How to bleed and replace brake fluid on a 2017 Can-Am Outlander 850

Shop parts for a 2017 Can-Am Outlander 850 ATV.

This MotoSport-exclusive guide walks you through bleeding and replacing the brake fluid on a 2017 Can-Am Outlander 850 (MMY CAN_AM;OL850;2017). Procedures below are written for the typical Outlander 850 with separate front and rear master cylinders. If your machine is fitted with ABS, read the ABS section before proceeding.

What you need

  • DOT 4 brake fluid (fresh, unopened)
  • Clear plastic tubing to fit bleed nipples
  • Brake bleeder bottle or small clear container
  • Line wrench set (8mm or 11mm depending on banjo/bleeder hardware)
  • Phillips or flat driver for reservoir cover
  • Disposable gloves & eye protection
  • Clean shop rags and brake cleaner
  • Plastic syringe or turkey baster (for old fluid removal)
  • Optional: vacuum or pressure bleeder and torque wrench
  • Catch pan & proper disposal container for used fluid

Safety & prep

  • Park on level ground, engine off, key removed. Stabilize the ATV on a stand so wheels can be rotated if needed.
  • Brake fluid damages paint & plastics. Cover nearby surfaces and wipe spills immediately with brake cleaner.
  • Wear gloves & eye protection. Dispose of old fluid per local hazardous-waste rules.
  • Work on one brake circuit at a time. The Outlander 850 uses separate circuits for front and rear brakes; identify which master cylinder controls each circuit before starting.

Model notes for the 2017 Outlander 850

  • The 2017 Outlander 850 typically uses DOT 4 brake fluid in both front and rear systems. Avoid mixing DOT 5 or silicone fluids.
  • Front and rear brake systems are independent: there is a handlebar lever master cylinder for the front and a foot pedal or secondary master cylinder for the rear depending on model/options. Bleed each master separately.
  • Some Outlanders were equipped with optional ABS. If your machine has ABS, the ABS modulator may trap air — see ABS-specific procedure below.
  • Banjo bolt and bleed nipple hardware are small and can strip; always use the correct sized line wrench and avoid rounding fasteners.
  • Routine replacement interval for brake fluid on this ATV is typically every 12-24 months depending on use and exposure to water & mud. Replace sooner if fluid looks dark or contaminated.

Basic wet-suction method (manual bleed) – recommended for single circuits

Use this when you have one master cylinder and one caliper per circuit or when servicing individual circuits.

  1. Clean the reservoir cap area. Open reservoir and top off with fresh DOT 4 fluid. Do not overfill; keep a little room to prevent spillage when capping.
  2. Locate the bleed nipple on the caliper. Fit clear tubing over the nipple and submerge the other end in a catch jar partially filled with fresh fluid to avoid sucking air back in.
  3. Have an assistant slowly apply the brake lever or pedal to about 75% travel and hold.
  4. Open the bleed nipple 1/4 to 1/2 turn until fluid flows. Close the nipple before your assistant releases the lever or pedal. Repeat this pump/open/close cycle until you see clear fluid free of bubbles in the tubing.
  5. Keep the reservoir topped with clean fluid during the entire process to avoid drawing air into the system.
  6. Once clear fluid is flowing, tighten the bleed nipple to the proper snugness (finger-tight plus a small additional turn with a wrench). Wipe area clean and verify lever/pedal firmness.
  7. Repeat for the other circuit.

Gravity bleed method

  • Open the reservoir and attach clear tubing from the bleed nipple to a catch bottle. Open the bleed nipple slightly and let fluid flow by gravity. Top off the reservoir as fluid drains.
  • This is slow but avoids repeated cycling. It may not remove all air if bubbles are trapped; verify pedal/lever firmness after.

Pressure or vacuum bleeder method – faster, cleaner

  • Attach a pressure bleeder to the master cylinder reservoir or use a vacuum pump on the bleed nipple. Follow the tool manufacturer instructions.
  • Pressure bleeding forces fluid from the master to the caliper and is excellent for one-person jobs. Vacuum bleeding pulls fluid out at the caliper side and reduces risk of air ingress.
  • Keep reservoir capped but vented as directed by your tool; monitor fluid level so air is not introduced.

Bleeding sequence guidance

  • On vehicles with separate front/rear systems on the Outlander 850, bleed each circuit individually.
  • If bleeding multiple calipers on a single circuit, start with the caliper farthest from the master cylinder and finish with the closest.

ABS-equipped Outlander 850 – special notes

  • If your 2017 Outlander 850 has ABS, the ABS modulator can trap air. After standard bleeding, the ABS unit may require activation cycles to purge internal passages.
  • MotoSport recommends either using a dealer-level scan tool or ABS service tool to activate the ABS pump and valves while a pressure bleeder cycles fluid, or take the ATV to a qualified shop for ABS bleeding if you do not have the necessary tools.
  • Do not pump the ABS unit with the ignition in an improper state; follow service-tool prompts if available. Improper ABS cycling can introduce air or damage the system.

Finishing steps & checks

  • After bleeding, ensure reservoir is at the correct level and securely cap it. Clean any spilled fluid.
  • Operate brake lever and pedal several times to confirm firm feel and full travel. If spongy, repeat bleeding.
  • Inspect all lines, fittings, and calipers for leaks while pressure-testing brakes gently.
  • Road-test or trail-test at low speed in a safe area to verify braking performance before normal use.

Troubleshooting

  • Persistent spongy feel: likely air remains. Re-bleed using pressure or vacuum method or consult MotoSport service partners.
  • Brake lever or pedal bottoms out but no leaks visible: check master cylinder internal seals and caliper pistons for contamination or corrosion.
  • If banjo bolts or bleed nipples are corroded or rounded, replace the hardware rather than risk a stripped fitting.

MotoSport tips

  • Use only fresh DOT 4 brake fluid and keep bottles sealed until use. Brake fluid is hygroscopic — it absorbs moisture which reduces boiling point and promotes corrosion.
  • Label any reused containers and do not top off with old fluid. Always top from a fresh source.
  • If you ride in deep water or mud, inspect brakes and fluid more frequently; contaminants accelerate degradation.
  • When in doubt, have MotoSport-certified technicians inspect ABS or complex brake issues to ensure safe operation.

Performing a clean, complete fluid change keeps your 2017 Can-Am Outlander 850 stopping reliably and extending component life. If you need parts or replacement hardware for your Outlander, visit our parts catalog to find OEM & aftermarket options.

Related Shopping Categories

Shop Brake Fluid for a 2017 Can-Am Outlander 850 ATV.

Shop Brake Bleeders for a 2017 Can-Am Outlander 850 ATV.

Shop Brake Pads for a 2017 Can-Am Outlander 850 ATV.

Shop Brake Lines for a 2017 Can-Am Outlander 850 ATV.

Shop Brake Tools for a 2017 Can-Am Outlander 850 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.