wheel YAMAHA YZ450F 2008 User Guide

3-4
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Before riding for break-in operation, practice or a race, make sure the machine is in good operating condition.
Before using this machine, check the following points.
GENERAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCETHROTTLE, CONTROL CABLE
Check routing and connection
●●Yamaha cable lube or SAE 10W-30
motor oil
Lubricate
●●
HOT STARTER, CLUTCH LEVER
Inspect free play
●
ItemAfter
break-
inEvery
race
Every
third
(or 500
km)Every
fifth (or
1,000
km)
As re-
quiredRemarks
Item Routine Page
CoolantCheck that coolant is filled up to the radiator cap. Check the cool-
ing system for leakage.P.3-5 – 6
FuelCheck that a fresh gasoline is filled in the fuel tank. Check the fuel
line for leakage.P.1-8
Engine oilCheck that the oil level is correct. Check the crankcase and oil line
for leakage.P.3-8 – 9
Gear shifter and clutchCheck that gears can be shifted correctly in order and that the
clutch operates smoothly.P.3-6
Throttle grip/HousingCheck that the throttle grip operation and free play are correctly
adjusted. Lubricate the throttle grip and housing, if necessary.P.3-6 – 7
Brakes Check the play of front brake and effect of front and rear brake. P.3-13 – 15
Drive chainCheck drive chain slack and alignment. Check that the drive chain
is lubricated properly.P.3-16
WheelsCheck for excessive wear and tire pressure. Check for loose
spokes and have no excessive play.P.3-19
SteeringCheck that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and have no ex-
cessive play.P.3-19 – 20
Front forks and rear shock
absorberCheck that they operate smoothly and there is no oil leakage.
P.3-17 – 19
Cables (wires)Check that the clutch and throttle cables move smoothly. Check
that they are not caught when the handlebars are turned or when
the front forks travel up and down.—
Exhaust pipe Check that the exhaust pipe is tightly mounted and has no cracks. P.4-3 – 4
Rear wheel sprocket Check that the rear wheel sprocket tightening bolt is not loose. P.3-15 – 16
Lubrication Check for smooth operation. Lubricate if necessary. P.3-21
Bolts and nuts Check the chassis and engine for loose bolts and nuts. P.1-11
Lead connectorsCheck that the CDI magneto, CDI unit, and ignition coil are con-
nected tightly.P.1-3
SettingsIs the machine set suitably for the condition of the racing course
and weather or by taking into account the results of test runs be-
fore racing? Are inspection and maintenance completely done?P.7-1 – 10

3-15
CHASSIS
b. Loosen the pad pin "3".
c. Remove the rear wheel "4" and
brake caliper "5".
Refer to "FRONT WHEEL AND
REAR WHEEL" section in the
CHAPTER 5.
d. Remove the pad pin "6" and brake
pads "7".
e. Connect the transparent hose "8"
to the bleed screw "9" and place
the suitable container under its
end.
f. Loosen the bleed screw and push
the brake caliper piston in.
Do not reuse the drained brake flu-
id.
g. Tighten the bleed screw.
h. Install the brake pad "10" and pad
pin "11".
• Install the brake pads with their pro-
jections "a" into the brake caliper re-
cesses "b".
• Temporarily tighten the pad pin at this point.
i. Install the brake caliper "12" and
rear wheel "13".
Refer to "FRONT WHEEL AND
REAR WHEEL" section in the
CHAPTER 5.
j. Tighten the pad pin "14".
k. Install the pad pin plug "15" and
protector "16".
3. Inspect:
• Brake fluid level
Refer to "CHECKING THE
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL" section.
4. Check:
• Brake pedal operation
A softy or spongy feeling
→Bleed
brake system.
Refer to "BLEEDING THE HY-
DRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM" sec-
tion.
CHECKING THE REAR BRAKE
PAD INSULATOR
1. Remove:
•Brake pad
Refer to "CHECKING AND RE-
PLACING THE REAR BRAKE PADS" section.
2. Inspect:
• Rear brake pad insulator "1"
Damage
→Replace.
CHECKING THE BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL
1. Place the brake master cylinder
so that its top is in a horizontal po-
sition.
