How to Bleed and Replace Brake Fluid on a 2017 Polaris Sportsman Touring 570 SP
Shop parts for a 2017 Polaris Sportsman Touring 570 SP ATV.
This MotoSport-exclusive guide walks you through a safe, effective brake fluid change & bleed procedure tailored to the 2017 Polaris Sportsman Touring 570 SP. Follow every step carefully; if you are unsure at any point, stop and consult a shop or the Polaris service manual for torque specs and service intervals.
What you need
- DOT 4 brake fluid (use fresh, unopened DOT 4; do not use DOT 5/mineral oil)
- Brake-bleeding kit (clear hose and catch bottle) or vacuum/bottle bleeder
- 10 mm / 8 mm wrenches (bleeder screw and reservoir cap as needed)
- Clean rags, nitrile gloves, safety glasses
- Jack/stands or ramps rated for ATVs (if wheels removed)
- Plastic tubing clamp or adjustable hose clamp
- Small funnel and turkey baster or suction syringe (to remove old fluid from reservoir)
- Container for old fluid; brake cleaner for spill cleanup
Important model notes for the 2017 Sportsman Touring 570 SP
- The 570 SP has two independent hydraulic circuits: a front circuit and a rear circuit, each with its own reservoir. Bleed each circuit separately.
- Polaris specifies DOT 4 for this model; do not substitute DOT 5 (silicone) or any mineral-oil based fluid.
- There is no factory ABS on this model; bleeding is the standard open-bleeder system.
- Brake reservoirs are mounted under the front plastic shroud area & the rear rack/plastic near the brake masteridentify both before starting.
- Avoid spilling fluid on painted plastic and rubber components – DOT fluid will damage finishes. Rinse spills immediately with water and wipe.
Preparation
- Park on a level surface, engage park/gear, and disconnect the battery negative terminal for safety if you will be working around electrical components.
- Clean the area around both reservoir caps. Remove caps and diaphragms slowly to avoid introducing dirt.
- Use a turkey baster or suction syringe to remove as much old fluid from the reservoirs as possible without letting the reservoirs run dry.
- Top reservoirs with fresh DOT 4 fluid so they do not run dry during bleeding.
Bleeding order and rationale
Bleed the brake calipers in the order farthest from each master cylinder first, working toward the closest. For the Sportsman Touring 570 SP bleed each circuit separately:
- Rear circuit: Bleed right rear (far), then left rear (near).
- Front circuit: Bleed right front (far), then left front (near).
One-person pressure-bleed method (recommended for clean results)
- Attach clear hose to the caliper bleeder screw and lead the hose into a catch bottle partially filled with clean fluid to prevent drawing air back in.
- Have the reservoir cap off but covered with a clean rag to prevent contamination. Keep the reservoir topped to avoid sucking air.
- Use a helper to slowly depress the brake pedal or lever to about half stroke, hold it down. If alone, use a one-way vacuum bleeder or a hand-held brake pump tool designed for single-person bleeding.
- Open the bleeder screw ~1/4 turn to let fluid & air flow into the hose; close the screw before the helper releases the pedal. Repeat until clear bubble-free fluid emerges.
- When finished for that caliper, tighten the bleeder screw snugly (final torque per Polaris spec in service manual) and wipe clean. Move to the next caliper in sequence.
- Top the reservoir between calipers; never allow it to go below the minimum mark.
Vacuum or pressure-bottle bleeding (single-operator)
- Attach the vacuum pump hose to bleeder screw and pull steady vacuum while the reservoir cap is open. Watch for bubbles; run until clear fluid appears.
- Alternatively, use a pressure bleeder on the reservoir to push fluid through the system; follow tool manufacturer instructions and Polaris specs.
Flush & replace reservoir fluid fully
- After bleeding each caliper sequence, drain and refill the reservoir with fresh fluid to ensure old fluid is removed from the master cylinder and lines.
- Repeat bleeding sequence if the fluid you pull out still looks contaminated or dark; properly disposing of spent fluid is required.
Finishing steps
- Ensure bleeder screws are tightened to the specified torque in the Polaris service manual; finger-tight is not sufficient.
- Clean any spilled fluid and reinstall reservoir caps and diaphragms securely.
- Reconnect the battery negative terminal if removed.
- With the machine on level ground, cycle the brake lever/pedal several times to confirm firm feel. If spongy, repeat bleeding until firm.
- Check for leaks around calipers, lines, and fittings after a short test ride at low speed.
Safety tips & troubleshooting
- Never mix brake fluid types. If DOT 4 is contaminated with DOT 5, a complete system flush and line replacement may be required.
- If brakes remain soft after thorough bleeding, inspect master cylinder, caliper pistons, and hoses for internal leaks/air entry or swelling; replace faulty components.
- Replace rubber hoses if they are cracked, swollen, or older than recommended service life — soft hoses can allow air ingress under pressure.
- Dispose of used brake fluid per local hazardous-waste regulations.
Recommended maintenance intervals
Change brake fluid every 24 months or per your riding conditions (more frequently for wet, heavy use). Regular inspection of lines, fittings, pads, and rotors helps avoid system contamination and failure.
Quick checklist before riding
- Brake lever/pedal feels firm and returns properly.
- No visible leaks; bleeder screws tight.
- Brake lights and parking brake function verified.
- Test brakes at low speed to confirm full stopping power before normal use.
Related Shopping Categories
Shop Brake Fluid for a 2017 Polaris Sportsman Touring 570 SP ATV.
Shop Brake Bleeders for a 2017 Polaris Sportsman Touring 570 SP ATV.
Shop Brake Pads for a 2017 Polaris Sportsman Touring 570 SP ATV.
Shop Brake Lines for a 2017 Polaris Sportsman Touring 570 SP ATV.
Shop Brake Tools for a 2017 Polaris Sportsman Touring 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.