Brakes - Honda TRX500FGA Owner's Manual

Brakes

The hydraulic disc brakes (front) and single mechanical drum brake
(rear) on your ATV dissipate heat generated by the friction of the brake
pads on the disc (front) and the brake shoes on the drums (rear) as the
wheels are slowed.
Hydraulic Disc Front Brake
As the front brake pads wear, brake fluid level will drop. A leak in the
system will also cause the level to drop.
There are no adjustments to perform, but fluid level and pad wear must
be inspected periodically. The system must be inspected frequently to
ensure there are no fluid leaks.
If the right brake lever freeplay does not feel within the normal range
while riding, check the brake pads for wear (page 201 ).
Worn pads should be replaced. If the pads are not worn beyond the
recommended limit, there is probably air in the brake system. See your
Honda dealer to have the air bled from the system.
Mechanical Drum Rear Brake
If the rear brake lever/parking brake lever or brake pedal freeplay does
not feel within the normal range while riding, check the brake shoes for
wear (page 206 ).
Brake Fluid Recommendation
brake fluid Honda DOT 4 Brake Fluid
The recommended brake fluid is Honda DOT 4 Brake Fluid, or any
brake fluid of equal quality and performance. Use fresh brake fluid
from a sealed container. Be sure to read the label before opening the
sealed container. An opened container may be contaminated or may
have absorbed moisture from the air.
198 Servicing Your Honda