2016+ GENERAL 1000 and 4 1000 Wheel and Brake System Inspection and Tire Rotation

To learn more about tools, read the Tools and Fasteners Guide. 

Always wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves when servicing your Polaris GENERAL. To inspect the wheels and brake system and perform a tire rotation on your 2016+ GENERAL 1000 or GENERAL 4 1000, follow these steps:

1. Take a close look at each tire. 

• Verify there is sufficient tread depth. Tires should be replaced once they reach 1/8-inch or 3 millimeters of tread depth.
• Inspect for damage that may compromise the integrity of the tire.
• Next, inspect the tire pressure and verify it is set to specification. For a GENERAL 1000, the tire pressure should be 10 psi (69 kPa) on the front tires and 18 psi (124 kPa) on the rear tires. For a GENERAL 1000 Premium or GENERAL 1000 Deluxe, the tire pressure should be 12 psi (87 kPa) on the front tires and 14 psi (96 kPa) on the rear tires. For all GENERAL 4 1000 models, the tire pressure should be 18 psi (124 kPa) on the front tires and 20 psi (137 kPa) on the rear tires.
• Lastly, take a close look at how the tires are wearing. If there is irregular wear, it may be time for a rotation.

2. To remove the tires: 

• Start by loosening the lug nuts with a 19mm socket before the vehicle is off the ground but do not remove.
• Safely elevate the vehicle. Reference your Owner’s Manual for proper lifting techniques.
• Remove the lug nuts and set aside. 
• Then remove the wheels and set aside. 

3. Now is a great time to look at the brake system. 

• Start at the front of the vehicle on the driver’s side and inspect the brake fluid level and condition in the master cylinder. Ensure the level is between the MIN and MAX marks. Add fluid as necessary. Caution: After opening a bottle of brake fluid, always discard any unused portion. Brake fluid rapidly absorbs moisture from the air, which causes the boiling temperature to drop. This can lead to early brake fade and the possibility of an accident or serious injury.
• Look at the banjo bolts on the inside of the master cylinder for leaks.
• Follow the lines all the way to both front calipers, looking for any leaks, kinks or damage. Also, ensure the brake line retainers are properly secured.
• Next, inspect the connections at the front brake calipers for leaks.
• Then follow the brake lines back to the rear of the vehicle, checking for leaks, kinks and damage. 
• Inspect the connections at the junction block in the driver’s rear wheel well.
• Follow the brake lines to the rear brake calipers, looking for leaks, kinks and damage. Also, ensure the brake line retainers are properly secured.
• Inspect the rear brake calipers and connections for leaks. 
• If inspection reveals any concerns, do NOT attempt to drive the vehicle. See your authorized Polaris Service Center. 

4. Next, take a look at the brake pads and rotors. Caution: Brake rotors can become extremely hot after operation. Allow the rotors to cool completely before performing maintenance to prevent the risk of burns.

• Check the brake pad thickness using a suitable tool. Be sure to check the thickness on the inside pads as well. Replace any brake pads that are worn beyond their minimum thickness of 0.040 inches (1 mm).
• Next, use a brake rotor measuring tool to measure the thickness of the brake rotors. Replace the rotors if they are worn below the minimum thickness of 0.170 inches (4.32 mm).

5. Once the brake system inspection has been completed, the tires can be rotated and reinstalled.

6. Rotate the tires as needed based on wheel configuration. Caution: Due to different configurations, some wheels may not be able to be rotated. Always pay attention to all markings and directional indicators on the tires. 

• Install the wheels on the vehicle and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Safely lower the vehicle until the tires begin to touch the ground. Reference your Owner’s Manual for proper lowering techniques.
• Torque the lug nuts to specification in a crisscross pattern. Torque aluminum wheels to 120 ft-lbs (162.7 Nm). Torque steel wheels to 60 ft-lbs (81 Nm).
• Lower the vehicle completely.

For more information, see your authorized Polaris Dealer. Find a dealer near you with the Dealer Locator.
Maintenance tips, procedures and specifications can be found in your Owner's Manual.
To find diagrams and replacement part numbers, use the online parts catalog.

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