How to Bleed and Replace Brake Fluid on a 2019 Suzuki King Quad 400FSi 4X4 AUTO
Shop parts for a 2019 Suzuki King Quad 400FSi 4X4 AUTO ATV.
This MotoSport-exclusive service guide walks you through safely flushing and replacing the brake fluid on your 2019 Suzuki King Quad 400FSi 4X4 AUTO. It covers tools, preparation, the correct bleed sequence, tips specific to the King Quad platform, and inspection items to keep your ATV stopping reliably.
Why replace brake fluid
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers boiling point and can cause spongy brakes or corrosion in master cylinders and calipers. Regular flushing restores pedal feel & braking performance and extends component life.
What you need
- DOT 4 brake fluid (Suzuki specifies DOT 3/4 compatible fluid; do not mix with silicone-type fluids)
- Clear plastic tubing that fits over bleed nipples
- Catch bottle for old fluid
- Open-end wrenches for bleed nipples (typically 8mm or 10mm)
- Funnel or syringe for reservoir topping
- Brake bleeder or hand-pump vacuum tool (optional but speeds the job)
- Clean shop rags and isopropyl alcohol for cleanup
- Torque wrench for reassembly checks
- Gloves & eye protection
Model notes for the 2019 King Quad 400FSi
- The King Quad 400FSi uses hydraulic brakes with separate master reservoirs for front and rear circuits. Identify each reservoir before starting – one by the handlebar for the front and one mounted near the rear brake pedal or frame for the rear circuit.
- There is no factory ABS on this MMY model; bleeding is straightforward and does not require special ABS cycling procedures.
- The machine is fully automatic with CVT — park on a level surface, secure in park, and remove the key before working.
- Replace damaged rubber lines or cracked reservoirs before flushing to avoid contamination and air entry after bleeding.
Preparation
- Park the ATV on a level surface and secure it with the parking brake engaged. Use wheel chocks for extra safety.
- Remove any cargo racks/panels that block access to the reservoirs and calipers.
- Clean the reservoir caps and surrounding area thoroughly so dirt doesn't enter the system when you open it.
- Check fluid type in reservoirs; if it's already DOT 4, continue with DOT 4. If unknown, a full flush is required before switching types.
- Have the vehicle cool — hot fluid can expand and spatter.
Bleed sequence principle
Always bleed starting with the caliper farthest from the master cylinder for each circuit, then proceed to the next-farthest. For the King Quad: determine which reservoir feeds which caliper(s). Commonly this means:
- For the front master cylinder: bleed the furthest front caliper first (usually right or left depending on plumbing), then the nearer caliper.
- For the rear master cylinder: bleed the rear caliper(s) starting at the furthest point and finish at the closest.
Step-by-step bleed & replace procedure
- Open the reservoir cap(s) and cover the opening with a clean rag. Top off with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid so the fluid level stays above the minimum during bleeding. Do not let the reservoir run dry.
- Attach clear tubing to the bleed nipple on the caliper you will start with. Submerge the other end in a catch bottle partially filled with fresh fluid (this prevents air re-entry).
- Have a helper gently pump the brake lever/pedal several times and hold it down. If using a vacuum bleeder, apply vacuum at the bleed nipple instead of having a helper pump.
- Open the bleed nipple about a 1/4 turn. Allow fluid and air to flow through the tubing into the bottle. Close the nipple before the helper releases the lever/pedal. Repeat until no bubbles appear in the tubing and the fluid runs clear.
- Top off the reservoir after each caliper cycle to avoid drawing air into the system.
- Move to the next caliper following the farthest-to-nearest rule and repeat steps 2–5 for each caliper on both circuits.
- After finishing all calipers, pump the brake lever/pedal several times to confirm a firm feel. If sponginess persists, repeat bleeding starting with the furthest caliper again.
- Torque bleed nipples to factory tightness if you loosened them during the job. Clean any spilled brake fluid immediately — it can damage paint & plastics.
- Secure reservoir caps, reinstall any removed panels/racks, and recheck fluid level after a short test ride. Re-torque caliper bolts to spec if removed.
Tips & cautions
- Never reuse old or contaminated brake fluid. Dispose of used fluid at a proper recycling facility.
- Avoid spilling DOT fluid on painted surfaces or plastics; wipe any spill immediately with alcohol and water.
- If the system remains soft after multiple bleeds, inspect master cylinders, calipers, and lines for leaks or internal failures. Replace faulty components rather than repeating the bleed indefinitely.
- Do not mix DOT 5 (silicone) with DOT 3/4 fluids. Stick to DOT 4 for the best balance of performance and compatibility unless Suzuki recommends otherwise in your owner's manual.
- If you have a brake light switch or parking brake interlock, verify functionality after bleeding.
Final checks
- Confirm brake lever and pedal reach and firmness are within expected feel before riding.
- Test at low speed in a safe area to confirm proper braking performance and that no leaks appear.
- Re-inspect fluid level after the test ride and top to the recommended level if necessary.
Perform a brake fluid change every 1-2 years under normal use, sooner if you ride in wet, muddy, or high-stress conditions. Regular attention protects the brake system on your King Quad 400FSi and keeps you riding safe.
Related Shopping Categories
Shop Brake Fluid for a 2019 Suzuki King Quad 400FSi 4X4 AUTO ATV.
Shop Brake Bleeders for a 2019 Suzuki King Quad 400FSi 4X4 AUTO ATV.
Shop Brake Pads for a 2019 Suzuki King Quad 400FSi 4X4 AUTO ATV.
Shop Brake Lines for a 2019 Suzuki King Quad 400FSi 4X4 AUTO ATV.
Shop Brake Tools for a 2019 Suzuki King Quad 400FSi 4X4 AUTO 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.