2. Inspect:
• Brake fluid level
Fluid at lower level
→Fill up.
• Use only designated quality
brake fluid to avoid poor brake
performance.
• Refill with same type and brand
of brake fluid; mixing fluids
could result in poor brake perfor-
mance.
• Be sure that water or other con-
taminants do not enter master
cylinder when refilling.
• Clean up spilled fluid immediate-
ly to avoid erosion of painted
surfaces or plastic parts.
a. Lower level
A. Front
B. Rear
CHECKING THE SPROCKET
1. Inspect:
• Sprocket teeth "a"
Excessive wear
→Replace.
Replace the drive sprocket, rear
wheel sprocket and drive chain as a
set.
Bleed screw:
6 Nm (0.6 m•kg, 4.3
ft•lb)
Pad pin:
18 Nm (1.8 m•kg, 13
ft•lb)
Pad pin plug:
3 Nm (0.3 m•kg, 2.2
ft•lb)
Bolt (protector):
7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1
ft•lb)
Recommended brake flu-
id:
DOT #4

3-16
CHASSIS
CHECKING THE DRIVE CHAIN
1. Measure:
• Drive chain length (15 links) "a"
Out of specification
→Replace.
• While measuring the drive chain
length, push down on the drive
chain to increase its tension.
• Measure the length between drive
chain roller "1" and "16" as shown.
• Perform this measurement at two or
three different places.
2. Remove:
• Master link clip
•Joint "1"
• Drive chain "2"
3. Clean:
• Drive chain
Place it in kerosene, and brush off
as much dirt as possible. Then re-
move the drive chain from the ker-
osene and dry the drive chain.
4. Check:
• Drive chain stiffness "a"
Clean and oil the drive chain and hold as illustrated.
Stiff
→Replace the drive chain.
5. Install:
• Drive chain "1"
•Joint "2"
• Master link clip "3"
Be sure to install the master link
clip to the direction as shown.
a. Turning direction
6. Lubricate:
• Drive chain
ADJUSTING THE DRIVE CHAIN
SLACK
1. Elevate the rear wheel by placing
the suitable stand under the en-
gine.
2. Check:
• Drive chain slack "a"
Above the seal guard installation
bolt.
Out of specification
→Adjust.
Before checking and/or adjusting, ro-
tate the rear wheel through several
revolutions and check the slack sev-
eral times to find the tightest point.
Check and/or adjust the drive chain
slack with the rear wheel in this "tight chain" position.
3. Adjust:
• Drive chain slack
Drive chain slack adjustment
steps:
a. Loosen the axle nut "1" and lock-
nuts "2".
b. Adjust the drive chain slack by
turning the adjusters "3".
c. Turn each adjuster exactly the
same amount to maintain correct
axle alignment. (There are marks
"a" on each side of the drive chain
puller alignment.)
Turn the adjuster so that the drive
chain is in line with the sprocket, as
viewed from the rear.
Too small drive chain slack will
overload the engine and other vital
parts; keep the slack within the
specified limits.
d. Tighten the axle nut while pushing
down the drive chain.
e. Tighten the locknuts.
Drive chain length (15
links):
: 242.9 mm
(9.563 in)
Drive chain lubricant:
SAE 10W-30 motor oil
or suitable chain lubri-
cants
Drive chain slack:
48–58 mm (1.9–2.3 in)
To tighten→Turn the adjuster "3"
counterclockwise.
To loosen
→Turn the adjuster "3"
clockwise and push wheel for-
ward.
Axle nut:
125 Nm (12.5 m•kg, 90
ft•lb)
Locknut:
19 Nm (1.9 m•kg, 13
ft•lb)

3-17
CHASSIS
CHECKING THE FRONT FORK
1. Inspect:
• Front fork smooth action
Operate the front brake and
stroke the front fork.
Unsmooth action/oil leakage
→
Repair or replace.
CLEANING THE FRONT FORK OIL
SEAL AND DUST SEAL
1. Remove:
•Protector
• Dust seal "1"
Use a thin screw driver, and be care-
ful not to damage the inner fork tube
and dust seal.
