2006 YAMAHA WOLVERINE 350 wheel

7-16
7 If your ATV has stalled or stopped and you believe
you can continue up the hill, restart carefully to
make sure you do not lift the front wheels which
could cause you to lose control. If you are unable
to continue up the hill, dismount the ATV on the up-
hill side. Physically turn the ATV around and then
descend the hill.
If you start to roll backwards, DO NOT apply the
rear brake to stop or try to put the ATV in gear. The
ATV could easily tip over backwards. Instead, ap-
ply the front brake gradually, or dismount the ATV
immediately on the uphill side.
WARNING
EWB01741Maintain a 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 inthe Owner’s Manual.
U3D560E0.book Page 16 Tuesday, December 27, 2005 12:13 PM

7-18
7
CROSSING A SLOPE
Traversing a sloping surface on your ATV requires
you to properly position your weight to maintain
proper balance. Be sure that you have learned the
basic riding skills on flat ground before attempting
to cross a sloping surface. Avoid slopes with slip-
pery surfaces or rough terrain that may upset your
balance.
As you travel across a slope, lean your body in the
uphill direction. It may be necessary to correct the
steering when riding on loose surfaces by pointingthe front wheels slightly uphill. When riding on
slopes, be sure not to make sharp turns either up
or down hill.
If your ATV does begin to tip over, gradually steer
in the downhill direction if there are no obstacles in
your path. As you regain proper balance, gradually
steer again in the direction you wish to travel.
WARNING
EWB01631Never attempt to turn the ATV around on any
hill until you have mastered the turning tech-
nique as described in the Owner’s Manual on
level ground. Be very careful when turning on
any hill. Avoid crossing the side of a steep hill
if possible.
When crossing the side of a hill:
Always follow proper procedures as de-
scribed in the Owner’s Manual.
Avoid hills with excessively slippery or loose
surfaces.
Shift your weight to the uphill side of theATV.
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7-22
7 RIDING OVER ROUGH TERRAIN
Riding over rough terrain should be done with cau-
tion. Look out for obstacles which could cause
damage to the ATV or could lead to an upset or ac-
cident. Be sure to keep your feet firmly mounted on
the footboards at all times. Avoid jumping the ATV
as loss of control and damage to the ATV may re-
sult.
WARNING
EWB01650Before operating in a new area, check for ob-
stacles. Never attempt to ride over large obsta-
cles, such as large rocks or fallen trees. When
you go over obstacles, always follow proper
procedures as described in the Owner’s Manu-al.
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.U3D560E0.book Page 22 Tuesday, December 27, 2005 12:13 PM

7-23
7With practice, over a period of time, skill at con-
trolled sliding can be developed. The terrain
should be chosen carefully before attempting such
maneuvers, since both stability and control are re-
duced. Bear in mind that sliding maneuvers should
always be avoided on extremely slippery surfaces
such as ice, since all control may be lost.
WARNING
EWB01661Learn to safely control skidding or sliding by
practicing at low speeds and on level, smooth
terrain.On extremely slippery surfaces, such as ice,
go slowly and be very cautious in order to re-
duce the chance of skidding or sliding out of
control.
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 page 7-12.)
If your ATV begins to tip while turning:
Lean more into the turn to regain balance. If nec-
essary, gradually let off the throttle and/or steer
to the outside of the turn. (See page 7-12.)
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
recommended until you have corrected the
slide. (See page 7-22.)
U3D560E0.book Page 23 Tuesday, December 27, 2005 12:13 PM

8-4
8
6*Rear brakeCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Check brake lever and pedal free play, and adjust
if necessary.√√√√√
Replace brake shoes. Whenever worn to the limit
7*Brake hosesCheck for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary.√√√√
Replace. Every 4 years
8*WheelsCheck runout and for damage, and replace if nec-
essary.√ √√√
9*TiresCheck tread depth and for damage, and replace if
necessary.
Check air pressure and balance, and correct if
necessary.√ √√√
10*Wheel bearingsCheck for looseness or damage, and replace if
necessary.√ √√√
11*SwingarmCheck for excessive play, and correct if necessary.√√√
12*V- b e l tCheck for wear, cracks or other damage, and re-
place if necessary.√ √√√
13*Drive shaft univer-
sal jointLubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.√√√
14*Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts, and screws are
properly tightened.√√√√√
15*Shock absorber as-
sembliesCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Check for oil leakage and replace if necessary.√√√
16*Knuckle pivotsLubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.√√√ NO. ITEMCHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOBINITIAL EVERY
Whichev-
er comes
firstmonth136612
km
(mi)320
(200)1200
(750)2400
(1500)2400
(1500)4800
(3000)
hours 20 75 150 150 300
U3D560E0.book Page 4 Tuesday, December 27, 2005 12:13 PM

8-24
8
NOTE:The wheels need to be removed to check thebrake pads. (See page 8-38.)EBU24180Rear brake shoes
The rear brake is provided with a wear indicator,
which allows you to check the brake shoe wear
without having to disassemble the brake. To check
the brake shoe wear, check the position of the
wear indicator while applying the brake. If a brake
shoe has worn to the point that the wear indicator
reaches the wear limit line or mark, have a
Yamaha dealer replace the brake shoes as a set.
EBU24251Checking the brake fluid level 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.
1. Lining thickness
1. Wear limit line
2. Wear indicator
U3D560E0.book Page 24 Tuesday, December 27, 2005 12:13 PM

8-27
8Adjusting the brake pedal free play
The brake pedal free play should measure 20.0–
30.0 mm (0.79–1.18 in) as shown. If the free play
is incorrect, adjust it as follows.
1. Fully loosen the brake lever free play adjust-
ing nut on the brake cable at the rear wheel
hub.
2. Turn the brake pedal free play adjusting nut
on the brake cable at the rear wheel hub in di-
rection (a) to increase the free play, and in di-
rection (b) to decrease it.Adjusting the brake lever free play
The brake lever free play should measure 3.0–5.0
mm (0.12–0.20 in) as shown. If the free play is in-
correct, adjust it as follows.
1. Brake pedal free play
1. Brake lever free play adjusting nut
2. Brake pedal free play adjusting nut
U3D560E0.book Page 27 Tuesday, December 27, 2005 12:13 PM

8-28
8 1. Loosen the locknut at the brake lever and fully
turn in the brake lever free play adjusting bolt.
2. Turn the brake lever free play adjusting nut on
the brake cable at the rear wheel hub so that
gap “A” measures 0–1 mm (0–0.04 in).3. Turn the brake lever free play adjusting bolt at
the brake lever in direction (a) to increase the
free play, and in direction (b) to decrease it.
1. Brake lever free play
2. Locknut
3. Brake lever free play adjusting bolt
1. Brake lever free play adjusting nut
2. Gap “A”
U3D560E0.book Page 28 Tuesday, December 27, 2005 12:13 PM