2005 polaris 500 sportsman ho foot brake bleeding

sgmcfer · #1 (**permalink**) 01-23-2012, 06:56 PM

Wondering if this is a Polaris thing cause I don't remember my old Honda being like this. In order for me to stop using rear brakes I have to be standing and put all my weight down on the pedal. I can't even get it to slightly stop sitting down. I'm hoping this is something I can fix. My gut is telling me something is wrong and shouldn't be like this. Any help greatly appreciated.

**blueline15** · #2 (**permalink**) 01-23-2012, 07:00 PM

The lines may need to be bled, the M/C seal might be bad, or the pads may be gone. Its hard to say over the internet.

With that said, the rear brake alone has very little stopping power too.

reynoldston · #3 (**permalink**) 01-23-2012, 07:02 PM

I think they just put it there for looks because mine is the same way. My hand brake works just fine.

bgirard420 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-24-2012, 05:47 AM

Not sure if the '06 is different, but on the 2010s the foot pedal for the rear brake (there is only 1) is only for additional stopping power. It is not intended to have enough force to stop a 800 lb machine. The handbrake applies all 3 brakes and should be used for all braking purposes. It's supposedly a safety thing, particularly when climbing uphill, to prevent someone from applying only the rear brakes and flipping over.

factionfx · #5 (**permalink**) 01-24-2012, 05:57 AM

I have a 2012 500 HO and foot brake locks up the wheels no problem.

I used to have this problem on my 2001 trailblazer when the pads were bare, and then after I put crappy pads on it.

I bought some EBC Severe duty pads for the trailblazer and it has never worked better.

FYI, if you have resistance on the foot pedal still, it probably does not need to be bled.

reynoldston · #6 (**permalink**) 01-24-2012, 08:30 AM

As far as my rear foot brake goes, never use it, never give it a thought, and I just don't see where it does much. For a long time it had air in the system and didn't even work at all and never missed it. I also ride motorcycle where you do most of your braking with the front brake and it is located in the same spot. I think that is the reason it is just natural for me to use the hand brake.

sgmcfer · #7 (**permalink**) 01-24-2012, 06:17 PM

Thanks for the insight. I also thought the lines needed to be bled but that didnt change anything.I just felt like it should stop the machine a little easier than it does. Cause if I put all my weight into it, it will stop it immediately. Even on concrete. The tech at the local dealer said that the master cylinder is to small on that year and it takes more to push the fluid?? Does that sound right? If thats how its supposed to be then thats how its supposed be.

factionfx · #8 (**permalink**) 01-24-2012, 06:30 PM

Not sure on the master cylinder size. A slightly larger piston in the master cylinder would make a big difference in performance though.

If yours is bled and has resistance, the pads are the biggest difference you will see.

I actually like to use my foot brake towards the end of the day going down hills (when my hand is too tired to brake anymore

)

Troyxc7 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-24-2012, 06:32 PM

I have a 2006 Sportsman 500 that I bought new and the rear brake never did much of anything and I never got used to using it. Recently I got a 2012 Sportsman 500 but haven't rode it yet so we will soon see if that one is the same way.

bakada · #10 (**permalink**) 01-25-2012, 11:40 AM

I have bled and replaced pads on all my Polaris's and if I stomp on the rear brakes they will lock up but as stated none of them have what I would call confidence inspiring stopping power. The comment about Polaris making them weak on purpose is interesting and kinda makes sense. Using the hand lever the brakes work great.