Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ Shift / 550 IQ 136 / 550 IQ LXT (2013 year). Manual - part 19

78

MAINTENANCE

Brakes

Brake Fluid

WARNING! After opening a bottle of brake fluid, always discard any unused 
portion. Never store or use a partial bottle. 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 serious injury.

The brake fluid level can be seen through a plastic sight glass in the 
brake reservoir. If the fluid is sufficient, the sight glass will be black. If 
the sight glass is any color other than black, add brake fluid.

Keep the master cylinder cover free of dirt and debris. The vent slits 
allow for diaphragm movement, and if they become plugged, movement 
of brake fluid below the diaphragm may be restricted, altering brake 
function.

Replace brake fluid at least every two years with POLARIS DOT 4 high 
temperature brake fluid. See page 102 for the part numbers of POLARIS 
products.

NOTICE: Brake fluid will damage decals, paint and some plastics. Always wipe 

up spills immediately.

79

MAINTENANCE

Brakes

Bleeding the Hydraulic Brake System

Air in the hydraulic brake system will cause spongy brake lever action. 
Bleed the system before operating the snowmobile.

WARNING! Operating the vehicle with a spongy brake lever can result in loss of 
brakes, which could cause an accident and lead to serious injury or death. 
Never operate the vehicle with a spongy-feeling brake lever.

During the bleeding procedure, keep the brake handle as level as possi-
ble.  The reservoir must be in this position to minimize the possibility of 
air entering the system through the reservoir vent.

1. Remove the brake master cylinder reservoir cover and gasket.

2. Fill the master cylinder reservoir to between the MIN and MAX 

marks or 1/4-5/16 inch (.6-.8 cm) below the lip of the reservoir 
opening. Reinstall the gasket and cover.

3. Slip a rubber tube over the ball of the bleeder valve and direct the 

flow of fluid into an approved container.

4. Squeeze the brake lever a full stroke.  Then unscrew the bleeder 

valve 3/4 of a turn to release air.

5. Close the bleeder valve and release the brake lever.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until fluid flows from the bleeder valve in a 

solid stream free of air bubbles.

WARNING! Overfilling the master cylinder leaves no room for fluid expansion 
and may cause the brakes to lock, resulting in serious injury or death. Always 
add brake fluid to the fill line as recommended.

7. After bleeding is complete, refill the reservoir to the proper level. 

See page 78. 

8. Reinstall the gasket and cover.

80

MAINTENANCE

Lights

Do not touch a halogen bulb with bare fingers. Oil from skin leaves a 
residue, causing a hot spot that will shorten the life of the lamp. If fin-
gers do touch the bulb, clean it with an alcohol-moistened towel.

Headlight Bulb Removal

1. Remove the plenum covering 

from the headlight assembly.

2. Lift the rubber boot to expose 

the bulb.

3. Push down on the spring (1) to 

release it from the housing.

4. With the wire harness (2) 

attached to the bulb (3), with-
draw the bulb from the housing.

5. Grasp the bulb by its metal base 

and carefully separate the bulb from the harness.

Headlight Bulb Installation

1. Hold the bulb by its metal base and install it into the wire harness.

Tip: Recommended replacement bulbs include H4, HB2 and 9003 bulbs.

2. Insert the bulb into the housing.

3. Connect the spring to the housing.

4. Carefully flip the spring back into the housing, placing it around the 

wire harness.

5. Reinstall the plenum covering on the headlight assembly.

6. Verify headlight aim.

1

2

3

81

MAINTENANCE

Lights

Taillight/Brakelight Replacement

1. Remove the screws securing the taillight lens. Remove the lens.

2. Push the bulb inward and turn it counter-clockwise to remove it.

3. Install a new bulb. Push the bulb inward and turn it clockwise to 

secure it.

4. Reinstall the taillight lens.