How to Bleed & Replace Brake Fluid on a 2020 Polaris Sportsman Touring 570
Shop parts for a 2020 Polaris Sportsman Touring 570 ATV.
This MotoSport proprietary guide walks you through a complete brake fluid change and bleed for the 2020 Polaris Sportsman Touring 570 (MMY: Polaris;SPORTST570;2020). It covers prep, the correct fluid to use, step-by-step bleeding sequence, tips for common onunit quirks, and safety/disposal notes specific to this machine.
What you need
- DOT 4 brake fluid (Polaris recommends DOT 4; always confirm in your owner's manual)
- Clear bleed tubing
- Catch bottle (marked for hazardous fluid)
- 7mm/8mm wrench (bleeder screw size may vary by caliper)
- Turkey baster or fluid syringe to remove reservoir fluid
- Clean rags, gloves, eye protection
- Torque wrench for fasteners if you remove calipers/lines
- Optional: pressure bleeder or one-person vacuum pump for faster service
Notes about the 2020 Sportsman Touring 570
- The Sportsman Touring 570 uses a hydraulic brake system without ABS on most trims — bleeding is manual. Confirm your model visually before starting.
- Reservoir location: the brake fluid reservoir for the hand/front circuit is at the handlebars; a separate reservoir or master cylinder serves the rear (foot) circuit depending on trim. Identify both reservoirs before starting.
- Brake components are exposed to trail contamination & water. Inspect hoses, banjo bolts, and calipers for leaks, damage, or excessive corrosion before reassembly.
- Polaris recommends replacing brake fluid regularly; fluid is hygroscopic and will degrade braking performance over time. If color is dark or contaminated, replace now and again every 1-2 years depending on use.
Preparation
- Park on level ground, set parking brake, and block wheels. Turn off the engine and remove key.
- Clean around reservoir caps to prevent dirt getting into the system. Remove reservoir caps and diaphragm plates, exposing fluid.
- Use a turkey baster or syringe to remove most old fluid from each reservoir – don't open caliper bleeders yet. Wipe reservoir clean with lintfree cloth.
- Top reservoirs with fresh DOT 4 fluid to the recommended level. Keep caps off but covered lightly to avoid contamination while bleeding.
Bleeding sequence (best practice)
Always bleed the brake line farthest from the master cylinder first, then work toward the closest. On most Sportsman Touring 570 layouts this sequence will be:
- Rear caliper (if rear master cylinder is separate, treat that circuit independently)
- Right front caliper
- Left front caliper
If your machine has separate front and rear master cylinders, bleed each circuit independently following the farthest-to-closest rule within that circuit.
Step-by-step bleed (manual pedal/lever method)
- Attach clear tubing to the bleeder screw and submerge the other end in a catch bottle that's partially filled with fresh fluid to avoid drawing air back in.
- Have an assistant slowly apply the brake lever/pedal several times and then hold pressure (or use a one-way valve pump). Open the bleeder screw about 1/4 turn until fluid begins to flow; close the screw before the assistant releases pressure. Repeat until clear bubblefree fluid appears.
- Top the reservoir frequently to prevent the master cylinder from sucking air. Never let the reservoir run dry.
- Work through the sequence: rear (or farthest), right front, left front. If calipers are removed, bench-bleed the caliper before reinstalling.
- When bubbles are gone and lever/pedal feel is firm, tighten the bleeder screw to spec (snug, then a final torque per Polaris spec if available). Wipe any spilled fluid immediately – brake fluid damages paint and plastics.
- Repeat for the other circuit if there are two master cylinders (front/right & rear/foot circuits).
Using a pressure bleeder or vacuum pump
Attach a pressure bleeder to the master cylinder reservoir or place vacuum pump on the bleeder screw. Pressure bleeding is faster and often more reliable for removing stubborn air. Still follow the farthest-to-closest sequence and keep reservoir topped.
Final checks & reassembly
- Verify lever/pedal feel is firm and consistent. If spongy, continue bleeding until all air is out.
- Ensure all bleeder screws and reservoir caps are tightened and sealed. Replace diaphragms and caps as OEM recommended.
- Clean any spilled brake fluid with water, then wipe; inspect painted parts for damage and treat as needed.
- Test ride slowly in a safe area to confirm braking performance before returning to trail speeds.
Safety, disposal & maintenance tips
- Brake fluid is toxic and corrosive. Wear gloves & eye protection. Keep away from painted surfaces.
- Dispose of old fluid at a hazardous waste or recycling facility per local regulations.
- If you remove calipers or banjo bolts, replace copper crush washers and torque hardware to Polaris specs.
- If brake performance is still poor after bleeding, inspect master cylinder seals, caliper pistons, hoses, and lines for internal leaks or swelling; replace failing components rather than repeating bleeds endlessly.
Follow this MotoSport guide on each service interval or whenever the brake pedal/lever feels soft. Proper fluid replacement and bleeding restore braking performance and prolong component life on your 2020 Polaris Sportsman Touring 570.
Related Shopping Categories
Shop Brake Fluid for a 2020 Polaris Sportsman Touring 570 ATV.
Shop Brake Bleeders for a 2020 Polaris Sportsman Touring 570 ATV.
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Shop Brake Lines for a 2020 Polaris Sportsman Touring 570 ATV.
Shop Brake Tools for a 2020 Polaris Sportsman Touring 570 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.