YAMAHA KODIAK 450 2021 Owners Manual

9-41
9
TIPStraighten the handlebars for an accurate reading. NOTICEECB01161Brake fluid may damage painted surfaces or
plastic parts. Always clean up spilled fluid im-
mediately.
As the brake pads wear, it is normal for the brake
fluid level to gradually go down. A low brake fluid
level may indicate worn brake pads or brake sys-
tem leakage. Therefore, be sure to check the
brake pads for wear and the brake system for
leakage. If the brake fluid level suddenly goes
down, have a Yamaha dealer check the brake sys-
tem before further riding.
WARNING
EWB02721Improper maintenance can result in loss of
braking ability. Observe these precautions:
Insufficient brake fluid may allow air to enter
the brake system, reducing braking perfor-
mance.
 Clean the filler cap before removing. Use
only DOT 4 brake fluid from a sealed contain-
er.
 Use only the specified brake fluid; otherwise,
the rubber seals may deteriorate, causing
leakage.
 Refill with the same type of brake fluid. Add-
ing a brake fluid other than DOT 4 may result
in a harmful chemical reaction.
1. Minimum level markSpecified brake fluid:
DOT 4
1
UBEY60E0.book Page 41 Monday, July 27, 2020 10:46 AM

9-42
9
Be careful that water does not enter the
brake fluid reservoir when refilling. Water will
significantly lower the boiling point of the flu-
id and may result in vapor lock.
EBU24284Changing the brake fluidHave a Yamaha dealer change the brake fluid at
the intervals specified in the periodic maintenance
chart. In addition, have the oil seals of the brake
master cylinder and calipers as well as the brake
hoses replaced at the intervals listed below or
whenever they are damaged or leaking.
Oil seals: Replace every two years.
 Brake hoses: Replace every four years.
EBU24396Checking the front brake lever free
playThere should be no free play at the brake lever
end. If there is free play, have a Yamaha dealer in-
spect the brake system.EBU30348Adjusting the rear brake lever and
brake pedalThe rear brake lever free play, brake pedal free
play, and the brake pedal height must be checked
and adjusted at the intervals specified in the peri-
odic maintenance chart.1. No brake lever free play
1
UBEY60E0.book Page 42 Monday, July 27, 2020 10:46 AM

9-43
9
Adjusting the brake lever free play
Measure the brake lever free play and adjust if
necessary.
1. Loosen the locknut at the brake lever. 2. To increase the brake lever free play, turn the
brake lever free play adjusting bolt in direction
(a). To decrease the brake lever free play, turn
the adjusting bolt in direction (b). NOTICE:
Distance A must not measure more than
12.7 mm (0.50 in). If distance A exceeds
12.7 mm (0.50 in), the specified brake lever
free play cannot be obtained, therefore
proceed with the following steps.
[ECB01143]
1. Brake lever free playBrake lever free play: 10.0 mm (0.39 in)
1
1. Locknut
2. Distance A
3. Brake lever free play adjusting bolt
12
3
(a)
(b)
UBEY60E0.book Page 43 Monday, July 27, 2020 10:46 AM

9-44
9
TIPIf the specified brake lever free play could be ob-
tained as described above, skip steps 3-8. 3. Fully turn the adjusting bolt in direction (a) toloosen the brake cable.
4. Slide the rubber cover back.
5. Loosen the brake cable adjuster locknut.
6. To increase the brake lever free play, turn the brake lever free play adjusting nut in direction
(a). To decrease the brake lever free play, turn the adjusting nut in direction (b).
NOTICE:
Make sure that distance B measures 22
mm (0.87 in) or less. If distance B reaches
22 mm (0.87 in), adjust the brake lever free
play at the brake lever again. If distance A
exceeds 12.7 mm (0.50 in), have a Yamaha
dealer check the vehicle.
[ECB01153]
7. Tighten the brake cable adjuster locknut.
8. Slide the rubber cover to its original position.
9. Tighten the locknut at the brake lever.
Adjusting the brake pedal height
1. Brake cable adjuster locknut
2. Brake lever free play adjusting nut
3. Rubber cover
4. Distance B
(a)
(b)3
2
1
4
1. Brake pedal height
2. Brake pedal
3. Footboard bracket1
2
3
UBEY60E0.book Page 44 Monday, July 27, 2020 10:46 AM

