Content Source: 2019 GEM em1400 LSV Owner’s Manual (9929177 R02) > Maintenance Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the CONTENTS link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com

Brakes

The front and rear brakes are hydraulic disc type brakes. Press down on the brake pedal to engage the brakes.

Brake Fluid

Inspect the brake system routinely. Inspect the brake fluid level before each operation. If the level drops between fluid checks, add brake fluid as needed. Your authorized GEM dealer can provide service.

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  1. Position the vehicle on a level surface.
  2. Open the hood. The brake fluid reservoir is located on the driver’s side of the vehicle, above and to the rear of the front tire.
  3. View the brake fluid level in the reservoir. The level should be between the upper (MAX) and lower (MIN) level lines.
  4. If the fluid level is lower than the upper level line, add brake fluid to the upper (MAX) line.
  5. Apply the brake forcefully for the few seconds and check for fluid leakage around the fittings.
Change the brake fluid every two years and any time the fluid becomes contaminated, the fluid level is below the minimum, or if the type and brand of the fluid in the reservoir are unknown. Always use DOT4 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 severe injury.
NOTICE
Brake fluid may cause damage to painted and finished surfaces. Use caution when refilling the brake fluid reservoir.

Brake Inspection

WARNING
Do not apply WD-40 or any petroleum product to brake discs. These types of products are flammable and may also reduce the friction between the brake pad and caliper.

  1. Check the brake system for fluid leaks.
  2. Check the brake pedal for excessive travel or a spongy feel.
  3. Check the friction pads (pictured at right) for wear, damage and looseness.
  4. Check brake discs for signs of cracks, excessive corrosion, warping or other damage. Clean any grease using an approved brake cleaner or alcohol.
  5. Inspect the brake disc spline and pad wear surface for excessive wear. Change pads when worn to 3/64" (1 mm) (distance between and in image).

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