How to Bleed and Replace Brake Fluid on a 2014 Can-Am Renegade 800R X XC
Shop parts for a 2014 Can-Am Renegade 800R X XC ATV.
This MotoSport-exclusive guide walks you through bleeding the brakes and replacing brake fluid on a 2014 Can-Am Renegade 800R X XC. Procedures are written to be robust for DIY mechanics and shop techs, with safety notes and model-specific items to watch.
Safety & prep
- Work on a cool vehicle on a flat, stable surface. Chock wheels and disconnect the battery if you will be working near electrical components.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves. Brake fluid is corrosive to paint & plasticscover painted surfaces and wipe spills immediately.
- Use only fresh DOT 4 brake fluid (factory recommendation for most Can-Am ATVs). Do not mix fluids of different DOT ratings or reuse drained fluid.
- Have a clean catch container, clear hose for bleed nipple, rubber cap or appropriate wrench for bleed screws, turkey-baster or syringe, and either a vacuum/pressure bleeder or a helper for manual bleeding.
Model notes for the 2014 Can-Am Renegade 800R X XC
- The Renegade 800R X XC uses separate master cylinders for front and rear brake circuits. Bleed each circuit independently.
- There is no factory ABS on this model's basic brake system to complicate bleeding, but confirm your machine's equipment if ordered with options.
- Brake lines route exposed to trail debris & suspension movement; inspect lines for chafe, cracks or bulges. Replace any suspect line before bleeding.
- Brake calipers use standard bleeding nipples accessible without wheel removal on many units, but wheels may be removed for better access on tight models.
- Replace brake fluid every 2 years or sooner if the fluid is dark, contaminated, or if you detect a spongy lever/pedal that doesn't respond after bleeding.
Tools & materials
- DOT 4 brake fluid (new, unopened)
- Clear plastic tubing to fit bleed nipple
- Catch bottle or reservoir for used fluid
- Bleed wrench or appropriate sized box wrench for bleed screws
- Turkey baster or syringe to remove old fluid from reservoirs
- Vacuum or pressure bleeder (recommended) or helper for manual pump bleeding
- Shop rags, degreaser, and a brake-clean aerosol
Overview of the bleed order
For systems with separate front and rear masters, bleed each master independently. For each circuit, follow the common rule: begin with the caliper farthest from the master cylinder and finish with the closest. On the Renegade 800R X XC this generally means:
- Rear master circuit: start with the passenger-side rear caliper (if applicable), then driver-side rear, finish at rear master.
- Front master circuit: start with the right front caliper, then left front, finish at front master.
Step-by-step bleeding & fluid replacement
- Remove the reservoir cap(s). Use a clean lint-free rag to wipe the cap area before opening to prevent contamination. If your reservoirs have foam or a diaphragm, leave them in place unless damaged.
- Extract as much old fluid as possible from each reservoir with a turkey baster or syringe. Refill immediately with fresh DOT 4 to keep air out.
- Attach clear tubing to the bleed nipple of the first caliper and route the other end into a catch bottle partially filled with clean brake fluid to prevent air from being drawn back in.
- If using a pressure bleeder: fit the pressure bleeder to the reservoir, pressurize per the bleeder instructions (commonly 15-20 psi), open the bleed screw and allow fluid to run until clear, bubble-free fluid appears. Close the bleed screw, then move to the next caliper. Keep reservoir topped up while bleeding to prevent air ingestion.
- If using a vacuum bleeder: connect vacuum to bleed nipple, pump to draw fluid through until clear fluid appears without bubbles. Close nipple and repeat for each caliper, keeping reservoir topped up.
- If bleeding manually with a helper: have the helper hold lever/pedal down and maintain pressure while you open the bleed screw. Instruct helper to slowly apply pressure (pump) then hold; open the bleed screw to let fluid/air out, close screw, then have helper release. Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid flows. Maintain reservoir level throughout.
- Bleed in the proper order for the circuit being serviced (farthest caliper first). Work methodically and never let the reservoir run low. If reservoir runs dry, you must restart bleeding for that circuit from the beginning.
- When fluid runs clear and free of air, close the bleed nipple tight to the specified snugness (hand tight plus a small additional turn with the wrench). Do not over-torqueuse care to avoid stripping the nipple.
- Repeat for each caliper in the circuit. After finish-bleeding the last caliper, pump the lever/pedal to verify a firm, non-spongy feel. If soft, repeat bleeding steps until firm.
- Top the reservoir to the MAX line, reinstall the cap cleanly, and wipe any spilled fluid off paint or plastic immediately.
- Carefully test brakes at low speed in a safe area to confirm proper operation before returning to normal riding. Verify there are no leaks at bleed nipples, hose fittings or master cylinder.
Common troubleshooting
- Persistent spongy lever after thorough bleeding: inspect calipers for seized pistons, inspect master cylinder for internal leakage, and inspect hoses for expansion. Replace damaged components before re-bleeding.
- Air keeps appearing during bleeding: likely reservoir contamination or a bad seal at the reservoir cap, a loose fitting, or a cracked hose. Tighten connections and replace damaged seals.
- Brake drag after bleeding: ensure caliper pistons retract fully; pinned pads or contaminated pads can cause drag. Clean caliper slides and inspect pads and rotors.
Disposal & final checks
- Dispose of used brake fluid and contaminated rags per local hazardous waste regulations.
- Inspect brake pad thickness; replace pads if below safe thickness or if contaminated with oil/grease.
- After a full road/trail test, recheck fluid level and bleed screw tightness. Reinspect for leaks.
Notes specific to maintenance intervals and ownership
- Service interval: replace brake fluid every 2 years under normal use; sooner if you ride in wet, humid, or high-mileage conditions.
- Spare parts tip: keep a spare set of bleed washers and dust caps on hand; the Renegade's bleed nipples can corrode and benefit from fresh rubber caps.
- Pad life: aggressive trail use shortens pad life. Inspect pads after heavy use or mud runs.
- If you are not confident in diagnosing soft lever issues, have a trained MotoSport tech inspect the master cylinder and calipers to avoid unsafe conditions.
Follow these steps and checks to keep the braking system on your 2014 Can-Am Renegade 800R X XC safe, responsive, and trail-ready. If you need OEM or aftermarket brake parts, cables, pads or fluid, Shop parts for your ride now!
Related Shopping Categories
Shop Brake Fluid for a 2014 Can-Am Renegade 800R X XC ATV.
Shop Brake Bleeders for a 2014 Can-Am Renegade 800R X XC ATV.
Shop Brake Pads for a 2014 Can-Am Renegade 800R X XC ATV.
Shop Brake Lines for a 2014 Can-Am Renegade 800R X XC ATV.
Shop Brake Tools for a 2014 Can-Am Renegade 800R X XC 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.
