maintenance YAMAHA WOLVERINE 450 2009 Owner's Manual

8-38
8
EBU24044Adjusting 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.TIPThe 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 throttle cable free play adjusting bolt in di-
rection (a). To decrease the throttle cable free
play, turn the adjusting bolt in direction (b).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.1. Locknut
2. Throttle cable free play adjusting bolt
3. Throttle cable free play
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8
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.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.
TIPThe wheels need to be removed to check thebrake pads. (See page 8-55.)EBU26460Rear brake pads
Each rear brake pad is provided with wear indica-
tor grooves, which allow you to check the brake
pad wear without having to disassemble the brake.
To check the brake pad wear, check the wear indi-
cator grooves. If a brake pad has worn to the point
that the wear indicator grooves have almost disap-
peared, have a Yamaha dealer replace the brake
pads as a set.1. Lining thickness
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8-41
8Rear brake
TIPTo check the rear brake fluid level, remove cowlingB. (See page 8-9.)
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.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.
1. Minimum level markRecommended brake fluid:
DOT 4
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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.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.TIP
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.
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8-44
8 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.

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.
1. Brake pedal position
1. Axle boot (each side)
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8
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 8-9.)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 the
adjusting 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 nutRecommended lubricant:
Engine oil
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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
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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 ............................................ 8-47
Storage .......................................................................... 9-2
Storage compartment .................................................. 4-13
TTail/brake light bulb, replacing ..................................... 8-54
Throttle cable free play, adjusting ................................ 8-38
Throttle lever ........................................................... 4-6, 5-5
Tire pressure, measuring ............................................... 5-6
Tires ............................................................................... 5-5
Tire wear limit ................................................................ 5-7
Troubleshooting ........................................................... 8-56
Troubleshooting charts ................................................ 8-57VValve clearance ........................................................... 8-38
V-belt case drain plug .................................................. 8-36
V-belt cooling duct check hose .................................... 8-35
Vehicle identification number ....................................... 11-1WWheel hub bearings, checking ..................................... 8-47
Wheel, installing ........................................................... 8-55
Wheel, removing .......................................................... 8-55
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