How to Bleed and Replace Brake Fluid on a 2015 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP
Shop parts for a 2015 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP ATV.
This MotoSport proprietary guide walks you through a complete brake fluid drain, refill and bleed for a 2015 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP (MMY). Follow this step-by-step procedure, use the recommended materials, and observe safety cautions. If you’re not comfortable working on brakes, have a trained technician perform the job.
What you’ll need
- DOT 4 brake fluid (use the type specified on your reservoir cap or owner's manual)
- Clear vinyl tubing that fits the bleeder nipples snugly
- Brake fluid collection bottle or jar and disposable rags
- 10mm or 8mm wrench for bleeder nipples (verify size on your machine)
- Large Phillips or flat screwdriver for reservoir cap & clean rag
- Syringe or turkey baster (for removing old fluid from reservoir)
- Disposable gloves and eye protection
- Torque wrench for caliper bolts if you remove calipers (use Polaris specs if available)
- Optional: vacuum or pressure bleeder to speed the job
Prep & safety
- Work on level ground with the engine off and the key removed.
- Keep brake fluid off painted surfaces — it will damage plastics and paint. Wipe spills immediately.
- Wear gloves & eye protection. Dispose of used fluid per local regulations.
- Identify the brake master cylinder reservoirs: one for front (handlebar) and one for rear (foot-operated). Confirm reservoir cap markings before proceeding.
Overview of method
The goal is to replace contaminated fluid and remove air from the system. Bleed the system from the caliper farthest from the master cylinder to the nearest. For the Sportsman 570 SP that means:
- Front master cylinder: bleed the farthest front caliper first, then the nearest.
- Rear master cylinder: bleed the caliper farthest from the rear master first, then the nearest.
Step-by-step: drain, refill & bleed
- Clean the reservoir cap area and remove the cap and diaphragm. Use a rag to prevent debris from falling in.
- Using a syringe or turkey baster, remove as much old fluid from the reservoir as possible. Do not let the reservoir run dry during bleeding.
- Top the reservoir with fresh DOT 4 fluid until it reaches the full mark.
- Attach clear tubing to the bleeder nipple on the caliper you will start with. Put the other end into a container partially filled with fresh fluid to avoid drawing air back in.
- Open the bleeder nipple roughly a quarter turn. If using a vacuum/pressure bleeder, follow that tool’s instructions now.
- Have an assistant slowly pull the brake lever or press the brake pedal several times, then hold it firmly. While held, open the bleeder nipple briefly to let fluid and air escape. Close the nipple before the lever/pedal is released. Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid flows.
- After each cycle, top the reservoir to the full mark so air is not drawn into the master cylinder.
- Move to the next caliper following the farthest-to-nearest pattern until both front and rear systems are clear.
- For a complete flush, you can remove old fluid from the opposite end of the system by pumping fresh fluid through until the expelled fluid is clean and new.
- When finished, tighten each bleeder nipple to snug, wipe clean, and reinstall reservoir diaphragm & cap. Operate the brake multiple times to ensure firm pedal/lever feel.
- Road check at low speed in a safe area to confirm proper braking performance before normal use.
If you have stubborn air or a soft lever
- Repeat bleeding cycles; sometimes multiple passes are required to clear trapped air.
- Consider bench bleeding a replaced master cylinder before installation.
- If the lever/pedal still feels spongy after bleeding, inspect brake lines, hose fittings and caliper seals for leaks or internal hose collapse; replace damaged components.
Model-specific notes for the 2015 Sportsman 570 SP
- Reservoir layout: the Sportsman 570 platform uses separate master reservoirs for front and rear brakes. Verify which reservoir serves which circuit before bleeding to avoid cross-contamination.
- Fluid type: Polaris recommends DOT 4 on many Sportsman 570 variants — confirm the marking on your reservoir cap and follow that recommendation. Never mix DOT 5 (silicone) with DOT 3/DOT 4 fluids.
- Caliper access: the Sportsman 570 SP has compact caliper mounting points; dirt buildup is common. Clean caliper mounting areas before disconnecting hose fittings or opening bleeders to prevent contamination.
- Parking brake & mechanical linkages: if your model has an integrated parking brake or mechanical interlock, ensure those linkages are operating properly after any caliper or rotor work.
- ABS note: if your unit is equipped with an optional ABS system, follow Polaris ABS bleeding sequence and precautions. If unsure, consult factory service documentation or a qualified technician.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Never let the master reservoir go dry during bleeding — that will draw air into the system and prolong the job.
- Do not reuse old fluid. Replace it with fresh DOT 4 and cap the bottle to avoid contamination.
- Avoid spilling fluid on plastics and painted surfaces; keep solvent or water handy to flush accidental spills immediately.
- Don’t overtighten bleeder nipples — snug is sufficient. Strip-free practice will prevent broken nipples.
Maintenance interval
Replace brake fluid every 1-2 years or sooner if you notice discoloration or poor pedal feel. Regular replacement maintains corrosion protection and consistent braking performance.
Final checks
- Verify no leaks at bleeder nipples, caliper pistons or hose fittings.
- Ensure reservoir caps and diaphragms are reinstalled correctly to prevent contamination and pressure irregularities.
- Perform a cautious test ride and recheck fluid level and brake function after initial use.
If you need replacement calipers, hoses, bleed kits or DOT 4 fluid specifically matched for the Sportsman 570 SP, find OEM and performance parts at MotoSport to keep your ATV stopping strong.
Related Shopping Categories
Shop Brake Fluid for a 2015 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP ATV.
Shop Brake Bleeders for a 2015 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP ATV.
Shop Brake Pads for a 2015 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP ATV.
Shop Brake Lines for a 2015 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP ATV.
Shop Brake Tools for a 2015 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP 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.