2. Clean:
• Dust seal "a"
• Oil seal "b"
• Clean the dust seal and oil seal af-
ter every run.
• Apply the lithium soap base grease
on the inner tube.
RELIEVING THE FRONT FORK
INTERNAL PRESSURE
If the front fork initial movement feels
stiff during a run, relieve the front fork
internal pressure.
1. Elevate the front wheel by placing
a suitable stand under the engine.
2. Remove the air bleed screw "1"
and release the internal pressure
from the front fork.
3. Install:• Air bleed screw
ADJUSTING THE FRONT FORK
REBOUND DAMPING FORCE
1. Adjust:
• Rebound damping force
By turning the adjuster "1".
• STANDARD POSITION:
This is the position which is back
by the specific number of clicks
from the fully turned-in position.
Do not force the adjuster past the
minimum or maximum extent of
adjustment. The adjuster may be
damaged.
Always adjust each front fork to
the same setting. Uneven adjust-
ment can cause poor handling and
loss of stability.
ADJUSTING THE FRONT FORK
COMPRESSION DAMPING FORCE
1. Adjust:
• Compression damping force
By turning the adjuster "1".
• STANDARD POSITION:
This is the position which is back
by the specific number of clicks
from the fully turned-in position.
Do not force the adjuster past the
minimum or maximum extent of
adjustment. The adjuster may be
damaged.
Always adjust each front fork to
the same setting. Uneven adjust-
ment can cause poor handling and
loss of stability.
CHECKING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER
1. Inspect:
• Swingarm smooth action
Abnormal noise/unsmooth action
→Grease the pivoting points or
repair the pivoting points.
Damage/oil leakage
→Replace.
Air bleed screw:
1 Nm (0.1 m•kg, 0.7
ft•lb)
Stiffer "a"
→Increase the re-
bound damping force. (Turn
the adjuster "1" in.)
Softer "b"
→Decrease the re-
bound damping force. (Turn
the adjuster "1" out.)
Extent of adjustment:
Maximum Minimum
Fully turned in
position20 clicks out
(from maximum
position)
Standard position:
12 clicks out
* 11 clicks out
* For EUROPE
Stiffer "a" →Increase the com-
pression damping force. (Turn
the adjuster "1" in.)
Softer "b"
→Decrease the com-
pression damping force. (Turn
the adjuster "1" out.)
Extent of adjustment:
Maximum Minimum
Fully turned in
position20 clicks out
(from maximum
position)
Standard position:
12 clicks out
* 7 clicks out
* For EUROPE

3-18
CHASSIS
ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER SPRING PRELOAD
1. Elevate the rear wheel by placing
the suitable stand under the en-
gine.
2. Remove:
• Rear frame
3. Loosen:
• Locknut "1"
4. Adjust:
• Spring preload
By turning the adjuster "2".
• Be sure to remove all dirt and mud
from around the locknut and adjust-
er before adjustment.
• The length of the spring (installed)
changes 1.5 mm (0.06 in) per turn of the adjuster.
• The I.D. mark "b" is marked at the
end of the spring.
• The standard length and extent of
adjustment vary according to the
quantity of I.D. marks.
Never attempt to turn the adjuster
beyond the maximum or minimum
setting.
5. Tighten:
• Locknut
6. Install:
• Rear frame (upper)
• Rear frame (lower)
ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER REBOUND DAMPING
FORCE
1. Adjust:
• Rebound damping force
By turning the adjuster "1".• STANDARD POSITION:
This is the position which is back
by the specific number of clicks
from the fully turned-in position.
(Which align the punch mark "a"
on the adjuster with the punch
mark "b" on the bracket.)
Do not force the adjuster past the
minimum or maximum extent of
adjustment. The adjuster may be
damaged.
ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER LOW COMPRESSION
DAMPING FORCE
1. Adjust:
• Low compression damping force
By turning the adjuster "1". Stiffer
→Increase the spring pre-
load. (Turn the adjuster "2" in.)
Softer
→Decrease the spring pre-
load. (Turn the adjuster "2"
out.)
