Polaris 2000 Universal Snowmobile - Manual (Page 76)

71
MAINTENANCE
Bleeding the Hydraulic Brake System
Air in the hydraulic brake system will cause a springy or spongy brake lever action.
Bleeding is necessary to remove air from the system. Refer to illustration on page
69.
1. Remove brake fluid master cylinder reservoir cover and gasket.
CAUTION:
Brake fluid is a hazardous material. Contact with decals, paint, and many plastics
will cause damage. Use proper precautions when handling brake fluid.
2. Fill the master cylinder reservoir (B) and replace gasket and cover. Keep the
fluid level 1/4-5/16″ (.6-.8 cm) below lip of reservoir opening.
3. Fill the master cylinder reservoir (B) and replace gasket and cover. Keep the
fluid level between the max and min marks on the side of the reservoir.
WARNING
Do not over fill the master cylinder. Fluid expansion could cause brakes to lock,
resulting in serious injury or death.
4. Slip a rubber tube over the ball of the bleeder valve and direct the flow of fluid
into an approved container.
WARNING
Never re-use brake fluid. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it rapidly absorbs
moisture from the air. This causes the boiling temperature of the brake fluid to drop,
leading to early brake fade and the possibility of serious injury.
5. Squeeze brake lever a full stroke. Then unscrew bleeder valve 3/4 of a turn to
release air.
6. Close bleeder valve and release brake lever.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 until fluid flows from bleeder valve in a solid stream free of
air bubbles.
7. Re-fill reservoir to proper level after bleeding operation. See Replenishing
Brake Fluid on page 70. Do not overfill the master cylinder.
8. Replace gasket and cover.
During the bleeding procedure make sure to keep the brake handle in as level a
position as possible. The hydraulic fluid reservoir must be in this position to mini-
mize the possibility of air entering the system through the reservoir vent.
WARNING
Excessive or repetitive use of brakes for high speed stops will cause an over-
heated brake system. This overheated condition could cause sudden loss of
brakes and/or fire, resulting in severe injury or death.
When traveling in long downhill stretches remember to use a pumping brake ac-
tion. Riding the brakes can cause the brake system to overheat, resulting in brake
failure.