How to Bleed & Replace Brake Fluid on a 2020 Yamaha Kodiak 700 4X4 IRS
Shop parts for a 2020 Yamaha Kodiak 700 4X4 IRS ATV.
Safety & preparation
- Work on a level surface with the engine off and key removed. Block wheels to prevent movement.
- Wear nitrile gloves and eye protection. Brake fluid is corrosive to paint & plastics; protect painted surfaces with rags.
- Use DOT 4 brake fluid only. Do not mix DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5, and do not use DOT 5 silicone fluid in a system designed for glycol-based fluid.
- Have a clean container for old fluid, paper towels, a clear hose that fits the bleeder nipple, a wrench for bleeder nipples (usually 8 mm or 10 mm), a turkey baster or fluid syringe, and a helper for manual bleeding or a vacuum/pressure bleeder for single-operator work.
Model notes specific to the 2020 Kodiak 700 4X4 IRS
- Front master cylinder: handlebar-mounted lever (right side). Reservoir cap is on the handlebar assembly.
- Rear master cylinder: pedal-operated unit with a reservoir located near the engine/swingarm area for the IRS configuration.
- The Kodiak 700 4X4 IRS uses conventional calipers — there is no factory ABS on standard models; bleed each circuit separately.
- For bleeding order use the master cylinder → farthest caliper first. For the Kodiak: typically rear circuit then front circuit; within each circuit bleed the wheel farthest from the respective master cylinder first.
- Inspect hoses, banjo bolts, copper crush washers, and caliper pistons for leaks or corrosion while the system is drained.
Procedure overview
- Top up both reservoirs to the MAX line with fresh DOT 4. Keep caps loosely on to prevent contamination.
- Wheel removal is optional but gives better access; lift ATV on a lift or stands and secure it.
- Clean bleeder nipples and surrounding area to prevent dirt entering the system.
- Attach clear hose to bleeder nipple and put the other end in a container partially filled with old fluid to avoid drawing air back in.
Two common bleeding methods
1) Two-person manual bleed (recommended for most backyard mechanics)
- Person A holds the brake lever or presses the pedal and maintains light pressure; Person B opens and closes the bleeder.
- With the hose attached, open the bleeder nipple about 1/4 turn. Fluid and bubbles will flow out; close the nipple before the lever/pedal is released to avoid sucking air in.
- Repeat until you see clear, bubble-free fluid. Keep the master cylinder reservoir topped up throughout to prevent air ingress.
- Torque bleeder nipple finger-tight plus a small snug with the wrench; avoid over-torquing.
- Move to the next caliper according to bleed order.
2) One-person vacuum or pressure bleeder
- Connect vacuum pump to the bleeder nipple or connect a pressure bleeder to the reservoir per tool instructions.
- Operate the tool and open the bleeder nipple. Let fluid flow until clear and bubble-free, keeping the reservoir topped.
- Close the bleeder, remove the tool, and wipe clean.
Detailed bleed order suggestion
- Rear master cylinder circuit first: bleed the rear caliper(s) farthest from the rear reservoir first (on many Kodiaks this is the rear caliper; if dual rear calipers follow farthest-first logic).
- Front circuit next: bleed the front calipers starting with the furthest wheel from the front master cylinder and finish with the closest.
Flushing & replacing all fluid
- Remove old fluid from each reservoir with a syringe or turkey baster before topping with fresh DOT 4 to reduce contamination cross-flow.
- Perform full bleed on each circuit until the fluid exiting the bleeders is clear and new.
- After final bleed, ensure reservoirs are filled to proper level. Reinstall reservoir caps and secure.
- Cycle brakes several times to build firm pedal/lever feel. Check for leaks at banjo bolts, bleeders, and hose fittings.
- Lower ATV, torque wheels to spec, and perform a low-speed test in a safe area to verify braking performance.
Torque & component tips
- Replace copper crush washers on banjo fittings whenever you remove them. Replace any hard, cracked, or bulging brake lines.
- If you remove calipers, use a torque wrench for mounting bolts to the factory spec; if unknown, tighten to a conservative medium torque and consult a service manual for exact figures.
- Do not allow brake fluid to contact painted surfaces; immediately rinse with water if spilled.
How often to replace brake fluid
- For the Kodiak 700, replace brake fluid every 1-2 years depending on use & storage conditions, or sooner if the fluid is dark or contaminated.
Troubleshooting
- Spongy lever/pedal after bleeding: re-check for air in system, loose bleeder, or a soft hose; repeat bleeding procedure.
- Persistent leaks or loss of pressure: inspect master cylinder seals, caliper pistons, hoses, and banjo fittings; replace faulty parts.
- Brake drag after bleeding: pistons may be sticking or bleeding left debris; remove caliper & inspect pistons, pads, and hardware.
Final checks
- Confirm no leaks, firm lever/pedal feel, correct fluid level, and secure reservoir caps.
- Properly dispose of old brake fluid following local hazardous waste guidelines.
- Record the service date and mileage/hours for future maintenance.
Maintain brake performance regularly & inspect the Kodiak 700 4X4 IRS brake components after heavy-duty riding, hauling, or long storage periods to ensure safe operation.
Related Shopping Categories
Shop Brake Fluid for a 2020 Yamaha Kodiak 700 4X4 IRS ATV.
Shop Brake Bleeders for a 2020 Yamaha Kodiak 700 4X4 IRS ATV.
Shop Brake Pads for a 2020 Yamaha Kodiak 700 4X4 IRS ATV.
Shop Brake Lines for a 2020 Yamaha Kodiak 700 4X4 IRS ATV.
Shop Brake Tools for a 2020 Yamaha Kodiak 700 4X4 IRS 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.