Spring length (installed)
"a":
Standard
lengthExtent of ad-
justment
One I.D. mark
267 mm
(10.51 in)
*262 mm
(10.31 in)
Two I.D. marks
273 mm
(10.75 in)
*268 mm
(10.55 in)
Three I.D.
marks
264.5 mm
(10.41 in)
*259.5 mm
(10.22 in)255.5–273.5
mm (10.06–
10.77 in)
261.5–279.5
mm (10.30–
11.00 in)
253.0–271.0
mm (9.96–10.67
in)
* For EUROPE
Rear frame (upper):
38 Nm (3.8 m•kg, 27
ft•lb)
Rear frame (lower):
32 Nm (3.2 m•kg, 23
ft•lb)
Stiffer "a"
→Increase the re-
bound damping force. (Turn
the adjuster "1" in.)
Softer "b"
→Decrease the re-
bound damping force. (Turn
the adjuster "1" out.)
Extent of adjustment:
Maximum Minimum
Fully turned in
position20 clicks out
(from maximum
position)
Standard position:
About 12 clicks out
* About 6 clicks out
* For EUROPE
Stiffer "a"
→Increase the low
compression damping force.
(Turn the adjuster "1" in.)
Softer "b"
→Decrease the low
compression damping force.
(Turn the adjuster "1" out.)
Extent of adjustment:
Maximum Minimum
Fully turned in
position20 clicks out
(from maximum
position)

3-19
CHASSIS
• STANDARD POSITION:
This is the position which is back
by the specific number of clicks
from the fully turned-in position.
(Which align the punch mark "a"
on the adjuster with the punch
mark "b" on the high compression
damping adjuster.)
Do not force the adjuster past the
minimum or maximum extent of
adjustment. The adjuster may be
damaged.
ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER HIGH COMPRESSION
DAMPING FORCE
1. Adjust:
• High compression damping force
By turning the adjuster "1".• STANDARD POSITION:
This is the position which is back
by the specific number of turns
from the fully turned-in position.
(Which align the punch mark "a"
on the adjuster with the punch
mark "b" on the adjuster body.)
Do not force the adjuster past the
minimum or maximum extent of
adjustment. The adjuster may be
damaged.
CHECKING THE TIRE PRESSURE
1. Measure:
• Tire pressure
Out of specification
→Adjust.
• Check the tire while it is cold.
• Loose bead stoppers allow the tire
to slip off its position on the rim
when the tire pressure is low.
• A tilted tire valve stem indicates that
the tire slips off its position on the
rim.
• If the tire valve stem is found tilted,
the tire is considered to be slipping
off its position. Correct the tire posi-
tion.
CHECKING AND TIGHTENING THE
SPOKES
1. Inspect:
• Spokes "1"
Bend/damage
→Replace.
Loose spoke
→Retighten.
2. Tighten:
• Spokes
Be sure to retighten these spokes be-
fore and after break-in. After a prac-
tice or a race check spokes for
looseness.
CHECKING THE WHEELS
1. Inspect:
• Wheel runout
Elevate the wheel and turn it.
Abnormal runout
→ Replace.
2. Inspect:
• Bearing free play
Exist play
→Replace.
CHECKING AND ADJUSTING THE
STEERING HEAD
1. Elevate the front wheel by placing
a suitable stand under the engine.
2. Check:
• Steering stem
Grasp the bottom of the forks and
gently rock the fork assembly
back and forth.
Free play
→Adjust steering head. Standard position:
About 11 clicks out
* About 10 clicks out
* For EUROPE
Stiffer "a"
→Increase the high
compression damping force.
(Turn the adjuster "1" in.)
Softer "b"
→Decrease the high
compression damping force.
(Turn the adjuster "1" out.)
Extent of adjustment:
Maximum Minimum
Fully turned in
position2 turns out
(from maximum
position)
Standard position:
About 1-1/2 turns out
* About 2 turns out
* For EUROPE
Standard tire pressure:
100 kPa (1.0 kgf/cm
2,
15 psi)
Spokes:
3 Nm (0.3 m•kg, 2.2
ft•lb)

4-42
KICK SHAFT AND SHIFT SHAFT
KICK SHAFT AND SHIFT SHAFT
REMOVING THE KICK SHAFT AND SHIFT SHAFT
Order Part name Q'ty Remarks
Oil pump Refer to "OIL PUMP" section.
