2004 Polaris Sportsman 400 Owners Manual - Page 90

Brakes MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION The front and rear brakes are hydraulic disc brakes, activated by moving the single brake lever toward the handlebar. These brakes are self-adjusting. The following checks are recommended to keep the brake system in good operating condition. Check more often if brakes are used heavily under normal operation. WARNING Never store or use a partial bottle of brake fluid. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it rapidly absorbs moisture from the air. The moisture causes the boiling temperature of the brake fluid to drop, which can lead to early brake fade and the possibility of accident or severe injury. After opening a bottle of brake fluid, always discard any unused portion. 1. Always keep brake fluid at an adequate level (see page 39). WARNING An over-full master cylinder may cause brake drag or brake lock-up, which could result in serious injury or death. Maintain brake fluid at the recommended level. Do not overfill. NOTE: Under normal operation, the diaphragm extends into the reservoir as fluid level drops. If the fluid level is low and the diaphragm is not extended, a leak is likely and the diaphragm should be replaced. Always fill the reservoir as needed whenever the cover is loosened or removed to ensure proper diaphragm operation. Use Polaris DOT 3 brake fluid. Do not overfill. 87