How to Bleed and Replace Brake Fluid on a 2018 Polaris Sportsman 570 6X6
Shop parts for a 2018 Polaris Sportsman 570 6X6 ATV.
This MotoSport-exclusive guide walks you through a safe, reliable brake fluid change and bleeding procedure tailored for the 2018 Polaris Sportsman 570 6X6. Follow these steps to restore firm lever and pedal feel, maintain corrosion protection, and extend brake component life.
Safety & prep
- Work on a level surface with the engine off and parking brake engaged.
- Wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves. Brake fluid is corrosive to paint.
- Use the manufacturer-specified DOT brake fluid — many Polaris models use DOT 4; confirm your owner's manual or parts listing before purchasing fluid.
- Have a clear container, clear tubing that fits over bleed nipples, a wrench for the bleeder nipples, a turkey-baster or siphon, clean rags, and new fluid on hand. A vacuum or pressure bleeder speeds the job but isn't required.
- Protect painted surfaces with cardboard or shop rags to catch spills.
What to inspect before you start
- Master cylinder reservoir: check level, cap seal, and reservoir for contamination or cracked plastic.
- Brake lines and hoses: look for cracks, swelling, leaks, or chafing.
- Calipers and pistons: verify free movement and absence of leaks at piston seals or bleeder fittings.
- ABS or brake valves: if your unit is equipped with ABS components or a proportioning valve, note that additional procedures may be required to purge air from the ABS module — see dealer service if unsure.
Service intervals
MotoSport recommends replacing brake fluid every 1-2 years or sooner if the fluid is dark or contaminated. Changing fluid on a regular schedule helps prevent moisture accumulation and corrosion inside the system.
Step-by-step fluid replacement and bleed procedure
- Remove the reservoir cap and diaphragm. Clean around the cap to keep contaminants out. Siphon or turkey-baste out as much old fluid as possible to minimize contamination.
- Top reservoir with new, unopened DOT-spec fluid until full but do not overfill. Keep the reservoir capped loosely to prevent debris entry while allowing air to escape during the initial steps.
- Identify the brake circuit layout. The Sportsman 570 6X6 uses separate circuits for front and rear brakes; locate the bleed nipples on each caliper. For multiple-wheel systems, the general rule is to bleed the wheel farthest from the master cylinder first, then proceed to the next-farthest, finishing with the closest. For most Polaris layouts that means: opposite front wheel first, then the other front, then the rears nearest the master cylinder last. If unsure of the master cylinder location or routing, follow the farthest-first principle for each circuit.
- Attach clear tubing to the bleed nipple and place the other end in a container partially filled with clean brake fluid to prevent air re-entry.
- Two-person method (recommended): One person pumps the brake lever/pedal slowly several times and holds pressure. The other opens the bleed nipple with the appropriate wrench until fluid and air bubbles flow into the tubing, then closes the nipple. Repeat until bubble-free fluid appears. After each cycle, refill the reservoir immediately to prevent the master cylinder from drawing in air.
- One-person vacuum/pressure method: Use a vacuum bleeder at the bleed nipple or a pressure bleeder at the reservoir per the tool instructions. Operate until clear, bubble-free fluid flows and the reservoir level remains stable. Always keep the reservoir topped to avoid air ingestion.
- Work one wheel/circuit at a time and do not let the reservoir run dry. Finish all bleed points for that circuit before moving on to the next.
- When you see only clean, clear fluid with no bubbles, close the bleed nipple while still applying pressure (or while the vacuum is active). Tighten to snug; avoid excessive force. Wipe away any spilled fluid immediately.
- Repeat the process for each bleed nipple until all circuits are bled and the fluid in the reservoir remains clean and at the proper level.
- After bleeding, operate the brake lever/pedal multiple times to confirm firm feel and no sponginess. Road-test the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to confirm braking performance.
Special notes for the 2018 Polaris Sportsman 570 6X6 owner
- The 6X6 configuration adds rear driveline components and additional load on rear brakes when towing or hauling. Inspect rear brake components frequently if you use the cargo bed or tow regularly.
- Some Sportsman 570 variants may have combinations of mechanical parking brake hardware and hydraulic service brakes. Verify parking-brake adjustment and inspect linkages as part of brake service.
- If your unit is equipped with electronic brake assist or ABS components, standard bleed methods may not remove trapped air from electronic modules. If you suspect air remains after standard bleeding, have a dealer or qualified shop run the module bleed or ABS service routine.
- Always match DOT fluid type front-to-back; mixing DOT 3 and DOT 4 can reduce performance. Use clean containers and never reuse drained fluid.
- Dispose of old brake fluid responsibly at a hazardous-waste facility or authorized recycler; do not pour it down drains or onto the ground.
Troubleshooting
- Persistent spongy pedal after thorough bleeding: recheck for leaks, compressible brake hoses, or air trapped in an ABS module. Replace old, swollen hoses as needed.
- Brake drag after bleeding: ensure bleeder nipples are fully closed and caliper pistons retract freely. Check parking-brake adjustments and pads for binding.
- Dark or contaminated fluid returns quickly after service: inspect master cylinder and caliper seals for internal leakage or deterioration.
Final checks
- Confirm all bleed nipples and reservoir cap are tight and clean. Recheck fluid level after a short test ride and again after the first few miles of normal use.
- Inspect for leaks and re-torque fittings if necessary. Replace any hardware that shows corrosion or damage.
Performing brake fluid replacement and bleeding correctly keeps your Sportsman 570 6X6 safe and responsive. When in doubt, consult MotoSport service technicians or a qualified ATV mechanic for model-specific assistance and ABS-related procedures.
Related Shopping Categories
Shop Brake Fluid for a 2018 Polaris Sportsman 570 6X6 ATV.
Shop Brake Bleeders for a 2018 Polaris Sportsman 570 6X6 ATV.
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Shop Brake Lines for a 2018 Polaris Sportsman 570 6X6 ATV.
Shop Brake Tools for a 2018 Polaris Sportsman 570 6X6 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.