How to bleed & replace brake fluid on a 2016 Polaris Sportsman 570

Shop parts for a 2016 Polaris Sportsman 570 ATV.

This MotoSport guide gives a step-by-step, shop-quality procedure to safely drain, flush, and bleed the hydraulic brakes on a 2016 Polaris Sportsman 570. Follow all safety warnings, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and dispose of used brake fluid responsibly. This procedure is written for the factory hydraulic system without ABS components.

What you need

  • DOT 4 brake fluid (or the DOT grade specified in your owner's manual)
  • Clear tubing that fits snugly over each bleeder nipple
  • Brake bleeder wrench or correctly sized open wrench
  • Turkey baster or fluid syringe (for removing old fluid from reservoir)
  • Catch bottle or jar for used fluid
  • Clean rags, shop towels, brake parts cleaner
  • Floor jack and stands or a padded ATV lift (securely support the ATV)
  • Latex or nitrile gloves and eye protection
  • Small container of clean water & mild soap for cleanup

Model notes — 2016 Polaris Sportsman 570

  • The Sportsman 570 uses a conventional hydraulic master cylinder and calipers with remote reservoir(s). There is no factory ABS on most configurations of this model year.
  • Recommended DOT grade is typically DOT 4; confirm with your owner's manual or Polaris service documentation before starting.
  • Brake lines are routed through plastic clips and steel fittings that can be damaged by overtightening. Use care when accessing bleeders and reservoir caps.
  • Brake reservoirs are translucent plastic; inspect for cracks or degraded rubber diaphragms and replace if damaged before refilling.

Preparation

  1. Park on level ground. Shift to park and remove the key. Block the wheels to prevent movement.
  2. Raise the ATV so the wheels with the brakes you'll work on are off the ground. Use proper jack stands or an ATV lift.
  3. Clean the reservoir area and bleeder nipples with brake parts cleaner to avoid contamination from dirt getting into the system.
  4. Remove the master cylinder reservoir cap slowly. Wipe away any dust. Note the fluid level and color.
  5. Use a turkey baster or syringe to remove most of the old fluid from the reservoir. Do not let the reservoir run dry during bleeding – always keep fresh fluid available to top up.

Bleeding sequence

Always bleed the caliper farthest from the master cylinder first and finish with the closest. For the Sportsman 570 the common sequence is: rear caliper – right front caliper – left front caliper. If your bike is configured differently, use the same far-to-near principle.

Method A — Manual one-person bleed (recommended for routine flush)

  1. Fill the reservoir with clean DOT 4 fluid to just below the full mark.
  2. Attach clear tubing to the bleeder nipple and submerge the other end in a small catch bottle partially filled with clean brake fluid to prevent air re-entry.
  3. Have the brake lever or pedal at rest. Crack the bleeder nipple about a quarter turn.
  4. Squeeze the lever or press the pedal slowly several times, then hold pressure on the lever/pedal while you tighten the bleeder nipple. Release the lever/pedal. This pushes fluid and air out while preventing air from being drawn back in.
  5. Repeat: open bleeder, pump, hold, tighten until no air bubbles appear in the tubing and the fluid runs clear.
  6. Top up the reservoir frequently during the process to prevent it from running dry — running dry will draw air into the system and require starting over.
  7. Move to the next caliper following the bleed sequence until all calipers have been bled.
  8. After final caliper is bled, ensure the reservoir is filled to the proper level, reinstall the cap, and clean any spilled fluid immediately — brake fluid damages paint and plastics.

Method B — Vacuum or pressure bleeder (one-person, cleaner)

  1. Attach a hand vacuum pump to the bleeder nipple or use a pressure bleeder on the reservoir per manufacturer instructions.
  2. If vacuuming at the caliper, open the nipple and pull until no more bubbles appear, then tighten while maintaining vacuum.
  3. If using a pressure bleeder pressurize the reservoir (low pressure) and open bleeders one at a time until clear fluid appears, then close each nipple before moving on.

Bench-check & final steps

  1. With the ATV still supported, pump the brake lever/pedal by hand and verify firm, consistent pressure. If it feels spongy, repeat bleeding.
  2. Inspect bleeder nipples and hose clamps for leaks; torque fittings snugly but do not overtighten.
  3. Lower the ATV and perform a low-speed functional brake test in a safe area. Test both front and rear brakes separately and together.
  4. Clean all tools and properly dispose of used brake fluid per local regulations.

Common issues & troubleshooting

  • Spongy lever after bleeding: likely air still trapped — repeat the bleed sequence and make sure reservoir never runs dry.
  • Continued presence of bubbles: check for leaks at master cylinder seals, caliper piston seals, or damaged flex lines that can draw air in under vacuum.
  • Brake lever suddenly goes to the bar after bleeding: inspect for caliper piston seizure or internal master cylinder failure; replacement may be required.
  • Contaminated paint or plastic: immediately wash area with water & mild soap if fluid contacts painted surfaces.

Maintenance tips

  • Replace brake fluid every 1-2 years or sooner if it appears dark or contaminated.
  • Inspect brake hoses for cracks or swelling annually and replace if any deterioration is found.
  • Keep a sealed bottle of the correct DOT rating on hand for top-ups, and always use fresh, unopened fluid when performing a full flush.
  • Record the service date and mileage/hours in your maintenance log for future reference.

Performing a careful, methodical bleed and fluid replacement will keep your Sportsman 570 braking reliably and extend the life of hydraulic components. If you encounter persistent problems or internal master cylinder/caliper issues, consult a qualified mechanic or Polaris dealer.

Related Shopping Categories

Shop Brake Fluid for a 2016 Polaris Sportsman 570 ATV.

Shop Brake Bleeders for a 2016 Polaris Sportsman 570 ATV.

Shop Brake Pads for a 2016 Polaris Sportsman 570 ATV.

Shop Brake Lines for a 2016 Polaris Sportsman 570 ATV.

Shop Brake Tools for a 2016 Polaris Sportsman 570 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.