How to Bleed and Replace Brake Fluid on a 2018 Can-Am Renegade 1000
Shop parts for a 2018 Can-Am Renegade 1000 ATV.
This MotoSport.com guide walks you through a complete brake fluid change and bleeding procedure tailored to the 2018 Can-Am Renegade 1000 (REN1000). Follow these steps to restore firm braking, remove moisture and contamination, and keep your Renegade stopping reliably. Read all steps before starting and use appropriate PPE.
What you need
- DOT 4 brake fluid (fresh, unopened)
- Brake bleeding kit (clear hose and catch bottle) or vacuum/pressure bleeder
- Wrenches for bleeder screws and master cylinder caps
- Small funnel and clean rags
- Torque wrench for caliper/bleeder hardware if available
- Jack or ATV lift, wheel chocks
- Gloves, eye protection
- Brake cleaner and container for used fluid
Safety & model notes for the 2018 Renegade 1000
- The Renegade 1000 uses hydraulic disc brakes with separate master cylinder reservoirs for front and rear circuits: the front lever reservoir is at the right handlebar master cylinder, the rear reservoir is mounted near the foot brake master/ratio assembly. Confirm actual reservoir locations on your trim before starting.
- Most 2018 REN1000 models use DOT 4 fluid. Do not mix DOT 3/4/5.1 with silicone DOT 5. Keep DOT 4 only.
- ABS or traction control equipped variants may have additional hydraulic/valve hardware. When present, bleeding order is the same but take extra time to ensure no trapped air in ABS modulatoruse a pressure bleeder or follow a multi-cycle bleed routine.
- Avoid getting brake fluid on painted plastics or bodywork; it will damage finishes. Clean spills immediately with water and mild soap.
Preparation
- Park on level ground, set parking brake, and chock wheels. Disconnect battery negative if you will be opening ABS or electrical connectionsthis prevents accidental activation.
- Lift the ATV so wheels can turn freely if you will remove them. Remove wheels only if required to access calipers.
- Clean around the master cylinder reservoir caps and bleeder screws to prevent contamination entering the system.
- Siphon old fluid from each reservoir using a syringe or turkey baster, leaving the cap loosely seated to avoid air entry.
Fluid replacement strategy
Replace fluid circuit-by-circuit. Do front and rear separately. Keep the reservoir level above the minimum and never let it run dry during bleeding.
Bleeding sequence
Identify which calipers are furthest and nearest to each master cylinder. General sequence for each circuit is: furthest caliper first, then next furthest, finishing with the nearest caliper. For example, on most Renegade layouts:
- Front circuit: bleed left front then right front (or follow the order furthest from the front master first).
- Rear circuit: bleed the single rear caliper or both rear calipers as arranged on your model, ending at the caliper nearest the rear master.
Manual bleeding method
- Top up the master cylinder reservoir with fresh DOT 4.
- Attach a clear hose to the caliper bleeder screw and place the other end in a bottle partially filled with fresh fluid to prevent air re-entry.
- Have an assistant slowly pump the brake lever or pedal several times and hold it against firm pressure. Open the bleeder about 1/4 turn until fluid flows, then close the bleeder. Repeat until fluid runs clear and bubble-free, topping the reservoir frequently.
- Work through the bleed sequence from furthest caliper to nearest. After each caliper is done, ensure its bleeder screw is tightened to a firm snugthen final torque to manufacturer spec if available.
- When finished with that circuit, leave the reservoir capped and move to the next circuit.
Vacuum or pressure bleeding (recommended for speed & completeness)
- If using a vacuum pump on each caliper, attach the hose, open the bleeder, and draw fluid until clear. Close the bleeder before releasing vacuum.
- If using a pressure bleeder on the master reservoir, pressurize per tool instructions and open bleeders in sequence until clear fluid appears. This method is especially helpful when the ABS modulator is present.
Complete flush method
To fully replace all old fluid, repeatedly top the reservoir with fresh DOT 4 and bleed each caliper until the fluid color at each bleeder is new and clear. Expect to use more fluid than a simple purgeplan for at least one liter depending on how contaminated the system is.
Post-bleed checks
- Verify pedal/lever feelshould be firm and not spongy. If spongy, repeat bleeding and ensure no leaks.
- Inspect all bleeder screws, lines, banjo fittings, and reservoir seals for leaks. Retorque fittings as required.
- Clean any spilled fluid and reinstall wheels, torquing wheel nuts to spec.
- Cycle brakes at low speed to confirm stopping performance before normal riding.
- Properly dispose of used brake fluid per local hazardous-waste regulations.
Troubleshooting
- Persistent sponginess: look for air in ABS modulator, damaged master cylinder seals, or collapsed flexible hoses. Hoses older than a few years are candidates for replacement.
- Leaking bleeder or fittings: replace copper crush washers or replace damaged fittings. Do not overtighten bleeders.
- Contaminated or dark fluid shortly after service: indicates brake system contamination or mixing of incompatible fluidsrepeat flush and inspect components.
Model-specific maintenance tips
- Check the condition of brake lines at the frame mounts and around the suspension travel points on the Renegade 1000. The large shocks and steering movement can rub linesreplace any showing wear.
- If your Renegade has the larger 1000 brakes option or aftermarket calipers, follow the same bleeding order but verify caliper mounting torque after service; performance upgrades sometimes require different pad bedding procedures.
- ABS-equipped Renegades may require a bleed cycle with the pump cycling or a diagnostic tool command to fully purge the modulator; using a pressure bleeder often reduces problems.
- Record the date and mileage of the fluid change. For severe use (mud, heavy towing, frequent mountain runs), inspect and consider replacing brake fluid yearly.
Final notes
Bleeding and replacing brake fluid on a 2018 Can-Am Renegade 1000 is straightforward with the right tools and care. Keep the process clean, work methodically circuit-by-circuit, and verify lever and pedal feel before riding. When in doubt about ABS or unusual hydraulic behavior, consult an authorized technician or MotoSport service recommendations.
Related Shopping Categories
Shop Brake Fluid for a 2018 Can-Am Renegade 1000 ATV.
Shop Brake Bleeders for a 2018 Can-Am Renegade 1000 ATV.
Shop Brake Pads for a 2018 Can-Am Renegade 1000 ATV.
Shop Brake Lines for a 2018 Can-Am Renegade 1000 ATV.
Shop Brake Tools for a 2018 Can-Am Renegade 1000 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.