9-45
9
Measure the brake pedal height and adjust if nec-
essary.
1. Remove the footboard by removing the quick fasteners, bolts, and nuts.
2. Loosen the locknut. 3. Turn the adjusting bolt in or out until the brake
pedal height is within the specified limits.
4. Tighten the locknut.
5. Install the footboard by installing the quick fasteners, bolts, and nuts, and then tighten
the bolts to the specified torques.
Brake pedal height:
80.0 mm (3.15 in)
1. Footboard
2. Quick fastener
3. Bolt and nut
4. Bolt
42
3
312
1. Locknut
2. Adjusting boltTightening torque:Locknut:7 N

9-46
9
TIPTighten the footboard bolts in the order shown. 1. Footboard bolt A
2. Footboard bolt B
3. Quick fastener
3
1
2
1
3
Tightening torquesWFootboard bolt AW4.0 N

9-47
9
Adjusting the brake pedal free play
Measure the brake pedal free play and adjust if
necessary.
TIPThe brake lever free play and brake pedal height
must be adjusted before adjusting the brake pedal
free play. 1. Loosen the locknut.
2. To increase the brake pedal free play, turn the
brake pedal free play adjusting nut in direc-
tion (a). To decrease the brake pedal free
play, turn the adjusting nut in direction (b).
3. Tighten the locknut.
EBU24232Axle bootsThe axle boots must be checked for damage at
the intervals specified in the periodic maintenance
chart. Check the axle boots for tears or damage. If
any damage is found, have them replaced by a
Yamaha dealer.
1. Brake pedal free playBrake pedal free play: 20.0 mm (0.79 in)
1
1. Brake pedal free play adjusting nut
2. Locknut
21
(a)
(b)
UBEY60E0.book Page 47 Monday, July 27, 2020 10:46 AM

9-48
9
EBU29882Brake light switchesThe brake light, which is activated by the brake
pedal and brake levers, should come on just be-
fore braking takes effect.
The rear brake light switch for the brake pedal can
be adjusted as follows, but the other brake light
switches should be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer.
Turn the rear brake light switch adjusting nut while
holding the brake light switch in place. To make
the brake light come on earlier, turn the adjusting
nut in direction (a). To make the brake light come
on later, turn the adjusting nut in direction (b).
1. Front axle boot (each side)
1. Rear axle boot (each side)
1
1
1
1
1. Rear brake light switch
2. Rear brake light switch adjusting nut
12
(a)
(b)
UBEY60E0.book Page 48 Monday, July 27, 2020 10:46 AM

9-49
9
EBU24905Checking and lubricating the cablesThe operation and the condition of all control ca-
bles should be checked before each ride, and the
cables and cable ends should be lubricated if nec-
essary. If a cable is damaged or does not move
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check or replace
it.
WARNING
EWB02582Inspect cables frequently and replace if
damaged. Corrosion can result when the ca-
ble sheaths become damaged, and cables
can also become frayed or kinked, which
could restrict the operation of controls and
lead to an accident or injury.
 Always make sure all control cables work
smoothly before you begin riding in cold
weather. If the control cables are frozen or do not work smoothly, you could be unable
to control the ATV, which could lead to an
accident or collision.
EBU28712Checking and lubricating the front and
rear brake leversThe operation of the front and rear brake levers
should be checked before each ride, and the lever
pivots should be lubricated if necessary.
Recommended lubricant:
Yamaha cable lubricant or other suitable cable lubricantRecommended lubricants: Front brake lever:Silicone grease
Rear brake lever: Lithium-soap-based grease
UBEY60E0.book Page 49 Monday, July 27, 2020 10:46 AM

9-50
9Front brake lever
Rear brake lever
EBU28872Checking and lubricating the brake
pedalThe operation of the brake pedal should be
checked before each ride, and the pedal pivot
should be lubricated if necessary.Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
UBEY60E0.book Page 50 Monday, July 27, 2020 10:46 AM