How to Bleed and Replace Brake Fluid on a 2020 Polaris Sportsman Touring 570 EPS
Shop parts for a 2020 Polaris SPORTST570ESP ATV.
This MotoSport-exclusive guide explains how to safely replace and bleed the brake fluid on a 2020 Polaris Sportsman Touring 570 EPS. Follow each step precisely, use quality parts and fluid, and observe all safety precautions. Recommended interval for replacing brake fluid is every 2 years or sooner if the fluid appears dark or contaminated.
What you need
- DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (Polaris recommends DOT 4; check cap marking and owner’s manual)
- Clean clear tubing that fits over bleeder nipples
- Fresh catch container
- Rubber gloves and eye protection
- Brake cleaner and lint-free rags
- Wrench set (typically 8 mm or 10 mm for bleeder nuts; verify size)
- Flat and Phillips screwdrivers
- Torque wrench (for caliper hardware if removed)
- Zip ties or clamps
- Assistant (recommended for manual bench bleeds) or a one-person vacuum/pressure bleeder
- Shop manual or printout for torque specs and routing diagrams
Safety & model-specific notes
- Park on level ground, set parking brake, remove key, and disconnect the negative battery terminal when working near electrical components.
- Polaris Sportsman Touring 570 EPS uses hydraulic brakes with dual front calipers and a rear caliper plus a master cylinder reservoir positioned under the front rack area. Access may require removal of front rack and shrouds.
- The EPS (electronic power steering) system shares no brake fluid, but be careful when removing panels near EPS harness and steering components.
- Use only DOT-rated fluid. Mixing DOT 3/4 is possible but follow OEM guidance; do not use DOT 5 silicone fluid.
- Brake fluid is corrosive to paint & plastics — clean spills immediately with brake cleaner and water.
- When loosening bleeder screws, keep calipers supported to avoid stress on brake lines. Replace any hardware that shows corrosion or damage.
Preparation
- Lift and secure the ATV on jack stands or ramps so each wheel can turn freely. Chock wheels if lifting only one end.
- Remove plastic panels and the front rack if needed to access the master cylinder reservoir. Clean the area around the reservoir cap to prevent contamination.
- Inspect brake lines, hoses, fittings, calipers and pads. Note any leaks, cracks or soft lines that should be replaced before bleeding.
- Check the bleeder screw sizes and positions on the front left, front right and rear calipers so you have the correct wrench sizes ready.
- Shake a new bottle of DOT fluid, open and keep the bottle capped except when topping the reservoir to minimize moisture absorption.
Full fluid replacement & bleed sequence
Perform a complete system flush by starting at the caliper farthest from the master cylinder and working toward the closest. On the Sportsman Touring 570 EPS the typical order is: rear caliper, right front caliper, left front caliper, then finish at the master cylinder. Confirm routing visually on your machine and adjust sequence if your reservoir is offset.
- Open the reservoir cap and, if present, remove the diaphragm or foam and clean with a lint-free cloth. Do not let dirt or water enter the reservoir.
- Siphon out old fluid from the reservoir until low but not empty. Refill with fresh DOT fluid to the “max” line. Keep the cap loosely in place to reduce contamination while bleeding.
- Attach clear tubing to the bleeder nipple on the farthest caliper (usually the rear). Submerge the other end into a catch container partially filled with fresh fluid to avoid air re-entering.
- With an assistant: have them slowly depress the brake pedal while you open the bleeder with the correct wrench until fluid and bubbles flow into the tubing, then close the bleeder before the pedal is released. Repeat until no bubbles appear and fluid runs clear. Refill reservoir as needed to prevent it from running dry.
- If using a vacuum or pressure bleeder: follow manufacturer instructions. For vacuum bleeders, attach hose to bleeder nipple and pull until clear fluid flows. For pressure bleeders, pressurize reservoir per tool instructions and open each bleeder until clean fluid appears.
- Move to the next caliper (right front), repeating steps 3-5. Keep the reservoir topped up during the entire operation.
- Finish with the caliper nearest the master cylinder (left front) and then finally crack the master cylinder bleed screw if equipped — some aftermarket master cylinders have a small bleed screw or valve. If there is none, cycle the pedal several times with the engine off and tighten bleeders to spec.
- After completing all calipers, have the assistant hold the pedal at moderate firm pressure while you torque all bleeder screws to the proper tightness and inspect for leaks. Release pedal slowly and check pedal firmness. Repeat bleeding on any circuit that still provides a spongy pedal.
Bench-bleeding the master cylinder (if replacing master cylinder or installing new fluid system components)
- Remove the master cylinder from the vehicle following service manual instructions.
- Secure the master cylinder in a vise with soft jaws. Install bench-bleed fittings and clear tubing back into the fluid reservoir, submerging tube ends.
- Fill reservoir and use a screwdriver or pedal simulator to slowly push the piston in and out until no bubbles come from the tubing. Keep reservoir topped.
- Reinstall the master cylinder, torque mounting bolts to spec, and then proceed to the system bleeding sequence on the vehicle.
Finishing steps
- Top off the reservoir to the max line and reinstall the diaphragm & cap. Clean around the cap and any spilled fluid.
- Carefully remove tubing and wipe caliper nipples and surrounding area with brake cleaner. Torque bleeder screws to factory spec.
- Reinstall any panels, racks or components removed for access. Reconnect the battery if disconnected.
- Perform a static pedal check: with the engine off, pump the pedal until firm. With engine running (if applicable), pedal should remain firm and not sink under steady pressure.
- Road-test at low speed in a safe area to verify braking performance. Recheck fluid level and for leaks after the test.
Troubleshooting
- Persistent spongy pedal after multiple bleeds: check for air in ABS modulator (if equipped) or internal line leaks; consider professional ABS module bleed procedure.
- Brake pedal that slowly sinks under pressure: inspect master cylinder for internal leakage and caliper pistons/seals for leakage; replace components as necessary.
- Contaminated or brown fluid returned quickly: repeat full flush and inspect for corroded lines or contaminated reservoir that needs replacement.
Parts & maintenance tips specific to the 2020 Sportsman Touring 570 EPS
- Use OEM-style caliper bolts and bleeder screws if the originals show corrosion. The Sportsman environment — mud, water & salt in winter — accelerates hardware corrosion.
- Inspect pad wear and rotor condition while calipers are open. Replace pads in pairs and consider full rotor replacement if warped or scored.
- EPS wiring harnesses and connectors sit near the front rack area; avoid over-tightening fasteners that can pinch harnesses when reinstalling the rack or shrouds.
- Keep a maintenance log at MotoSport to track fluid changes, pad replacements and bleed dates to maintain resale value and safe operation.
If you encounter ABS-specific issues or internal master cylinder failure, refer to a Polaris dealer or a qualified ATV brake specialist. Routine brake fluid replacement improves stopping performance and extends component life — make it part of your MotoSport-recommended maintenance schedule.
Related Shopping Categories
Shop Brake Fluid for a 2020 Polaris SPORTST570ESP ATV.
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Shop Brake Lines for a 2020 Polaris SPORTST570ESP ATV.
Shop Brake Tools for a 2020 Polaris SPORTST570ESP 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.