maintenance YAMAHA WOLVERINE 450 2008 Owner's Manual

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8
NOTE:If the specified idling speed cannot be obtained as
described above, have a Yamaha dealer make theadjustment.
EBU24043Adjusting the throttle cable free play The throttle cable free play should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
The throttle cable free play should measure 3.0–
5.0 mm (0.12–0.20 in) at the throttle lever. Period-
ically check the throttle cable free play and, if nec-
essary, adjust it as follows.NOTE:The engine idling speed must be checked, and ad-
justed if necessary, before adjusting the throttle ca-ble free play.
1. Loosen the locknut.
2. To increase the throttle cable free play, turn
the adjusting bolt in direction (a). To decrease
the throttle cable free play, turn the adjusting
bolt in direction (b).
1. Throttle stop screwEngine idling speed:
1450–1550 r/min
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8 3. Tighten the locknut.
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.
EBU24070Adjusting 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 at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrication chart.EBU24130Checking 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.EBU24171Front brake pads
Check each front brake pad for damage and mea-
sure the lining thickness. If a brake pad is dam-
aged or if the lining thickness is less than 1.0 mm
(0.04 in), have a Yamaha dealer replace the brake
pads as a set.
1. Locknut
2. Throttle cable free play adjusting bolt
3. Throttle cable free playU3C262E0.book Page 38 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

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8

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.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:1. Brake lever free play
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8

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.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

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.
EBU24751Brake 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 8-9.)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).
1. Axle boot (each side)U3C262E0.book Page 44 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

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8
EBU28831Checking 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 8-9.)
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.EBU25101Lubricating the steering shaft The steering shaft must be lubricated at the inter-
vals specified in the periodic maintenance and lu-
brication chart. Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease (all-purpose
grease)
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8
EBU25222Battery This model is equipped with a sealed-type (MF)
battery, which does not require any maintenance.
There is no need to check the electrolyte or to add
distilled water. Check and, if necessary, tighten the
battery lead connections.CAUTION:ECB00620Never 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.
EYES: Flush with water for 15 minutes and get
prompt medical attention.
Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep
sparks, flame, cigarettes or other sources of ig-
nition away. Ventilate when charging or using
in an enclosed space.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
To charge the battery
Have a Yamaha dealer charge the battery as soon
as possible if it seems to have discharged. Keep in
mind that the battery tends to discharge more
quickly if the ATV is equipped with optional electri-
cal accessories.
To store the battery
1. If the ATV will not be used for more than one
month, remove the battery, fully charge it, and
then place it in a cool, dry place.
2. If the battery will be stored for more than two
months, check it at least once a month and ful-
ly charge it if necessary. Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease (all-purpose
grease)
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KKey identification number ............................................. 11-1LLabel locations ............................................................... 2-1
Light switch .................................................................... 4-5MMain switch .................................................................... 4-1
Maintenance and lubrication chart ................................. 8-5
Maintenance chart, emission control system ................. 8-3
Model label ................................................................... 11-2NNeutral indicator light ..................................................... 4-2OOn-Command four-wheel-drive switch ........................... 4-5
Owner’s manual and tool kit ........................................... 8-1PPark indicator light ......................................................... 4-3
Parking ........................................................................... 6-5
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 .............................................................................. 4-12
Shock absorber assemblies, adjusting the front .......... 4-14
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting the rear .............. 4-16
Spark arrester, cleaning ............................................... 8-34
Spark plug, checking .................................................... 8-15Specifications ............................................................... 10-1
Speed limiter .................................................................. 4-7
Speedometer unit .......................................................... 4-3
Starter (choke) ............................................................. 4-12
Start switch .................................................................... 4-5
Steering shaft, lubricating ............................................ 8-46
Storage .......................................................................... 9-2
Storage compartment .................................................. 4-13
TTail/brake light bulb, replacing ..................................... 8-52
Throttle cable free play, adjusting ................................ 8-37
Throttle lever ........................................................... 4-6, 5-5
Tire pressure, measuring ............................................... 5-6
Tires ............................................................................... 5-5
Tire wear limit ................................................................ 5-7
Troubleshooting ........................................................... 8-55
Troubleshooting charts ................................................ 8-56VValve clearance ........................................................... 8-38
V-belt case drain plug .................................................. 8-35
V-belt cooling duct check hose .................................... 8-35
Vehicle identification number ....................................... 11-1WWheel hub bearings, checking ..................................... 8-46
Wheel, installing ........................................................... 8-54
Wheel, removing .......................................................... 8-53
U3C262E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM