How to bleed and replace brake fluid on a 2013 Suzuki King Quad 500AXi 4X4
Shop parts for a 2013 SUZUKI KINGQD500A ATV.
This MotoSport proprietary guide walks you step-by-step through replacing and bleeding the brake fluid on your 2013 Suzuki King Quad 500AXi 4X4 so you can restore firm brake feel and safe stopping performance. Follow each step carefully, wear eye protection and gloves, and work on a level surface with the engine off and ignition key removed.
What you need
- DOT 4 brake fluid (Suzuki specifies DOT 4; confirm in your owner's manual)
- Clear plastic tubing to fit bleed nipples
- Small catch bottle (marked for used brake fluid) and a piece of clean paper towel or rag
- Box-end wrench that fits the bleed nipples (typically 8mm or 10mm)
- Turkey-baster or syringe (optional) for removing old fluid from the reservoir
- Brake-clean spray, shop rags, nitrile gloves, eye protection
- Torque wrench for bleed nipple/banjo bolt torque if you remove lines
- Optional: handheld vacuum bleeder or pressure bleeder for faster, neater bleeding
Model notes specific to the 2013 King Quad 500AXi
- The King Quad 500AXi uses hydraulic brakes with separate front and rear controls — the front lever on the handlebar and a rear brake pedal. That means each circuit has its own master cylinder/reservoir to service independently.
- Bleed nipples are accessible on each caliper, but some caliper hardware sits low on the A-arms; raise the ATV and support securely to access them comfortably.
- Brake lines on this model run near painted bodywork and plastic; brake fluid will strip paint & damage plastics, so protect surfaces when working.
- Rubber hoses and caliper seals on older King Quads can harden or leak — if hoses are cracked or swollen, replace them rather than just bleeding.
- If your brakes feel spongy after bleeding, inspect caliper pistons and master cylinder seals for binding or wear. The King Quad's master cylinders are serviceable but may require rebuild kits for full restoration.
Safety and preparation
- Park the ATV on level ground, engage parking brake (if fitted), and place wheel chocks under wheels.
- Prop the bodywork to avoid spills on painted surfaces; cover plastics near reservoirs and calipers with rags or plastic.
- Do not let the brake fluid in the reservoir run dry at any time during bleeding — keep a steady supply of fresh DOT 4 fluid on hand.
Step-by-step: flush and replace brake fluid
These steps assume separate front and rear systems. Complete one circuit at a time, starting with the circuit farthest from the master cylinder if you determine any shared routing. For the King Quad, that normally means:
- Rear circuit (pedal) first, then front circuit (lever).
- Clean the reservoir cap area thoroughly. Remove cap and diaphragm, wiping out surface grime so no dirt falls into the system.
- If reservoir fluid is dark or contaminated, remove most of it with a turkey-baster or syringe and dispose of it properly. Refill with fresh DOT 4 to the "MAX" line.
- Locate the bleed nipple on the caliper. Fit clear tubing onto the nipple and route the other end into a catch bottle partially filled with a little fresh fluid to prevent air re-entry.
- Have an assistant slowly apply steady pressure to the brake pedal/lever and hold it down. With the pedal/lever held, open the bleed nipple a 1/4 turn to allow fluid/air to escape. Close the nipple before the assistant releases the pedal/lever. Repeat until clean, bubble-free fluid flows and the fluid in the reservoir remains clean. Replenish reservoir frequently.
- Alternate method: use a vacuum bleeder or pressure bleeder. If you use a vacuum bleeder at the caliper, pump until clear fluid appears; if using a pressure bleeder on the reservoir, pressurize per tool instructions & open nipples one at a time until clear fluid flows. Both methods reduce risk of air entering the system versus pump-&-hold, but keep reservoir topped up.
- Work from the furthest caliper toward the master cylinder if you have multiple calipers in a circuit. For many King Quad setups that means rear caliper(s) first, then front calipers tied to that circuit. If in doubt, bleed each caliper individually and keep reservoir full.
- When each caliper shows clear, bubble-free fluid, tighten bleed nipple to factory snug. If you removed any brake lines, torque banjo bolts to Suzuki spec and use new crush washers.
- Top reservoir to the proper level, reinstall diaphragm and cap, then clean all spilled fluid with brake cleaner and water if needed.
- Check pedal/lever firmness. If still soft, repeat bleeding cycle. A firm pedal/lever that returns without sponginess indicates an air-free system.
- Lower the ATV, remove chocks, and perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area to confirm braking performance before normal operation.
Tips, common issues & maintenance notes
- Use only fresh DOT 4 fluid from a sealed container. DOT 5 (silicone) is not compatible with DOT 4 systems.
- Brake fluid is hygroscopic — it absorbs moisture over time. Replace fluid every 1-2 years for best performance and corrosion prevention.
- If you see persistent air or a soft pedal after multiple bleeds, inspect the master cylinder seals and caliper pistons for leaks or corrosion. On the King Quad, an aging master cylinder is a common cause of recurring sponginess.
- Replace any cracked hoses or corroded fittings. On this model, worn hoses commonly show swell at the ends or hairline cracks under flex points near the frame.
- Protect painted plastic and aluminum: clean spills immediately. Brake fluid will dull or remove paint on plastics and metal.
- If you remove wheels for access, torque axle nuts and wheel bolts to Suzuki spec and re-check after initial ride.
Disposal
Used brake fluid is hazardous waste. Store in a sealed clearly labeled container and dispose of at a household hazardous waste facility or auto-recycling center per local regulations.
Final check
- Ensure all bleed nipples are tight and capped.
- Verify reservoir cap and diaphragm are seated correctly to prevent contamination.
- Perform a controlled brake test at walking speed, then a moderate-speed test in a safe area to confirm braking behavior under load.
Follow this MotoSport guide and you’ll restore firm braking on your 2013 Suzuki King Quad 500AXi 4X4. If you encounter persistent problems, schedule a professional inspection & caliper/master-cylinder rebuild or replacement as needed.
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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.