away.
  4. Determine bleed order: bleed the circuit farthest from each master cylinder first. Typical sequence for Renegade layout is rear caliper first, then right front, then left front (confirm which caliper is farthest on your machine visually and follow farthest-to-closest principle).
  5. Attach clear tubing to the caliper bleeder nipple and place the other end in a catch bottle partially filled with clean brake fluid to prevent air re-entry.
  6. If using a vacuum pump: apply vacuum at the bleeder nipple while an assistant slowly squeezes the brake lever/pedal. If using a pressure bleeder: pressurize the reservoir to the bleeder tool spec and open bleeder nipples in sequence while monitoring fluid clarity. For two-person manual bleeding: have one person pump the lever/pedal slowly and hold pressure while the other cracks the bleeder, then closes it before the lever is released.
  7. Open bleeder nipple about 1/4 turn. Allow fluid to flow until clear and free of bubbles. Close the nipple securely while fluid flow is stopped. Repeat pumping/opening cycles until no air appears and fluid is clear.
  8. Monitor reservoir level constantly and top with fresh DOT 4 fluid to keep it from dropping below the minimum; topping up prevents sucking in air.
  9. When a caliper is finished, tighten bleeder nipple to specification (firmly; do not over-torque), replace dust cap, and move to the next caliper following the farthest-to-closest order.
  10. After all calipers are bled, depress the lever/pedal several times with the caps off to confirm firm, consistent pressure. If the lever is spongy, repeat bleeding until solid feel is achieved.
  11. Clean any spilled fluid immediately. Reinstall reservoir diaphragms and caps, ensuring a tight seal. Wipe all components and check for leaks at banjo bolts and bleeder nipples with brake applied pressure held.
  12. Torque any banjo bolts to factory spec if removed for inspection. When in doubt, torque to a moderate value and recheck for leaks after a short ride.

Inspection checklist & maintenance tips

  • Replace banjo bolt crush washers whenever you remove the banjo fitting to avoid leaks.
  • Inspect caliper pistons, seals, and pads for uneven wear or contamination. Replace pads if glazed or excessively worn.
  • Replace rubber brake hoses if cracked, bulging, or soft. Consider braided stainless lines for firmer lever feel and longer life.
  • Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time; MotoSport recommends replacing fluid at least every 2 years or sooner if the unit is used aggressively or in wet environments.
  • Dispose of used brake fluid responsibly per local regulations.

Troubleshooting

  • Persistent soft lever after multiple bleeds: check for internal master cylinder leakage, collapsed rubber hose, or air trapped in a hidden section (ABS units may need dealer-level procedures).
  • Sporadic brake drag after bleeding: check caliper sliding pins, pads, and caliper piston retraction; ensure bleeder nipples are fully closed.
  • Fluid level drops quickly: inspect for external leaks at banjo bolts, calipers, hoses, and reservoir seals.

Final checks before riding

  • Verify tightness of all fittings, clean any fluid residue, and ensure caps are sealed.
  • Test brakes at low speed in a safe area to confirm strong, consistent braking and no pulling or noise.
  • Recheck fluid level after the first short ride and after carrying a passenger or heavy load.

Follow these MotoSport procedures and your 2011 Can-Am Renegade 800R will maintain reliable brake performance. When in doubt about ABS-equipped units, seized components, or persistent issues, schedule professional inspection.

Related Shopping Categories

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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.