How to Bleed & Replace Brake Fluid on a 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570

Shop parts for a 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 ATV.

This MotoSport guide covers step-by-step instructions to safely replace and bleed the brake fluid on a 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 (Polaris;SPORTS570;2017). Follow these steps carefully, use proper PPE, and only use DOT-specified brake fluid. If you’re not confident working on brakes, have a qualified technician perform the job.

What you need

  • DOT 4 brake fluid (Polaris recommends DOT 4)
  • Clear plastic tubing to fit bleeder nipples
  • Catch bottle for old fluid
  • Brake bleeder wrench or appropriate 8mm/10mm wrench (verify bleeder size on your calipers)
  • 6mm hex or socket for caliper/banjo bolts if required
  • Turkey baster or fluid syringe (to remove old fluid from reservoir)
  • Clean lint-free rags, gloves, eye protection
  • Jack stands or ramps to get wheels off the ground if needed
  • Torque wrench (recommended)

Safety & prep

  • Work on a level surface with the engine off and key removed.
  • Protect painted surfaces from brake fluid; it can damage plastic and paint.
  • Wear gloves and eye protection. Dispose of old fluid properly.
  • Check your owner’s manual for any model-specific cautions. Some Sportsman 570 variants may have different caliper hardware; confirm bleeder nipple size and banjo bolt torque specs if available.

Model-specific notes for the 2017 Sportsman 570

  • The 2017 Sportsman 570 typically uses a single front master cylinder feeding dual front calipers and a rear master cylinder for the rear caliper. Some models have a combined hand/foot system — verify which configuration your machine has before starting.
  • Sportsman 570 plastic and bodywork are susceptible to brake fluid damage. Remove or shield nearby plastics and fenders when bleeding.
  • If your ATV has electronic fuel injection or accessory wiring routed near brake components, avoid spilling fluid on connectors.
  • If your model is equipped with a factory accessory parking brake or cable-operated rear mechanisms, inspect the cable and actuators while you service the brakes.

Procedure overview

  1. Raise the ATV or position it so you can access bleeder nipples on each caliper. Secure machine on stands.
  2. Clean the master cylinder reservoir cap area to prevent contamination. Remove cap and diaphragm; use a syringe or turkey baster to remove most of the old fluid from the reservoir.
  3. Refill reservoir with fresh DOT 4 fluid to just below the max mark. Keep the cap loosely in place to reduce contamination and evaporation while bleeding.
  4. Start with the wheel/circuit furthest from the master cylinder. For most Sportsman 570 setups that means bleed sequence: rear caliper first, then front calipers (left or right as needed). If your machine has a single front reservoir, the recommended order is rear, right front, left front. Confirm on your machine visually which line goes where and follow furthest-to-closest logic.
  5. Attach clear tubing to the bleeder nipple and place the other end into a catch bottle partially filled with clean fluid to avoid sucking air back in.
  6. Have an assistant slowly depress the brake lever/pedal several times and then hold it down. Open the bleeder nipple about a 1/4 turn to allow fluid and air to flow into the tubing. Close the nipple before the assistant releases the lever/pedal. Repeat until the fluid runs clear and air bubbles stop appearing.
  7. Keep the reservoir topped up during the entire process so it never runs low and draws air in. Add fluid in small amounts; do not overfill.
  8. Repeat bleeding for each caliper in the chosen sequence. For single-master systems, this ensures old fluid and trapped air are pushed out in the proper order.
  9. For stubborn air or contaminated systems you can perform pressure or vacuum bleeding tools or a two-person pump-and-hold method. If you use a pressure bleeder, follow the tool manufacturer’s steps and keep reservoir pressure within safe limits for the system.

Rear caliper specific steps

  • Locate rear caliper bleeder on the caliper housing. Clean around the bleeder.
  • Attach tubing, have helper press rear brake pedal. Open bleeder while pedal is held, close before release. Repeat until clear fluid appears and no bubbles are present.
  • Torque the bleeder to factory spec if you remove it; snug is usually adequate, but avoid over-tightening.

Front caliper specific steps

  • Repeat the same process at each front caliper. If the Sportsman has an integrated hand lever master cylinder for front brakes, use the hand lever for bleeding.
  • When finished, ensure bleeder nipples are closed and clean off any spilled fluid immediately.

Final checks & adjustments

  • Top reservoir to the proper level, reinstall diaphragm and cap, and secure it.
  • Pump the brake lever/pedal several times until firm. If the lever/pedal feels spongy, re-bleed the affected circuit.
  • Inspect calipers, lines, and fittings for leaks. Check banjo bolts and caliper mounting bolts for proper torque if you removed hardware (refer to Polaris torque specs for exact numbers; if you don’t have the manual, tighten to a reasonable torque and have a dealer confirm exact spec).
  • Test brakes at low speed in a safe area before normal use to ensure proper function.
  • Dispose of old brake fluid at an appropriate recycling center; do not pour down drains.

Troubleshooting

  • If you can’t get a firm lever/pedal after thorough bleeding, inspect master cylinder seals and caliper pistons for leaks or sticking; replace components if necessary.
  • Persistent air in the system may indicate a leaking line or a master cylinder that needs rebuilding.

Routine maintenance tips

  • Replace brake fluid every 2 years or sooner if contaminated or if you ride in wet/muddy conditions frequently.
  • Inspect brake pads, rotors, lines, and mounting hardware each season. Replace pads before they reach minimum thickness.
  • Keep a small bottle of DOT 4 on hand for topping off during long trips.

Following this MotoSport-specific guide will help you replace and bleed the brake fluid on your 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 safely and effectively. If you encounter unusual hardware, ABS components, or electronic braking aids, consult a Polaris dealer for model-specific service.

Related Shopping Categories

Shop Brake Fluid for a 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 ATV.

Shop Brake Bleeders for a 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 ATV.

Shop Brake Pads for a 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 ATV.

Shop Brake Lines for a 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 ATV.

Shop Brake Tools for a 2017 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.