Frame/Welds; Hydraulic Brake Systems - Arctic Cat 450 XC 2011 Service Manual

4. Install the left-side engine cover and seat making
sure the seat locks securely in place.

Frame/Welds

The frame and welds should be checked periodically for
damage, bends, cracks, deterioration, broken compo-
nents, and missing components. If replacement or repair
constitutes removal, see Steering/Frame.

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.
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.
3. To bleed the brake systems, use the following proce-
dure.
A. Remove the cover and fill the appropriate reser-
voir with DOT 4 Brake Fluid (left hand brake/foot
pedal - rear system; right hand brake - front brake
system).
B. Install and secure the cover; then 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.
16
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 proce-
dure 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 step B, C, and D on the
other FRONT bleeder screw; then move to the
KC387A
REAR bleeder screw and follow the same proce-
dure using the left brake lever or foot pedal.
4. 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.
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.
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.
INSPECTING HOSES
Carefully inspect the hydraulic brake hoses for cracks or
other damage. If found, the brake hoses must be replaced.
Manual
Table of Contents
CAUTION
CAUTION
AF637D
PR377C