I have a 2013 Ranger Crew 800 that I took on a drive up a canyon recently. On the way down there was a period during which the brake pedal would depress all the way to the ground and even then provide very little stopping power. With my whole family in the vehicle, it was quite scary, but we were able to ride it out and after a while the brakes returned to normal. Some searching online suggests that water has crept into the brake lines (which are braided steel cable sheathed) over time and that this water probably boiled, making it compressible. I understand this termed brake vapor lock. So, questions:
1. Do the symptoms I describe sound like "brake vapor lock"? i.e. does it sound like water is in the lines or does this sound more like air or something else? (Also, is brake vapor lock the proper term for boiling water in the brake lines?)
2. What is the appropriate remedy for this? Is it bleeding the lines, or do you have to do a full flush of the lines (and is there any functional difference between the two - bleeding and flushing)?
3. Is there a way to get decent engine braking with the CVT? It felt like there was very little slowing due to the engine, but it's hard to tell.
4. Relatedly, what's the best way to descend a relatively steep or a long hill? In High because you will likely be going >10mph, or in Low and on the brakes in order to try and keep from going >~10mph? I assume not Neutral and just on the brakes, right?
Many thanks in advance for any insights you can provide!
1. Do the symptoms I describe sound like "brake vapor lock"? i.e. does it sound like water is in the lines or does this sound more like air or something else? (Also, is brake vapor lock the proper term for boiling water in the brake lines?)
2. What is the appropriate remedy for this? Is it bleeding the lines, or do you have to do a full flush of the lines (and is there any functional difference between the two - bleeding and flushing)?
3. Is there a way to get decent engine braking with the CVT? It felt like there was very little slowing due to the engine, but it's hard to tell.
4. Relatedly, what's the best way to descend a relatively steep or a long hill? In High because you will likely be going >10mph, or in Low and on the brakes in order to try and keep from going >~10mph? I assume not Neutral and just on the brakes, right?
Many thanks in advance for any insights you can provide!