How to bleed and replace brake fluid on a 2020 Can-Am Outlander 850 XT ATV

How to Bleed & Replace Brake Fluid on a 2020 Can-Am Outlander 850 XT

Shop parts for a 2020 Can-Am Outlander 850 XT ATV.

This MotoSport guide walks you through a clean, safe, and thorough brake fluid change and bleeding procedure for the 2020 Can-Am Outlander 850 XT. Follow these steps precisely — brakes are a safety system. If you are unsure at any point, stop and consult a professional.

What you need

• DOT 4 brake fluid (new, unopened bottle)
• Brake bleeding kit or clear hose & collection bottle
• Hand pump or vacuum bleeder (optional but recommended)
• Appropriate flare/box wrenches for bleeder nipples (verify size before starting)
• Rags, brake cleaner, and nitrile gloves
• Small syringe or turkey baster to remove old fluid from reservoir
• Zip ties or clamps to secure hose
• Floor jack or ramps and jackstands to lift the ATV (if necessary)
• Torque wrench for caliper & wheel fasteners

Pre-checks and safety

• Work on a level surface with the engine off and the parking brake engaged.
• Wear eye protection and gloves; brake fluid is corrosive to paint and finishes.
• Confirm your Outlander uses DOT 4 fluid; use only DOT-rated fluid as specified by the manufacturer.
• Inspect brake lines, hoses, calipers, pads, rotors, and master cylinder for leaks or damage before bleeding. Repair any leaks first.
• If your Outlander is equipped with ABS, be aware that ABS modules may require a specific bleed sequence or an ABS activation cycle. If you suspect ABS involvement, consider a dealer service or a scan-tool-assisted bleed.

Step 1 – Prepare the bike

• Lift the Outlander so wheels rotate freely (or at least raise each corner as needed to access calipers). Support securely with jackstands.
• Remove the reservoir cap and diaphragm; clean around the cap to prevent contamination entering the reservoir.
• Use a syringe or turkey baster to remove most of the old fluid from the reservoir. This lowers the risk of contamination when new fluid is added.
• Refill the reservoir with fresh DOT 4 fluid to the max line. Keep the cap off but covered to limit dust.

Step 2 – Determine bleed order

Brake fluid should be bled from the caliper farthest from the master cylinder first and finish with the closest. On most Outlander setups the practical order is:

• Rear caliper (often farthest)
• Passenger-side front caliper
• Driver-side front caliper (closest)

If your machine's master cylinder location differs, adjust the order accordingly. The goal is farthest to nearest.

Step 3 – Bleeding method (recommended: two-person or vacuum)

• Attach clear hose to the bleeder nipple and route into a clean bottle partially filled with a little fresh fluid to prevent air re-entry.
• Have an assistant slowly depress the brake lever/pedal several times and hold it down.
• Open the bleeder nipple about a quarter to half turn and allow fluid & air to flow into the bottle. Close the nipple before the assistant releases the lever.
• Repeat until the expelled fluid runs clear with no bubbles.
• Top up the reservoir frequently during the process to avoid drawing air into the master cylinder.
• Work through calipers in the order determined earlier.

Step 4 – Alternative single-operator methods

• Vacuum bleeder: attach vacuum pump to bleeder nipple and open nipple while drawing until clear fluid appears. Keep reservoir topped up.
• One-way bleed valve kit: these allow one-person bleeding with a reservoir catch and check valve. Follow kit instructions.

Step 5 – Finalize and test

• Once bleeding is complete, tighten all bleeder nipples to specified tightness (snug; avoid over-torqueing). Wipe off any spilled fluid and clean caliper areas with brake cleaner.
• Refill reservoir to proper level and reinstall cap and diaphragm. Secure reservoir cap to prevent leaks.
• Torque wheels and any removed fasteners to spec. Lower the ATV to the ground.
• Test brake lever/pedal firmness with the engine off. Expect a firm, non-spongy feel. If spongy, bleed again.
• Perform a low-speed safety test in a safe area to confirm braking performance before normal riding.

Disposal and maintenance tips

• Dispose of old brake fluid properly — it is hazardous waste. Do not pour down drains.
• Replace brake fluid every 1–2 years or per your maintenance schedule; brake fluid absorbs moisture over time which reduces performance.
• Keep new brake fluid sealed until use; store in a cool, dry place.

Things specific to the 2020 Can-Am Outlander 850 XT owners should know

• The Outlander 850 XT often includes a robust braking package with dual front calipers and a rear caliper; confirm your exact layout before starting.
• Many Outlander models have plastic master cylinder reservoirs that are shallow — avoid overfilling, keep the cap area clean, and top up frequently during bleeding.
• If your machine has factory ABS or traction systems, bleeding may require cycling the ABS pump or a dealer scan-tool procedure to purge trapped air from the ABS module. If after standard bleeding you see persistent air or poor pedal feel, stop & consult a dealer.
• Bleeder nipple hardware can be soft or corroded; use the correct sized wrench and protect the nipple to prevent rounding. If a bleeder is damaged, replace it before continuing.
• Brake lines should be inspected for swelling or soft spots — replace any compromised line rather than relying on a bleed alone.
• MotoSport tip: keep a small spare bleeder nipple and cap in your tool kit if you ride in corrosive environments frequently.

Troubleshooting quick reference

• Spongy lever after bleeding: likely air in system or reservoir allowed to draw air. Repeat bleeding and ensure reservoir never runs low.
• Brake lever sinks slowly under pressure: check for internal master cylinder leaks or caliper piston seal issues.
• Persistent leaks: replace seals, hoses, or calipers as needed; do not ride with leaking brakes.

Following this MotoSport procedure will give you a fresh, properly bled brake system on your 2020 Can-Am Outlander 850 XT. When in doubt, have a qualified technician inspect ABS-equipped machines or complex brake issues.

Related Shopping Categories

Shop Brake Fluid for a 2020 Can-Am Outlander 850 XT ATV.

Shop Brake Bleeders for a 2020 Can-Am Outlander 850 XT ATV.

Shop Brake Pads for a 2020 Can-Am Outlander 850 XT ATV.

Shop Brake Lines for a 2020 Can-Am Outlander 850 XT ATV.

Shop Brake Tools for a 2020 Can-Am Outlander 850 XT 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.