How to Bleed & Replace Brake Fluid on a 2015 Can-Am Outlander 800R XT-P

Shop parts for a 2015 Can-Am Outlander 800R XT-P ATV.

This MotoSport exclusive service guide walks you through draining, flushing, and bleeding the hydraulic brake system on the 2015 Can-Am Outlander 800R XT-P. Follow these manufacturer-minded, shop-quality steps and safety reminders so your ATV stops like it should.

What you need

  • DOT 4 brake fluid (fresh, unopened; do not mix with DOT 5 silicone)
  • Clear 1/8" I.D. tubing and a catch bottle
  • Brake bleeder kit (vacuum or pressure bleeder recommended) or a helper for pump-and-hold method
  • Socket set, hex bits, and box wrenches for bleed nipples and caliper/banjo hardware
  • Clean rags, nitrile gloves, eye protection
  • Brake cleaner, new crush washers for banjo bolts if removing lines
  • Torque wrench (use factory torque values or tighten snugly if spec not available)

Model notes & what owners should know

  • The 2015 Outlander 800R XT-P uses hydraulic disc brakes front and rear with remote reservoirs. Use DOT 4 fluid only; the system is sensitive to moisture, so replace fluid on a 1-2 year interval depending on use.
  • XT-P trim includes heavier-duty accessories and can see harder use in mud and towing conditions — contamination and faster fluid degradation are common, so inspect fluid color and feel for spongy operation more often.
  • There is no factory ABS on this model year; all stopping performance depends on bleed quality, pad condition, and rotor surface.
  • Brake line routing on the Outlander is compact; avoid kinking or twisting lines when turning handlebars or lifting the machine for service.

Preparation

  • Park on level ground, engine off, key removed. Secure the machine with blocks so wheels are off the ground and cannot move.
  • Clean area around the master cylinder reservoir caps to prevent dirt entering when opened.
  • Remove wheels only if necessary for clear access to bleed nipples.
  • Open reservoir caps and top up with DOT 4 so level is at the fill mark. Leave caps loose during bleeding to avoid vacuum locking.

Full fluid replacement overview

Goal: remove old fluid from reservoir and calipers, replace with clean DOT 4, then bleed until air-free. Work methodically from the caliper farthest from its master cylinder to the nearest.

1. Identify master cylinders & bleed order

  • Front brakes are actuated by the right-hand lever/master cylinder. Rear brake is actuated by the foot pedal/master. Bleed the brake circuit with the most remote caliper first (usually the right front, then left front, then rear) — follow the farthest-to-nearest rule for each circuit.

2. Vacuum or pressure bleeding (recommended)

  • Attach clear tubing to the bleed nipple and place the other end into a catch bottle partially filled with clean fluid (prevents air ingestion).
  • If using a vacuum bleeder: place vacuum hose on bleed nipple, open nipple 1/4 to 1/2 turn, operate vacuum until clear fluid with no bubbles appears, then close nipple while maintaining vacuum.
  • If using a pressure bleeder on the reservoir: pressurize reservoir per tool instructions, open bleed nipple, allow fluid to flow until clear, then close nipple. Repeat for each caliper in order.

3. Two-person pump-and-hold method (alternate)

  • Have an assistant slowly pull the lever or depress the pedal several times and hold it to the firm point.
  • Open the bleed nipple slightly until fluid and air flow into tubing; close nipple; then instruct assistant to release lever/pedal slowly.
  • Repeat until bubble-free clear fluid arrives and lever/pedal feel becomes firm, keeping reservoir topped up during the process.

4. Bleed sequence specifics

  • Front circuit: start with the caliper farthest from the right-hand master. On the Outlander that is typically the right-front caliper first, then left-front. Verify visually which is farthest and follow that order.
  • Rear circuit: bleed the rear caliper last, following the same farthest-to-nearest approach if multiple bleeders exist.
  • Keep reservoir level between minimum and maximum; never let it run dry or you will reintroduce air into the master cylinder.

5. Final checks

  • After bleeding all circuits, tighten all bleed nipples to proper snugness. Wipe any spilled fluid immediately. Replace and securely fasten reservoir caps.
  • Check fluid level one last time and top to the correct mark with DOT 4.
  • Test lever and pedal feel with engine off, ensuring firm operation and no sponginess. If soft, repeat bleeding until firm.
  • Lower machine, perform a slow low-speed brake test in a safe area to confirm stopping power before full-speed operation.

If you remove banjo bolts or calipers

  • Replace banjo bolt crush washers whenever removing brake line fittings to prevent leaks.
  • Torque banjo bolts and caliper mounting bolts to factory specifications; if you don't have the spec on-hand, tighten to a firm, even value and re-check for leaks under pressure.
  • Inspect caliper pistons and boots; clean and re-lubricate sliding surfaces as needed with brake-safe products.

Troubleshooting & common symptoms

  • Persistent spongy brake lever/pedal after bleeding: likely trapped air in master cylinder or a leaking seal. Consider bench-bleeding the master cylinder or replacing worn master seals.
  • Brake pedal or lever drops slowly under pressure: check for internal caliper leaks or master cylinder seal failure.
  • Contaminated fluid (dark, grainy, or watery): flush completely and change pads/rotors if contaminated by fluid.

Safety & disposal

  • Brake fluid will damage painted surfaces — clean spills immediately with brake cleaner. Avoid skin contact; wear gloves and eye protection.
  • Dispose of old brake fluid per local hazardous waste regulations. Do not pour down drains.

Maintenance tips specific to the XT-P owner

  • If your Outlander sees frequent trail riding, water crossings, towing, or heavy loads (common for XT-P owners), shorten fluid replacement intervals to annually or after severe use.
  • Inspect wheel bearings, caliper mounts, and lines for corrosion during brake service — the XT-P's higher take-on-duty can magnify wear.
  • Always keep a small bottle of DOT 4 on hand for top-offs during extended trips, stored upright and sealed from moisture.

Follow these steps and safety checks to keep your 2015 Can-Am Outlander 800R XT-P stopping predictably. For MotoSport-approved parts and maintenance supplies tailored to this model visit the link above and choose OEM-quality components to maintain peak performance.

Related Shopping Categories

Shop Brake Fluid for a 2015 Can-Am Outlander 800R XT-P ATV.

Shop Brake Bleeders for a 2015 Can-Am Outlander 800R XT-P ATV.

Shop Brake Pads for a 2015 Can-Am Outlander 800R XT-P ATV.

Shop Brake Lines for a 2015 Can-Am Outlander 800R XT-P ATV.

Shop Brake Tools for a 2015 Can-Am Outlander 800R XT-P 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.