maintenance YAMAHA GRIZZLY 550 2012 Owner's Manual

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8. Check the differential gear case for oil leak-
age. If oil is leaking, check for the cause.
EBU23470Coolant The coolant level should be checked before each
ride. In addition, the coolant must be changed at
the intervals specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.EBU27126To check the coolant level1. Place the ATV on a level surface.TIPThe coolant level must be checked on a cold en-
gine since the level varies with engine tempera-
ture.2. Check the coolant level in the coolant reser- voir.TIPThe coolant should be between the minimum and
maximum level marks.
3. If the coolant is at or below the minimum levelmark, remove panel D to access the coolant
reservoir. (See page 8-10.)
4. Remove the coolant reservoir cap, add cool- ant or distilled water to the maximum level
mark, install the reservoir cap, and then install
the panel. NOTICE: If coolant is not avail-
able, use distilled water or soft tap water
instead. Do not use hard water or salt wa-
ter since they are harmful to the engine. If
water has been used instead of coolant, re-
place it with coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the cooling system will not be1. Maximum level mark
2. Minimum level mark
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8
EBU27806Cleaning the air filter element The air filter element should be cleaned at the in-
tervals specified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart. Clean or, if necessary, replace
the air filter element more frequently if you are
riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.TIPThere are two check hoses at the bottom of the air
filter case, which are located behind panels D and
E. (See page 8-10 for an explanation on removing
the panels.) Check the hoses periodically and, if
dust or water collects in them, empty them and
clean the air filter element and air filter case.
1. Place the ATV on a level surface.
2. Remove panel C. (See page 8-10.)1. Air filter case check hose
1. Air filter case check hose
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8
12. Place the hoses in their original position as
shown. 13. Install the panel.
TIPThe air filter element should be cleaned every 20
–
40 hours. It should be cleaned and lubricated more
often if the ATV is operated in extremely dusty ar-
eas. Each time the air filter element maintenance
is performed, check the air inlet of the air filter case
for obstructions. Check the air filter case rubber
joint to the throttle body and the rubber joint mani-
fold fittings for an air-tight seal. Tighten all fittings
securely to avoid the possibility of unfiltered air en-
tering the engine.EBU27813Cleaning the spark arrester Select a well-ventilated area free of combustible
materials and make sure the exhaust and muffler
are cool. 1. Remove the tailpipe bolts.
1. Air filter case cover
1. Hose
1
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TIPIf water drains from the V-belt case after removing
the plug, have a Yamaha dealer check the ATV as
the water may affect other engine parts.EBU29702Adjusting the throttle lever free play The throttle lever free play should be checked and,
if necessary, adjusted at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrication chart.
The throttle lever free play should measure 3.0–
5.0 mm (0.12– 0.20 in) as shown. Periodically
check the throttle lever free play and, if necessary,
adjust it as follows. 1. Slide the rubber cover back.
2. Loosen the locknut.
3. To increase the throttle lever free play, turn
the throttle lever free play adjusting bolt in di-
rection (a). To decrease the throttle lever free
play, turn the adjusting bolt in direction (b).
4. Tighten the locknut.
5. Slide the rubber cover to its original position.1. V-belt case drain plug
1. Rubber cover
2. Throttle lever free play adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
4. Throttle lever free play
2WD
4WD
3
2
1
4
(b)
(a)
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EBU24060Valve clearance The valve clearance changes with use, resulting in
improper air-fuel mixture and/or engine noise. To
prevent this from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer at the inter-
vals specified in the periodic maintenance and lu-
brication chart.EBU24071Adjusting the drive select lever safety
system cable The drive select lever safety system cable stretch-
es with use, which can result in improper function.
Therefore, the safety system cable should be
checked and adjusted by a Yamaha dealer at the
intervals specified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.EBU29601Brakes Replacement of brake components requires pro-
fessional knowledge. Brake service should be per-
formed by a Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWB02571Operating with improperly serviced or adjust-
ed brakes could lead to a loss in braking ability
and an accident.EBU27470Checking the front and rear brake pads The front and rear brake pads must be checked for
wear at the intervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart. Each brake pad is
provided with a wear indicator groove, which al-
lows you to check the brake pad wear without hav-
ing to disassemble the brake. If a brake pad has
worn to the point that the wear indicator groove has
almost disappeared, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the brake pads as a set.TIPThe wheels need to be removed to check the
brake pads. (See page 8-64.)
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8Front brake
Rear brake
EBU27843Checking the rear brake hose protec-
tors The rear brake hose protectors must be checked
for wear at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. Each brake
hose protector is provided with a wear indicator. If
a protector wears to the point that its indicator be-
comes visible, have a Yamaha dealer replace the
protector.TIPThe wheels need to be removed to check the
brake hose protectors. (See page 8-64.)
1. Wear indicator groove
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WARNING
EWB02720Improper 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.
Be careful that water does not enter the
brake fluid reservoir when refilling. Water
will significantly lower the boiling point of
the fluid and may result in vapor lock.
NOTICEECB01160Brake 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 and/or brake
system leakage; therefore, be sure to check the
brake pads for wear and the brake system for leak-
age. If the brake fluid level goes down suddenly,
have a Yamaha dealer check the cause before fur-
ther riding.EBU24291Changing the brake fluid Have a Yamaha dealer change the brake fluid at
the intervals specified in the TIP after the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. In addition,
have the oil seals of the master cylinders and cali-
pers as well as the brake hoses replaced at the in-
tervals listed below or whenever they are damaged
or leaking.
Oil seals: Replace every two years.
Brake hoses: Replace every four years.
Specified brake fluid:
DOT 4
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EBU27772Checking the front and rear brake lever
free play The front and rear brake lever free play must be
checked at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. The brake le-
vers should have no free play as shown. If there is
free play, have a Yamaha dealer check the brake
system.
Front brakeRear brake
EBU29072Adjusting the brake pedal free play The brake pedal free play must be adjusted at the
intervals specified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.TIP
Always perform this maintenance completely in
the following order whenever adjusting the rear
brake.
Before adjusting the brake pedal free play,
check the rear brake pads for wear.
1. No brake lever free play
1. No brake lever free play
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6. Install the panel.
If the correct free play cannot be obtained, have a
Yamaha dealer adjust it.
TIPWhen adjusting the rear brake pedal free play:
Be sure not to step on the brake pedal.
Make sure the rear brake lever and brake pedal
do not move.
EBU24230Axle boots The axle boots must be checked for damage at the
intervals specified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart. Check the axle boots for tears or
damage. If any damage is found, have them re-
placed by a Yamaha dealer.
1. Brake pedal cable joint
2. Slight play (0.1 –0.5 mm [0.004– 0.02 in])
1
2
1. Front axle boot (each side)
1
1
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EBU24963Checking the wheel hub bearings The front and rear wheel hub bearings must be
checked at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. If there is play
in a wheel hub or if a wheel does not turn smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check the wheel hub bear-
ings.EBU25022Checking the stabilizer bushes The stabilizer bushes must be checked for cracks
or damage at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
Have a Yamaha dealer replace the stabilizer bush-
es if necessary.
EBU25052Lubricating the rear knuckle pivots The rear knuckle pivots must be lubricated at the
intervals specified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.TIPFor parts equipped with a grease nipple, use a
grease gun.Recommended lubricant:Lithium-soap-based grease1. Grease nipple
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