How to Bleed and Replace Brake Fluid on a 2020 Can-Am Renegade 850

Shop parts for a 2020 Can-Am Renegade 850 ATV.

This MotoSport guide walks you through a safe, complete brake fluid change and bleed on a 2020 Can-Am Renegade 850 MMY ATV. Procedures here are written for owners who want a reliable, repeatable result using commonly available tools. Read each step before you begin and work methodically.

Safety & prep

  • Work on a flat, stable surface with the ATV secured on a stand or blocks so wheels can turn freely.
  • Wear safety glasses and gloves. Brake fluid is corrosive to paint & plastics; protect body panels and clean spills immediately.
  • Use only fresh DOT 4 brake fluid or the specification listed in your owner’s manual. Do not mix DOT 5 (silicone) with DOT 4.
  • Have rags, a catch bottle, tubing, a wrench for bleeder nipples, and a vacuum or pressure bleed kit ready. A clear hose and small catch jar make it easy to monitor air bubbles.

What you need

  • DOT 4 brake fluid (new, unopened)
  • Bleed wrench or correct-size open wrench for caliper bleeder nipples
  • Clear plastic tubing that fits snugly over bleeder nipples
  • Catch bottle partially filled with old fluid to prevent air draw-back
  • Vacuum bleed pump or hand pump; optional pressure bleeder for one-person job
  • Small funnel, clean shop rags, gloves, and safety glasses

Quick model notes for the 2020 Can-Am Renegade 850

  • The Renegade 850 uses a hydraulic brake system with a single master cylinder feeding front and rear circuits. Standard service uses DOT 4 fluid.
  • Brake proportioning and ABS variants may be present on some trim levels. If your ATV has ABS, avoid powering the system during bleeding unless using a dealer-level scan tool or following ABS-specific bleed routines in the service manual.
  • Reservoirs are under the front hood; note orientation for correct reservoir cap seating to avoid contamination while servicing.
  • Observe brake line routing and clips when turning the handlebars to avoid kinking lines during service.

Step-by-step: Full fluid replacement and bleed

1. Inspect & prepare

  • Clean the master cylinder reservoir cap area to keep contaminants out.
  • Remove the reservoir cap and diaphragm. Siphon or use a turkey baster to remove most old fluid from the reservoir into a waste container. Dispose of used fluid responsibly.
  • Top reservoir with a small amount of fresh DOT 4 to prevent running dry while you work.

2. Decide bleeding method

  • Recommended: pressure or vacuum bleeding. Pressure bleeding is fastest for one person; vacuum bleeding works well too. Traditional two-person pump-and-hold is acceptable if done carefully.

3. Bleed order

Use the sequence farthest from the master cylinder to nearest to push air away from the master. On the Renegade 850 this typically is:

  1. Rear brake caliper
  2. Front passenger-side caliper
  3. Front driver-side caliper

If you have ABS or a different plumbing layout, verify routing visually and adjust order to always start with the furthest caliper.

4. Bleeding procedure (vacuum or pressure)

  1. Attach clear tubing to the bleeder nipple and route to the catch bottle with some fresh fluid in the bottle to prevent drawing air back.
  2. Open the bleeder nipple roughly 1/4 turn. If using a vacuum pump, apply vacuum to the tubing; if pressure bleeder, pressurize the reservoir to the recommended low pressure for brake systems (follow your pressure kit docs).
  3. With vacuum or pressure applied, pump the brake lever/pedal slowly or allow pressure to push fluid through until you see clear fluid without bubbles in the tubing. Close the bleeder nipple while stopping flow to prevent air return.
  4. Top off the reservoir frequently between calipers to avoid the master cylinder running dry.
  5. Repeat bleed at each caliper in the order above until the fluid out of each bleeder is clear and bubble-free.

5. Two-person pump-and-hold method (if you don’t have a pump)

  1. One person pumps the brake lever/pedal several times and holds it compressed.
  2. Second person opens the bleeder nipple to let fluid & air escape, then closes it before the lever/pedal is released.
  3. Repeat until clear fluid flows and no air bubbles appear. Keep reservoir topped off throughout.

6. Final checks

  • Ensure bleeder nipples are snug but do not over-torque them; snug is generally sufficient. Clean any spilled fluid from components immediately.
  • Fill reservoir to the correct level and reinstall cap and diaphragm securely.
  • Operate lever/pedal several times to confirm firm, consistent feel. If it feels spongy, repeat bleeding until solid.
  • Check for leaks at calipers, lines, fittings, and master cylinder after test ride.

Break-in & post-bleed notes

  • After bleeding, perform a low-speed test in a safe area to bed the brakes and verify proper operation. New fluid may feel slightly different until warmed and circulated.
  • If your Renegade has ABS, avoid rapid repeated stops to heat components excessively during initial bedding; ABS systems should engage normally if present.
  • Record service date and fluid type. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time; plan to replace fluid every 1-2 years or per your riding conditions.

Troubleshooting

  • Persistent spongy lever/pedal: check for air in lines, master cylinder leak, collapsed hose, or internal master cylinder seal issues.
  • Air returns after closing bleeder: ensure bleeder threads are clean and nipple seats correctly; inspect rubber hose for cracks allowing air entry.
  • If ABS equipped and bleeding doesn’t resolve softness, professional diagnostics may be required to cycle ABS modulators.

Maintenance tips specific to your Renegade 850

  • Keep the reservoir cap and diaphragm clean & free of nicks; these prevent contamination and moisture entry.
  • Inspect brake hoses where they flex at steering and suspension points for wear or cracking; replace any suspect hoses promptly.
  • Use only DOT 4 and avoid topping with incompatible fluids. If you suspect cross-contamination, perform a full flush rather than topping off.
  • If you plan a full brake overhaul, source OEM or high-quality aftermarket pads and hardware from trusted suppliers to maintain braking performance.

Performing a complete brake fluid replacement and proper bleed will restore brake feel and help ensure safe operation of your 2020 Can-Am Renegade 850. If you encounter ABS complications, internal master cylinder failure, or persistent leaks, consult a certified technician.

Related Shopping Categories

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

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

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

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

Shop Brake Tools for a 2020 Can-Am Renegade 850 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.