98
MAINTENANCE
Brakes
Bleeding the Hydraulic Brake System
Air in the hydraulic brake system will cause spongy brake lever action.
Bleed the system before operating the snowmobile.
WARNING!
Operating the vehicle with a spongy brake lever can result in loss of
brakes, which could cause an accident and lead to serious injury or death.
Never operate the vehicle with a spongy-feeling brake lever.
During the bleeding procedure, keep the brake handle as level as possi-
ble. The reservoir must be in this position to minimize the possibility of
air entering the system through the reservoir vent.
1. Remove the brake master cylinder reservoir cover and gasket.
2. Fill the master cylinder reservoir to between the MIN and MAX
marks or 1/4-5/16
I
(.6-.8 cm) below the lip of the reservoir open-
ing. Reinstall the gasket and cover.
3. Slip a rubber tube over the ball of the bleeder valve and direct the
flow of fluid into an approved container.
4. Squeeze the brake lever a full stroke. Then unscrew the bleeder
valve 3/4 of a turn to release air.
5. Close the bleeder valve and release the brake lever.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until fluid flows from the bleeder valve in a
solid stream free of air bubbles.
WARNING!
Overfilling the master cylinder leaves no room for fluid expansion
and may cause the brakes to lock, resulting in serious injury or death. Always
add brake fluid to the fill line as recommended.
7. After bleeding is complete, refill the reservoir to the proper level.
See page 97.
8. Reinstall the gasket and cover.