1 Kick idle gear 1
2 Kick shaft assembly 1 Refer to removal section.
3 Spring guide 1
4 Torsion spring 1
5 Ratchet wheel 1
6 Kick gear 1
7 Kick shaft 1
8 Washer 1
9 Shift pedal 1
10 Shift shaft 1
11 Collar 1
12 Torsion spring 1
13 Roller 1
14 Shift guide 1 Refer to removal section.
15 Shift lever assembly 1 Refer to removal section.
16 Shift lever 1

4-44
KICK SHAFT AND SHIFT SHAFT
REMOVING THE KICK SHAFT
ASSEMBLY
1. Remove:
• Kick shaft assembly "1"
Unhook the torsion spring "2" from
the hole "a" in the crankcase.
REMOVING THE SHIFT GUIDE
AND SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLY
1. Remove:
• Bolt (shift guide)
• Shift guide "1"
• Shift lever assembly "2"
The shift lever assembly is disassem-
bled at the same time as the shift
guide.
REMOVING THE SEGMENT
1. Remove:
• Bolt (segment) "1"
• Segment "2"
Turn the segment counterclockwise
until it stops and loosen the bolt.
If the segment gets an impact, it
may be damaged. Take care not to
give an impact to the segment
when removing the bolt.
CHECKING THE KICK SHAFT AND
RATCHET WHEEL
1. Check:
• Ratchet wheel "1" smooth move-
ment
Unsmooth movement
→Replace.• Kick shaft "2"
Wear/damage
→Replace.
• Spring "3"
Broken
→Replace.
CHECKING THE KICK GEAR, KICK
IDLE GEAR AND RATCHET
WHEEL
1. Inspect:
• Kick gear "1"
• Kick idle gear "2"
• Ratchet wheel "3"
• Gear teeth "a"
• Ratchet teeth "b"
Wear/damage
→Replace.
CHECKING THE SHIFT SHAFT
1. Inspect:
• Shift shaft "1"
Bend/damage
→Replace.
• Spring "2"
Broken
→Replace.
CHECKING THE SHIFT GUIDE AND
SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLY
1. Inspect:
• Shift guide "1"
• Shift lever "2"
• Pawl "3"
• Pawl pin "4"
• Spring "5"
Wear/damage
→Replace.CHECKING THE STOPPER LEVER
1. Inspect:
• Stopper lever "1"
Wear/damage
→Replace.
• Torsion spring "2"
Broken
→Replace.
INSTALLING THE SEGMENT
1. Install:
• Segment "1"
• Bolt (segment)
Align the notch "a" on the segment
with the pin "b" on the shift cam.
If the segment gets an impact, it
may be damaged. Take care not to
give an impact to the segment
when tightening the bolt.
INSTALLING THE STOPPER
LEVER
1. Install:
• Torsion spring "1"
• Washer "2"
• Stopper lever "3"
• Bolt (stopper lever) "4"
Align the stopper lever roller with the
slot on segment.
Bolt (segment):
30 Nm (3.0 m•kg, 22
ft•lb)
Bolt (stopper lever):
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)

4-45
KICK SHAFT AND SHIFT SHAFT
INSTALLING THE SHIFT GUIDE
AND SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLY
1. Install:
• Spring "1"
• Pawl pin "2"
•Pawl "3"
To shift lever "4".
Apply the engine oil on the spring,
pawl pin and pawl.
2. Install:
• Shift lever assembly "1"
To shift guide "2".
3. Install:
• Shift lever assembly "1"
• Shift guide "2"
• The shift lever assembly is installed
at the same time as the shift guide.
• Apply the engine oil on the bolt
(segment) shaft.
4. Install:
• Bolt (shift guide) "1" INSTALLING THE SHIFT SHAFT
1. Install:
• Roller "1"
• Collar "2"
• Torsion spring "3"
• Washer "4"
• Shift shaft "5"
Apply the engine oil on the roller and
shift shaft.
