2006 YAMAHA WOLVERINE 450 Owners Manual

7-23
7 With 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.)
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7-24
7

If your ATV can’t make it up a hill you are trying
to climb:
Turn the ATV around if you still have forward
speed. If not, stop, dismount on the uphill side of
the ATV and physically turn the ATV around. If
the ATV starts to slip backwards, DO NOT USE
THE REAR BRAKE IF THE ATV IS IN 2WD - the
ATV may tip over on top of you. Dismount the
ATV on the uphill side. (See page 7-14.)
If your ATV is traversing a sloping surface:
Be sure to ride with your weight positioned to-
wards the uphill side of the ATV to maintain
proper balance. If the ATV starts to tip, steer
down the hill (if there are no obstacles in your
way) to regain balance. If you discover that the
ATV is going to tip over, dismount on the uphill
side. (See page 7-14.)
If your ATV encounters shallow water:
Ride slowly and carefully through slow moving
water, watching for obstacles. Be sure to let wa-
ter 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 adequate
braking ability. (See page 7-19.)
U3C260E0.book Page 24 Tuesday, August 2, 2005 9:52 AM

8-1
8
EBU21650
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
EBU21670Safety is an obligation of the owner. Periodic in-
spection, adjustment and lubrication will keep your
ATV in the safest and best operating condition
possible. The most important points of inspection,
adjustment, and lubrication are explained on the
following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart should be considered as a
general guide under normal riding conditions.
However, DEPENDING ON THE WEATHER,
TERRAIN, GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION, AND
INDIVIDUAL USE, THE MAINTENANCE INTER-
VALS MAY NEED TO BE SHORTENED.
WARNING
EWB01840Never service an engine while it is running.
Moving parts can catch clothing or parts of the
body, causing injury. Electrical components
can cause shocks or start fires. Turn off the en-
gine when performing maintenance unlessotherwise specified. Have a Yamaha dealer
perform the service if you are not familiar with
maintenance work.EBU21730Owner’s manual and tool kit Be sure to put this owner’s manual in the plastic
bag and always carry it on the bottom of the seat
as shown. Put the owner’s tool kit and low-pres-
sure tire gauge under the seat.1. Owner’s manual
2. Owner’s tool kit
3. Low-pressure tire gauge
U3C260E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, August 2, 2005 9:52 AM

8-2
8The service information included in this manual
and the tools provided in the owner’s tool kit are in-
tended to assist you in the performance of preven-
tive maintenance and minor repairs. However,
additional tools such as a torque wrench may be
necessary to perform certain maintenance work
correctly.
NOTE:If you do not have the tools or experience required
for a particular job, have a Yamaha dealer performit for you.
WARNING
EWB01850Never modify this ATV through improper in-
stallation or use of accessories, as it may
cause changes in handling, which in some sit-
uations could lead to an accident. All parts and
accessories added to this ATV should be gen-
uine Yamaha or equivalent components de-
signed for use on this ATV and should be
installed and used according to instructions. If
you have questions, consult an authorizedYamaha ATV dealer.U3C260E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, August 2, 2005 9:52 AM

8-3
8
EBU22410Periodic maintenance and lubrication chart NOTE:
For ATVs not equipped with an odometer or an hour meter, follow the month maintenance intervals.
For ATVs equipped with an odometer or an hour meter, follow the km (mi) or hours maintenance inter-
vals. However, keep in mind that if the ATV isn’t used for a long period of time, the month maintenance
intervals should be followed.
Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools,data and technical skills.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
1*Fuel lineCheck fuel hoses for cracks or other damage, and
replace if necessary.√√√
2 Spark plugCheck condition and clean, regap, or replace if
necessary.√√√√√
3*ValvesCheck valve clearance and adjust if necessary.√ √√√
4 Air filter elementClean and replace if necessary.Every 20–40 hours (more often in wet or
dusty areas)
5*Front brakeCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Check fluid level and ATV for fluid leakage, and
correct if necessary.√√√√√
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
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8-4
8
6*Rear brakeCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Check brake lever free play and adjust if neces-
sary.
Check fluid level and ATV for fluid leakage, and
correct if necessary.√√√√√
Replace brake pads. 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.√√√√√ 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 300U3C260E0.book Page 4 Tuesday, August 2, 2005 9:52 AM

8-5
8
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.√√√
17*Knuckle shaftsLubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.√√√
18*Steering shaftLubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.√√√
19*Steering systemCheck operation and repair or replace if damaged.
Check toe-in and adjust if necessary.√√√√√
20*Engine mountCheck for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary.√√√
21*Axle bootsCheck for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary.Before each ride.
22*CarburetorCheck starter (choke) operation and correct if nec-
essary.
Check engine idling speed and adjust if neces-
sary.√√√√
23*Crankcase breather
systemCheck breather hose for cracks or other damage,
and replace if necessary.√√√
24 Engine oilChange.
Check ATV for oil leakage, and correct if neces-
sary.√ √√√
25Engine oil filter car-
tridgeReplace.√√√
26*Engine oil strainerClean.√√√ 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 300U3C260E0.book Page 5 Tuesday, August 2, 2005 9:52 AM

8-6
8
27 Differential gear oilChange.
Check ATV for oil leakage, and correct if neces-
sary.√√
28 Final gear oilChange.
Check ATV for oil leakage, and correct if neces-
sary.√√
29 Cooling systemCheck coolant level and ATV for coolant leakage,
and correct if necessary.√√√√√
Replace coolant. Every 2 years
30*Moving parts and
cablesLubricate.√√√√
31*Drive select lever
safety system cableCheck operation and adjust or replace if neces-
sary.√√√
32*Throttle lever hous-
ing and cableCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Check throttle cable free play and adjust if neces-
sary.
Lubricate throttle lever housing and cable.√√√√√
33*Exhaust systemCheck for leakage and replace gasket(s) if neces-
sary.
Check for looseness and tighten all screw clamps
and joints if necessary.√√√
34*Front and rear brake
switchesCheck operation and correct if necessary.√√√√√
35*Lights and switchesCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Adjust headlight beams.√√√√√ 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 300U3C260E0.book Page 6 Tuesday, August 2, 2005 9:52 AM