How to Unclog the ATV Brake Lines

Table of contents:

Get your pans ready Apply brake cleaner Flush the lines Replace the lines

17 December 2022

ATV brake lines are hydraulic, meaning that they require fluid inside of them in order to reach the proper pressure and apply the brakes. When your brake lines become clogged, the brakes aren’t going to work nearly as well as they need to, because that pressure isn’t being delivered. Over time this problem can get worse and worse, potentially leading to failing brakes when you need them.

In order to unclog the ATV brake lines, you need to get to the point where you can flush the brake lines of that ATV. This will push that clog through the line and get it out. Often, you’ll hear people referring to this as bleeding the lines. It’s not the same as bleeding out like people did in the medieval days, but it isn’t too far off. We’re removing fluid to get something else out, and then replacing the brake fluid in the lines and getting the ATV back up and running.

Get your pans ready

From the start, you need to have some drip pans ready because the moment you unhook the brake line, you’ll have fluid pouring out. If you’re hoping to keep any part of yourself or your garage floor clean, have those drop pans ready to catch everything coming your way.

Apply brake cleaner

Often you will get dirt or other residue inside the brake lines from regular everyday use. A good brake cleaner works to eat through the grime so you can get rid of the clog without much maintenance.

Pour a good amount of cleaner into your brake lines and leave it to do its work for a few hours. Come back and add some more cleaner, hopefully you’ll have some more space if it’s doing the job.

This could completely solve your issue, but it’s best to continue flushing the lines entirely.

ATV waders are the core piece of riding gear for off-road riders

Find out the best look for you

Flush the lines

If you’re stuck with a serious clog, you need to completely flush the brake lines. You’ll start off by unhooking the line entirely so you can push air through one end and the fluid can dump out of the other.

An air compressor is the best tool for the job here. You can get all of the fluid and any dirt out with a short, but serious, blast of compressed air in no time at all. If your brake cleaner has done its job, there won’t be much resistance. Even if there is, your air compressor will likely get everything flushed.

Replace the lines

Finally, all you need to do is replace the lines, fill them back up with brake fluid, and then bleed the remaining air out. This should get you ready to be back out on the trail and as responsive as ever with your brakes.