2. Install:
• Shift pedal "1"
• Bolt (shift pedal) "2"
When installing the shift pedal onto
the shift shaft, be sure that the center
of the shift pedal is about 4.4 mm
(0.17 in) "a" above the top of the foot-
rest.
INSTALLING THE KICK SHAFT
ASSEMBLY
1. Install:
• Kick gear "1"
• Washer "2"
• Circlip "3"
• Ratchet wheel "4"
• Spring "5"
• Washer "6"
• Circlip "7"
To kick shaft "8".
• Apply the molybdenum disulfide oil
on the inner circumferences of the
kick gear and ratchet wheel.
• Align the punch mark "a" on the
ratchet wheel with the punch mark
"b" on the kick shaft.
2. Install:
• Torsion spring "1"
To kick shaft "2".
Make sure the stopper "a" of the tor-
sion spring fits into the hole "b" on the
kick shaft.
3. Install:
• Spring guide "1"
Slide the spring guide into the kick
shaft, make sure the groove "a" in the
spring guide fits on the stopper of the
torsion spring.
4. Install:
• Kick shaft assembly "1"
• Washer "2"
• Apply the molybdenum disulfide
grease on the contacting surfaces
of the kick shaft stopper "a" and kick
shaft ratchet wheel guide "3".
• Apply the engine oil on the kick
shaft.
• Slide the kick shaft assembly into
the crankcase and make sure the
kick shaft stopper "a" fits into the
kick shaft ratchet wheel guide.
Bolt (shift guide):
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Bolt (shift pedal):
12 Nm (1.2 m•kg, 8.7
ft•lb)

4-60
TRANSMISSION, SHIFT CAM AND SHIFT FORK
REMOVING THE TRANSMISSION
1. Remove:
• Main axle "1"
• Drive axle "2"
• Shift cam
• Shift fork 3
• Shift fork 2
• Shift fork 1
• Remove assembly with the collar
"3" installed to the crankcase.
• Remove assembly carefully. Note
the position of each part. Pay partic-
ular attention to the location and di-
rection of shift forks.
• Remove the main axle, drive axle,
shift cam and shift fork all together
by tapping lightly on the transmis-
sion drive axle with a soft hammer.
CHECKING THE GEARS
1. Inspect:
• Matching dog "a"
• Gear teeth "b"
• Shift fork groove "c"
Wear/damage
→Replace.
2. Inspect:
• O-ring "1"
Damage
→Replace.
3. Check:
• Gears movement
Unsmooth movement
→Repair or
replace.
CHECKING THE BEARING
1. Inspect:
• Bearing "1"
Rotate inner race with a finger.
Rough spot/seizure
→Replace.CHECKING THE SHIFT FORK,
SHIFT CAM AND SEGMENT
1. Inspect:
• Shift fork "1"
Wear/damage/scratches
→Re-
place.
2. Inspect:
• Shift cam "1"
• Segment "2"
Wear/damage
→Replace.
3. Check:
• Shift fork movement
Unsmooth operation
→Replace
shift fork.
For a malfunctioning shift fork, re-
place not only the shift fork itself but
the two gears each adjacent to the
shift fork.
INSTALLING THE TRANSMISSION
1. Install:
• 5th pinion gear (21T) "1"
• 3rd pinion gear (18T) "2"
• Collar "3"
• 4th pinion gear (22T) "4"
• 2nd pinion gear (15T) "5"
To main axle "6".
Apply the molybdenum disulfide oil
on the inner and end surface of the idler gear and on the inner surface of
the sliding gear, then install.
2. Install:
•Collar "1"
• 2nd wheel gear (23T) "2"
• 4th wheel gear (24T) "3"
• 3rd wheel gear (23T) "4"
• 5th wheel gear (20T) "5"
•Collar "6"
• 1st wheel gear (27T) "7"
• O-ring "8"
To drive axle "9".
• Apply the molybdenum disulfide oil
on the inner and end surface of the
idler gear and on the inner surface
of the sliding gear, then install.
• Apply the lithium soap base grease
on the O-ring.