Arctic Cat XC 450 2016, Service Manual

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12
Hydraulic Brake Systems
CHECKING/BLEEDING
The hydraulic brake systems have been filled and bled at
the factory. To check and/or bleed a hydraulic brake sys-
tem, use the following procedure.
1. With the master cylinders in a level position, check
the fluid level in the reservoirs. On the hand brakes if
the level in the reservoir is adequate, the sight win-
dows will appear dark. If the level is low, the sight
windows will appear clear.
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2. Compress the brake levers/pedal several times to
check for a firm brake. If the brake is not firm, the
systems must be bled. To bleed the brake systems,
use the following procedure.
A. Remove the cover and fill the appropriate reservoir
with DOT 4 Brake Fluid (left hand brake/foot pedal -
rear system; right hand brake - front brake system);
then install and secure the cover.
B. Slowly compress the brake lever several times.
C. Remove the protective cap, install one end of a clear
hose onto one FRONT bleeder screw, and direct the
other end into a container; then while holding slight
pressure on the right brake lever, open the bleeder
screw and watch for air bubbles. Close the bleeder
screw before releasing the brake lever. Repeat this
procedure until no air bubbles are present.
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NOTE: During the bleeding procedure, watch the
appropriate reservoir very closely to make sure there
is always a sufficient amount of brake fluid. If low,
refill the reservoir before the bleeding procedure is
continued. Failure to maintain a sufficient amount of
fluid in the reservoir will result in air in the system.
D. Repeat step C until the brake lever is firm.
E. At this point, perform steps B, C, and D on the other
FRONT bleeder screw; then move to the REAR
bleeder screw and follow the same procedure using
the left brake lever or foot pedal.
3. Carefully check the entire hydraulic brake system
that all hose connections are tight, the bleed screws
are tight, the protective caps are installed, and no
leakage is present.
INSPECTING HOSES
Carefully inspect the hydraulic brake hoses for cracks or
other damage. If found, the brake hoses must be replaced.
CHECKING/REPLACING PADS
The clearance between the brake pads and brake discs is
adjusted automatically as the brake pads wear. The only
maintenance that is required is replacement of the brake
pads when they show excessive wear. Check the thick-
ness of each of the brake pads as follows.
1. Remove a front wheel.
2. Measure the thickness of each brake pad.
3. If thickness of either brake pad is less than 1.0 mm
(0.039 in.), the brake pads must be replaced.
CAUTION
Brake fluid that has been drained or bled from the brake
system must NEVER be re-used or severe brake system
corrosion and damage may occur. Always discard used
brake fluid in an appropriate manner.
CAUTION
This hydraulic brake system is designed to use DOT 4
brake fluid only. If brake fluid must be added, care must be
taken as brake fluid is very corrosive to painted surfaces.