brake YAMAHA WOLVERINE 450 2006 Owner's Guide

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8Rear brake
Insufficient brake fluid may allow air to enter the
brake system, possibly causing it to become inef-
fective.
Before riding, check that the brake fluid is above
the minimum level mark and replenish if neces-
sary. A low brake fluid level may indicate worn
brake pads and/or brake system leakage. If the
brake fluid level is low, be sure to check the brake
pads for wear and the brake system for leakage.
NOTE:To check the rear brake fluid level, remove cowlingB. (See page 8-8.)Observe 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.
1. Minimum level mark
Recommended brake fluid:
DOT 4
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8
EBU24290Changing the brake fluid Have a Yamaha dealer change the brake fluid at
the intervals specified in the NOTE after the peri-
odic maintenance and lubrication chart. In addi-
tion, have the oil seals of the master cylinders 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.EBU24390Checking 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 a
free play of zero mm (zero in) as shown. If the free
play is incorrect, have a Yamaha dealer check the
brake system.
WARNING
EWB02070Operating 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 the free play is correct.
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.1. Brake lever free play
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EBU26491Adjusting the rear brake lever free play
and checking the brake pedal position The brake lever free play must be adjusted and
brake pedal position must be checked and, if nec-
essary, adjusted at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication chart.NOTE:
Always perform this maintenance completely in
the following order whenever adjusting the rear
brake.
Before adjusting the brake lever free play and
checking the brake pedal position, check therear brake pads for wear.
Adjusting the brake lever free play
The brake lever free play should measure 0.5–2.0
mm (0.02–0.08 in) as shown. If the free play is in-
correct, adjust it as follows.1. Loosen the locknut.
2. Turn the brake lever free play adjusting bolt in
direction (a) to increase the free play, and in
direction (b) to decrease it.
1. Brake lever free play
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8-41
8 3. Tighten the locknut.
If the correct free play cannot be obtained, have a
Yamaha dealer adjust it.
NOTE:When adjusting the rear brake lever free play:
Be sure not to step on the brake pedal.
Make sure the brake pedal does not move.Checking the brake pedal position
The top of the brake pedal should be positioned
67.0–77.0 mm (2.64–3.03 in) above the top of the
footboard bracket. If the brake pedal position is in-
correct, have a Yamaha dealer adjust it.
WARNING
EWB02070Operating 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 the free play is correct.
Make sure the brakes do not drag.
1. Locknut
2. Brake lever free play adjusting bolt
1. Brake pedal position
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8

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.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.
EBU24750Brake 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.)NOTE:The brake light switch is properly adjusted when
the brake light comes on just before braking takeseffect.
2. Turn the adjusting nut while holding the brake
light switch in place. To make the brake light
come on earlier, turn the adjusting nut in direc-
tion (a). To make the brake light come on lat-
er, turn the adjusting nut in direction (b).
3. Install the panel.
1. Axle boot (each side)U3C260E0.book Page 42 Tuesday, August 2, 2005 9:52 AM

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8
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.
WARNING
EWB02130Inspect cables frequently and replace if dam-
aged. Corrosion can result when the cable
sheaths become damaged, and cables can
also become frayed or kinked, which could re-
strict the operation of controls and lead to anaccident or injury.EBU24910Checking and lubricating the front and
rear brake levers The operation of the front and rear brake levers
should be checked before each ride, and the lever
pivots should be lubricated if necessary.
1. Brake light switch
2. Brake light switch adjusting nutRecommended lubricant:
Engine oil
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease (all-purpose
grease)
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8
EBU24950Checking and lubricating the brake
pedal The operation of the brake pedal should be
checked before each ride, and the pedal pivot
should be lubricated if necessary.NOTE:To access the brake pedal pivot, remove panel A.(See page 8-8.)
EBU24960Checking the wheel bearings The front and rear wheel bearings must be
checked at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. If there is play
in the wheel hub or if the wheel does not turn
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check the wheel
bearings.EBU24980Lubricating the drive shaft universal
joint The drive shaft universal joint must be lubricated at
the intervals specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart. Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease (all-purpose
grease)
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8
EBU25600Replacing the tail/brake light bulb If the tail/brake light bulb burns out, replace it as
follows.
1. Remove the lens by removing the screws.
2. Remove the defective bulb by pushing it in
and turning it counterclockwise.3. Insert a new bulb into the socket, push it in,
and then turn it clockwise until it stops.
4. Install the lens by installing the screws.
CAUTION:ECB00700Do not overtighten the screws, otherwise thelens may break.EBU25650Removing a wheel 1. Loosen the wheel nuts.
1. Screw
1. Tail/brake light bulb
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EBU25860
CLEANING AND STORAGE
EBU25880Cleaning Frequent, thorough cleaning of your ATV will not
only enhance its appearance but will improve its
general performance and extend the useful life of
many components.
1. Before cleaning the ATV:
a. Block off the end of the exhaust pipe to
prevent water entry. A plastic bag and
strong rubber band may be used.
b. Make sure the spark plug and all filler caps
are properly installed.
2. If the engine case is excessively greasy, apply
degreaser with a paint brush. Do not apply de-
greaser to the wheel axles.
3. Rinse the dirt and degreaser off with a garden
hose. Use only enough pressure to do the job.CAUTION:ECB00710Excessive water pressure may cause water
seepage and deterioration of wheel bearings,
brakes, transmission seals and electrical de-
vices. Many expensive repair bills have result-ed from improper high-pressure detergent
applications such as those available in coin-
operated car washers.
4. Once most of the dirt has been hosed off,
wash all surfaces with warm water and mild,
detergent-type soap. An old toothbrush or bot-
tle brush is handy for hard-to-reach places.
5. Rinse the ATV off immediately with clean wa-
ter and dry all surfaces with a chamois, clean
towel or soft absorbing cloth.
6. Clean the seat with a vinyl upholstery cleaner
to keep the cover pliable and glossy.
7. Automotive type wax may be applied to all
painted and chrome plated surfaces. Avoid
combination cleaner-waxes. Many contain
abrasives which may mar the paint or protec-
tive finish. When finished cleaning, start the
engine and let it idle for several minutes.
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9
WARNING
EWB02310Wet brakes may have reduced stopping ability,
increasing the chance of an accident. Test the
brakes after washing. Apply the brakes several
times at slow speeds to let friction dry out thelinings.EBU25932Storage Short-term
Always store your ATV in a cool, dry place and, if
necessary, protect it against dust with a porous
cover.CAUTION:ECB00720
Storing the ATV in a poorly ventilated room
or covering it with a tarp while it is still wet,
will allow water and humidity to seep in and
cause rust.
To prevent corrosion, avoid damp cellars,
stables (because of the presence of ammo-
nia) and areas where strong chemicals arestored.Long-term
Before storing your ATV for several months:
1. Follow all the instructions in the “Cleaning”
section of this chapter.
2. Turn the fuel cock lever to “OFF”.
3. Drain the carburetor float chamber by loosen-
ing the drain bolt; this will prevent fuel deposits
from building up. Pour the drained fuel into the
fuel tank.
4. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer (if
available) to prevent the fuel from deteriorat-
ing.
5. Perform the following steps to protect the cyl-
inder, piston rings, etc. from corrosion.
a. Remove the spark plug cap and spark
plug.
b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil into the
spark plug bore. Specified amount:
7.5 ml of stabilizer to each liter of fuel (or 1 oz
of stabilizer to each gallon of fuel)
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