polaris atv brake problems

Clay_Henry · #1 (**permalink**) 01-15-2012, 03:03 PM

I have a 2008 Sportsman 800 touring that is used primarily for hunting in the fall and odd jobs around house and camp. The machine has sat since the second week of november (deer hunting),still loaded on the trailer I transport it on. I noticed today when I wanted to use it,that the parking brake was still applied. I removed the rachet straps and brake and backed it off the trailer. It seemed as though the front end was dragging a bit. Like the front brakes are applied. I sat in the ice covered driveway and with the back wheels spinning.
The weather has been around -20 c for the past couple of weeks but I haven't used the machine. I took it for a big run with hopes that the heat from the brakes would help. Nope. Tomorrow I'm going to heat up the garage and see if it helps. Any thoughts........ Thanks

sportsman550 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-16-2012, 02:45 AM

Maybe the brake cable is stretched a bit from being in for a while. If I remember correctly my 550xp felt like it was doing the same thing for a while, but I don't think it is doing that anymore. (haven't noticed anyways)
Welcome to the forum!

bgirard420 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-16-2012, 04:41 AM

Anyway you can take it inside for a while and let the whole machine get above freezing?? Maybe you got some moisture in the brake fluid and it is freezing up now exerting pressure. How yellow is your fluid? Brake fluid absorbs moisture very quickly and turns yellow when it does. Just a few thoughts, welcome to the forum!

**Bruce!** · #4 (**permalink**) 01-16-2012, 05:03 AM

Welcome to the board!

Clay_Henry · #5 (**permalink**) 01-16-2012, 11:39 AM

Thanks everyone. It's in the garage with heat. I'll keep you posted.

Clay_Henry · #6 (**permalink**) 01-16-2012, 12:32 PM

It has freed up. Heat did it. Both wheels spinning freely now. Thanks again. I think when it warms up I'll change the brake fluid. Dot 3 or Dot 4?

bgirard420 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-16-2012, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clay_Henry

It has freed up. Heat did it. Both wheels spinning freely now. Thanks again. I think when it warms up I'll change the brake fluid. Dot 3 or Dot 4?

Manual says that it doesn't matter, just no DOT 5. I used dot 4. Not sure if you know this but brake fluid does not have an open container shelf life. In other words, buy a new one and discard the leftovers. Once it hits the air it starts to gather moisture. Good luck!