How to bleed and replace brake fluid on a 2018 Suzuki King Quad 500AXi 4X4 POWER STEERING
Shop parts for a 2018 Suzuki King Quad 500AXi 4X4 POWER STEERING ATV.
This MotoSport-exclusive guide walks you through safely flushing, replacing and bleeding the brake fluid on a 2018 Suzuki King Quad 500AXi 4X4 POWER STEERING. Apply these steps exactly to keep braking performance sharp and to avoid damage to calipers, master cylinder and power-steering components.
What you need
- DOT 4 brake fluid (use Suzuki-approved spec; do not mix with DOT 5 silicone)
- Clear plastic hose that fits bleeder nipples
- Brake fluid catch bottles or clear container
- 10 mm wrench (bleeder nipples), plus wrench for reservoir cap
- Turkey baster or syringe (to remove old fluid from reservoir)
- Clean shop rags, gloves and eye protection
- Jack or ramps and wheel chocks if you plan to remove wheels
- Optional: vacuum or pressure brake bleeder for faster, cleaner bleed
Safety & prep
- Work on a cool machine; brake fluid is hygroscopic and contaminated fluid reduces braking effectiveness.
- Protect painted surfaces from spills – brake fluid damages paint. Keep a rag under the reservoir and calipers.
- Park on level ground, set park brake and secure wheels with chocks.
- Wear gloves & eye protection. Dispose of old fluid per local regulations.
Model notes specific to the 2018 King Quad 500AXi 4X4 POWER STEERING
- The King Quad 500AXi uses a single master cylinder for front and rear combined hydraulic circuit; reservoir sits on the handlebar area. Keep the reservoir top clean before opening.
- This machine does not use ABS; bleed sequence is conventional front then rear or furthest caliper first to shortest lines to limit air entrapment.
- Power steering is a separate hydraulic system; do not mix steering fluid with brake fluid. Be careful when draining around the steering area to avoid contamination.
- Bleeder nipples are typical 10 mm on the calipers. If corroded, apply penetrating lube and work gently to avoid rounding heads.
Step-by-step: drain, replace & bleed
1. Inspect & prepare
- Clean around the reservoir cap. Remove cap and diaphragm carefully. Use turkey baster to remove as much old fluid from the reservoir as possible without introducing debris.
- Refill reservoir with fresh DOT 4 fluid until near full, leaving some room for pedal movement.
2. Establish bleed order
For the King Quad 500AXi the recommended practical order is: furthest caliper from master cylinder first, then next furthest, finishing with the closest. Typical order: rear right, rear left, front right, front left. If you prefer, consult markings on hoses to confirm routing.
3. Manual pedal bleed (two-person method)
- One person pumps brake pedal several times and holds firm. Second person opens bleeder nipple ~1/4 turn with 10 mm wrench until fluid and air purge into clear hose into catch bottle. Close nipple. Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid flows and pedal feel is firm.
- Top off reservoir frequently to prevent it running dry and sucking air into system.
4. Single-operator vacuum or pressure bleed (recommended for cleaner job)
- Attach vacuum pump to bleeder nipple, follow pump manufacturer directions while a helper slowly depresses the brake pedal or uses the machine's pedal travel. Keep reservoir topped off.
- For a pressure bleeder, pressurize reservoir per tool instructions and open bleeders in order until clear fluid appears at each caliper. Release pressure per tool instructions before removing fittings.
5. Flushing the system
- To fully replace old fluid, continue bleeding until the fluid leaving each caliper is the new clear DOT 4. If fluid is heavily contaminated, you may need to perform repeated reservoir fills and bleeds.
- Finish with multiple firm brake pedal pumps with bleeder nipples closed to set a firm pedal feel.
6. Final steps & checks
- Ensure all bleeder nipples are tightened snugly. Clean any spilled fluid immediately.
- Reinstall reservoir diaphragm & cap. Wipe area and confirm reservoir level is at the upper mark when machine is on level ground.
- Test brakes at low speed in a safe area before full use. Expect slightly softer feel as new fluid beds in, recheck levels after a short ride and after 24 hours.
- Inspect for leaks around calipers, hose fittings & master cylinder. Re-torque hardware if you note seepage.
Troubleshooting
- Spongy pedal after bleeding: repeat bleed sequence, ensuring reservoir never ran dry and that bleeder nipples are fully closed between cycles.
- Persistent soft pedal with no visible leaks: may indicate internal master cylinder or caliper seal issues; consult a technician.
- If bleeder heads round off, use bolt extractors or replace corroded fittings to avoid cutting threads in calipers.
Maintenance tips
- Replace brake fluid every 1-2 years depending on use – moisture contamination lowers boiling point and increases corrosion risk.
- Keep a spare reservoir cap diaphragm and bleeder nipple washers on hand; cheap parts can prevent leaks and contamination.
- After heavy water crossings or long trail seasons, inspect fluid color & consider a flush sooner.
Follow these steps precisely for a clean, reliable brake service on your 2018 Suzuki King Quad 500AXi 4X4 POWER STEERING. For specific parts or replacement bleeder kits, refer to MotoSport's parts listing for your MMY and order the correct components for a professional-quality job.
Related Shopping Categories
Shop Brake Fluid for a 2018 Suzuki King Quad 500AXi 4X4 POWER STEERING ATV.
Shop Brake Bleeders for a 2018 Suzuki King Quad 500AXi 4X4 POWER STEERING ATV.
Shop Brake Pads for a 2018 Suzuki King Quad 500AXi 4X4 POWER STEERING ATV.
Shop Brake Lines for a 2018 Suzuki King Quad 500AXi 4X4 POWER STEERING ATV.
Shop Brake Tools for a 2018 Suzuki King Quad 500AXi 4X4 POWER STEERING 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.