How to Bleed & Replace Brake Fluid on a 2013 Honda Rincon 680 4X4

Shop parts for a 2013 Honda Rincon 680 4X4 ATV.

This MotoSport service guide walks you through replacing and bleeding the brake fluid on a 2013 Honda Rincon 680 4X4 (MMY). Follow these steps to restore firm, responsive brakes. This procedure assumes the stock hydraulic system with a single master cylinder and conventional calipers. If your Rincon has aftermarket components, adjust accordingly.

Safety & Preparation

  • Work on a level surface, engine off, parking brake engaged, key removed.
  • Wear eye protection and gloves. Brake fluid is corrosive to paint & plastics – protect painted surfaces and clean any spills immediately.
  • Use fresh, unopened brake fluid of the specification called out in your owner’s manual. If uncertain, use DOT-rated fluid as specified by Honda (consult the manual before starting).
  • Keep rags and a clean catch container ready. Use clear tubing for bleeder nipples so you can observe bubbles.
  • Have an assistant for manual bleeding, or use a vacuum/pressure bleeder for one-person operation.

Tools & Supplies

  • Fresh brake fluid (Honda-recommended DOT spec)
  • Open-end wrenches sized for bleeder nipples (commonly 8mm or 10mm)
  • Bleeder hose and clear container
  • Turkey baster or syringe (to remove old fluid from reservoir)
  • Clean shop rags, gloves, eye protection
  • Floor jack/stands or ramps if needed for wheel access
  • Optional: vacuum or pressure bleeder, torque wrench

Model Notes for the 2013 Honda Rincon 680 4X4 (MMY)

  • The Rincon 680 uses a single master cylinder feeding front and rear calipers. There is no factory ABS system on this model.
  • The master cylinder reservoir is small – top it carefully during bleeding to avoid drawing air in.
  • Factory calipers are conventional; bleeder nipples are accessible on each caliper but can be recessed by guards. Remove guards if necessary.
  • If you ride in wet/muddy conditions often, inspect caliper dust boots and lines for wear or contamination when servicing fluid. Replace any swollen or cracked hoses.

Fluid Replacement & Bleed Procedure (Step-by-step)

Follow this full replacement procedure to remove old fluid and purge air from the system.

  1. Clean the reservoir cap area thoroughly before opening to prevent contamination.
  2. Remove the reservoir cover and diaphragm. Using a turkey baster or syringe, remove as much old fluid as possible from the reservoir.
  3. Fill the reservoir with fresh brake fluid to the max level. Keep the cap loosely on to limit contamination.
  4. Identify the brake circuit bleed order. General best practice is to bleed from the caliper farthest from the master cylinder first, then proceed to the nearest. On the Rincon 680, a recommended sequence is:
    • Rear right (passenger) caliper – farthest
    • Rear left (driver) caliper
    • Front right (passenger) caliper
    • Front left (driver) caliper – nearest
  5. Attach clear tubing to the bleeder nipple and submerge the other end in a small container partly filled with clean brake fluid to prevent air re-entry.
  6. Have your assistant slowly depress the brake pedal several times and hold it down. Open the bleeder nipple about a quarter turn to allow fluid and air to flow out. Close the nipple before the assistant releases the pedal. Repeat until only clear fluid without bubbles flows. Top the reservoir frequently to avoid running dry.
  7. Repeat the process for each caliper following the sequence above. Ensure each caliper bleeder is closed securely after bleeding.
  8. Once all calipers are bled and reservoir level is at the proper mark, reinstall the reservoir diaphragm and cap. Clean any spilled fluid immediately.
  9. Test the pedal feel with the engine off: it should be firm and not sink under steady pressure. Start the engine and verify pedal firmness again. If soft or spongy, repeat bleeding, paying attention to the reservoir not running dry.
  10. Cycle the brakes at low speed in a safe area to confirm proper operation before riding normally.

Notes on Methods & Tools

  • Manual two-person bleeding is reliable & inexpensive. One person can use a vacuum or pressure bleeder to make the job cleaner and faster.
  • A pressure bleeder pressurizes the reservoir to push fluid through. A vacuum pump pulls fluid from bleeder nipples. Both reduce the chance of drawing air into the master cylinder if used correctly.
  • Never mix different DOT fluids in the system unless they are compatible. Always follow the specified DOT rating.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

  • Persistent spongy pedal: possible remaining air in system, contaminated master cylinder, or leaking caliper/line. Re-bleed and inspect hoses, fittings, and caliper seals.
  • Brake fade after bleeding: check fluid type and condition; old or contaminated fluid can reduce performance.
  • Leaking bleeder nipple: replace or tighten and re-torque nipple. Use new sealing washers if applicable.

Maintenance Intervals & Recommendations

  • MotoSport recommends replacing brake fluid every 1-2 years for ATVs used regularly or more often if subject to heavy use or water contamination.
  • Inspect lines, calipers, and the reservoir whenever you service brakes. Replace any rubber hoses older than recommended service life or showing swelling/cracks.

Final Checks

  • Verify reservoir cap is secure and no leaks are present.
  • Confirm brake light switch and brake-operated features function correctly after reassembly.
  • Dispose of used brake fluid responsibly; do not pour it on the ground or into drains.

If you need model-specific replacement parts or consumables for your 2013 Honda Rincon 680 4X4, MotoSport stocks components and service supplies to get you back on the trail.

Related Shopping Categories

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Shop Brake Lines for a 2013 Honda Rincon 680 4X4 ATV.

Shop Brake Tools for a 2013 Honda Rincon 680 4X4 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.