maintenance YAMAHA WOLVERINE 350 2009 Owner's Manual

8-27
8Observe these precautions:

When checking the fluid level, make sure that
the top of the brake fluid reservoir is level.
Use only the recommended quality brake fluid,
otherwise the rubber seals may deteriorate,
causing leakage and poor braking performance.
Refill with the same type of brake fluid. Mixing
fluids may result in a harmful chemical reaction
and lead to poor braking performance.

Be careful that water does not enter the brake
fluid reservoir when refilling. Water will signifi-
cantly lower the boiling point of the fluid and may
result in vapor lock.
Brake fluid may deteriorate painted surfaces or
plastic parts. Always clean up spilled fluid imme-
diately.
As the brake pads wear, it is normal for the brake
fluid level to gradually go down. However, if the
brake fluid level goes down suddenly, have a
Yamaha dealer check the cause.EBU24281Changing 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 brake master cylinder and
calipers as well as the brake hoses replaced at the
intervals listed below or whenever they are dam-
aged or leaking.
Oil seals: Replace every two years.
Brake hoses: Replace every four years.
1. Minimum level markRecommended brake fluid:
DOT 4
1
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8-28
8
EBU24393Checking the front brake lever free play The brake lever free play must be checked at the
intervals specified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart. The brake lever should have no
free play as shown. If there is free play, have a
Yamaha dealer check the brake system.
WARNING
EWB02471Operating with improperly serviced or adjust-
ed brakes could cause loss of braking ability,
which could lead to an accident.
After servicing:

Make sure the brakes operate smoothly and
that there is no free play.
Make sure the brakes do not drag.
Make sure the brakes are not spongy. All air
must be bled from the brake system.
Replacement of brake components requires
professional knowledge. These proceduresshould be performed by a Yamaha dealer.EBU24513Adjusting the brake pedal and rear
brake lever free play and checking the
brake pedal position The brake pedal and brake lever free play must be
checked and, if necessary, adjusted at the inter-
vals specified in the periodic maintenance and lu-
brication chart.TIP
Always perform this maintenance completely in
the following order whenever adjusting the rear
brake.
Before adjusting the brake lever and brake pedalfree play, check the rear brake shoes for wear.
1. Brake lever free playU3D563E0.book Page 28 Monday, May 12, 2008 11:12 AM

8-32
8
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.EBU24752Brake light switches The operation of the brake light switches must be
checked and, if necessary, adjusted at the inter-
vals specified in the periodic maintenance and lu-
brication chart.
The 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.
1. Remove panel A. (See page 8-8.)TIPThe brake light switch is properly adjusted when
the brake light comes on just before braking takeseffect.
2. Turn the brake light switch adjusting nut while
holding the brake light switch in place. To
make the brake light come on earlier, turn theadjusting nut in direction (a). To make the
brake light come on later, turn the adjusting
nut in direction (b).
3. Install the panel.
EBU24900Checking and lubricating the cables The 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.1. Brake light switch
2. Brake light switch adjusting nut
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8-34
8
EBU24962Checking 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.EBU25102Lubricating the steering shaft The steering shaft must be lubricated at the inter-
vals specified in the periodic maintenance and lu-
brication chart.
EBU29180Battery This model is equipped with a VRLA (Valve Regu-
lated Lead Acid) battery. There is no need to check
the electrolyte or to add distilled water. However,
the battery lead connections need to be checked
and, if necessary, tightened.NOTICEECB00620Never attempt to remove the battery cell seals,as this would permanently damage the battery.
WARNING
EWB02160Battery electrolyte is poisonous and danger-
ous, as it contains sulfuric acid, which can
cause severe burns. Avoid contact with skin,
eyes or clothing. Always shield your eyes
when working near batteries.
Antidote:
EXTERNAL: Flush with water.
INTERNAL: Drink large quantities of water or
milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten egg
or vegetable oil. Call a physician immediately.Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
U3D563E0.book Page 34 Monday, May 12, 2008 11:12 AM

MMain switch .................................................................... 4-1
Maintenance and lubrication chart ................................. 8-5
Maintenance chart, emission control system ................. 8-3
Model label ................................................................... 11-2NNeutral indicator light ..................................................... 4-2OOil temperature warning light ......................................... 4-2
Owner’s manual and tool kit ........................................... 8-1PPanel, removing and installing ....................................... 8-8
Parking ........................................................................... 6-5
Parking brake ................................................................. 4-6
Parking on a slope ......................................................... 6-5
Part locations ................................................................. 3-1
Pre-operation check list ................................................. 5-1RReverse indicator light ................................................... 4-2
Riding your ATV ............................................................. 7-1SSafety information .......................................................... 1-1
Seat .............................................................................. 4-11
Shock absorber assemblies, adjusting the front .......... 4-13
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting the rear .............. 4-14
Spark arrester, cleaning ............................................... 8-21
Spark plug, checking ...................................................... 8-8
Specifications ............................................................... 10-1
Speed limiter .................................................................. 4-4
Starter (choke) ............................................................. 4-10
Start switch .................................................................... 4-3
Steering shaft, lubricating ............................................ 8-34Storage .......................................................................... 9-2
Storage compartment .................................................. 4-12
TTail/brake light bulb, replacing ..................................... 8-40
Throttle cable free play, adjusting ................................ 8-24
Throttle lever ........................................................... 4-4, 5-4
Tire pressure, measuring ............................................... 5-5
Tires ............................................................................... 5-4
Tire wear limit ................................................................ 5-6
Troubleshooting ........................................................... 8-43
Troubleshooting chart .................................................. 8-44VValve clearance ........................................................... 8-25
V-belt case drain plug .................................................. 8-22
V-belt cooling duct check hose .................................... 8-22
Vehicle identification number ....................................... 11-1WWheel hub bearings, checking ..................................... 8-34
Wheel, installing ........................................................... 8-42
Wheel, removing .......................................................... 8-41
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