2004 YAMAHA WOLVERINE 350 brakes

7-53
WARNING
_ Maintain steady speed when climbing a hill.
If you lose all forward speed:

Keep weight uphill.


Apply the brakes.


Apply the parking brake after you are
stopped.
If you begin rolling backwards:


Keep weight uphill.


Never apply the rear brake while rolling
backwards. Apply the front brake. When
fully stopped, apply the rear brake as well,
and then lock the parking brake.
Dismount on uphill side or to a side if pointed
straight uphill. Turn the ATV around and re-
mount, following the procedure described in
the Owner’s Manual.
_
U5WH60.book Page 53 Friday, October 31, 2003 2:45 PM

7-63
CROSSING THROUGH SHALLOW WATER
The ATV can be used to cross slow moving, shal-
low water of up to a maximum of 35 cm in depth.
Before entering the water, choose your path care-
fully. Enter where there is no sharp drop off, and
avoid rocks or other obstacles which may be slip-
pery or upset the ATV. Drive slowly and carefully.
WARNING
_ Never operate this ATV in fast flowing water or
in water deeper than that specified in your
Owner’s Manual. Remember that wet brakes
may have reduced stopping ability. Test your
brakes after leaving water. If necessary, apply
them several times to let friction dry out the lin-
ings. If the ATV is operated through deep or
fast flowing water, the tires may float, causing
loss of traction and loss of control, which
could lead to an accident. _
U5WH60.book Page 63 Friday, October 31, 2003 2:45 PM

7-65
1. Air filter case check hose
1. Flexible de contrôle du boîtier de filtre à air
1. Manguera de comprobación de la caja del filtro de aire
Test your brakes after leaving the water. Do not
continue to ride your ATV without verifying that
you have regained proper braking ability.CAUTION:_ After riding your ATV in water, be sure to drain
the trapped water by removing the check hose
at the bottom of the air filter case, the V-belt
cooling duct check hose, the drive select lever
box check hose and storage box check hose.
Also, remove the V-belt case drain plug to
drain any water that may have accumulated.
Wash the ATV in fresh water if it has been op-
erated in salt water or muddy conditions. _
U5WH60.book Page 65 Friday, October 31, 2003 2:45 PM

7-71
SLIDING AND SKIDDING
Care should be used when riding on loose or slip-
pery surfaces since the ATV may slide. If unex-
pected and uncorrected, sliding could lead to an
accident.
To reduce the tendency for the front wheels to
slide in loose or slippery conditions, positioning
your weight over the front wheels will sometimes
help.
If the rear wheels of your ATV start to slide side-
ways, control can usually be regained (if there is
room to do so) by steering in the direction of the
slide. Applying the brakes or accelerating is not
recommended until you have corrected the slide.
U5WH60.book Page 71 Friday, October 31, 2003 2:45 PM

7-75
WHAT TO DO IF ...
This section is designed to be a reference guide
only. Be sure to read each section on riding tech-
niques completely.
WHAT TO DO ...

If your ATV doesn’t turn when you want it to:
Bring the ATV to a stop and practice the turning
maneuvers again. Be sure you are putting your
weight on the footboard to the outside of the
turn. Position your weight over the front wheels
for better control. (See pages 7-39–7-43.)


If your ATV begins to tip while turning:
Lean more into the turn to regain balance. If
necessary, gradually let off the throttle and/or
steer to the outside of the turn. (See pages
7-39–7-43.)


If your ATV starts to slide sideways:
Steer in the direction of the slide if you have the
room.
Applying the brakes or accelerating is not rec-
ommended until you have corrected the slide.
(See pages 7-71–7-73.)
U5WH60.book Page 75 Friday, October 31, 2003 2:45 PM

7-79

If your ATV encounters shallow water:
Ride slowly and carefully through slow moving
water, watching for obstacles. Be sure to let
water drain from the ATV and CHECK YOUR
BRAKES FOR PROPER OPERATION when
you come out of the water. Do not continue to
ride your ATV until you have regained ade-
quate braking ability. (See pages 7-63–7-67.)
U5WH60.book Page 79 Friday, October 31, 2003 2:45 PM

8-61 1. Minimum level mark
1. Repère de niveau minimum
1. Marca de nivel mínimo
EBU13040
Brake fluid level check
Insufficient brake fluid may let air enter the brake
system, possibly causing the brakes to become in-
effective.
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.
Observe these precautions:

When checking the brake fluid level, make sure
the top of the brake fluid reservoir is level.


Use only the designated quality brake fluid, oth-
erwise, the rubber seals may deteriorate, caus-
ing leakage and poor brake performance.
Recommended brake fluid: DOT 4
U5WH60.book Page 61 Friday, October 31, 2003 2:45 PM

8-67 a. Front brake lever free play
a. Jeu au levier de frein avant
a. Juego libre de la palanca de los frenos delanteros
EBU01188
Front brake lever free play
The front brake lever should have a free play of
zero mm at the lever end. If not, have a Yamaha
dealer check the brake system.
WARNING
_ Operating 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 procedures
should be performed by a Yamaha dealer.
_
U5WH60.book Page 67 Friday, October 31, 2003 2:45 PM