2007 YAMAHA RHINO 660 brakes

7-11
Perform the Pre-Operation Checks on pages 5-1–
5-35. Set the parking brake, shift to neutral, and
follow the instructions on page 6-3 to start the en-
gine. Once it has warmed up and you have turned
the choke off, you are ready to begin driving your
vehicle. With the engine idling, shift the drive se-
lect lever into low or high. Then release the parking
brake. Press the accelerator pedal slowly and
smoothly. The centrifugal clutch will engage and
you will start to accelerate. Avoid higher speeds
until you are thoroughly familiar with the operation
of your vehicle.
When slowing down or stopping, take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and smoothly press the
brake pedal. Improper use of the brakes can
cause the tires to lose traction, reducing control
and increasing the possibility of an accident.
EE.book Page 11 Friday, October 6, 2006 3:36 PM

7-15
Position your hands on the steering wheel so that
your thumbs and fingers do not wrap around the
wheel. This is particularly important when driving
in rough terrain. The front wheels will move right
and left as they respond to the terrain, and this
movement will be felt in the steering wheel. A sud-
den jolt could wrench the steering wheel around,
and your thumbs or fingers could be injured if they
are in the way of the steering wheel spokes.
BRAKING
Braking ability is affected by the type of terrain. In
most cases, gradually application of the brakes is
more effective than abrupt braking, particularly on
loose surfaces like gravel. Always allow for greater
braking distance on rough, loose, or slippery sur-
faces.
EE.book Page 15 Friday, October 6, 2006 3:36 PM

7-21
If you start to lose traction or momentum when
climbing, and you decide you will be unable to con-
tinue, use the brakes to come to a stop. Do not at-
tempt to turn the vehicle around. With your foot on
the brake, look behind you and plan your descent.
Shift the drive select lever in reverse so you can
use the engine brake if necessary to slow your de-
scent. Release the brake and begin to coast down
the hill. Use engine braking as much as possible,
gently applying the brakes when necessary.
GOING DOWNHILL
Check the terrain carefully before going down a
hill. When possible, choose a path that lets you
drive your vehicle straight downhill. Avoid sharp
angles that could allow the vehicle to pitch or roll
over. Carefully choose your path and drive no fast-
er than you will be able to react to obstacles that
may appear.
EE.book Page 21 Friday, October 6, 2006 3:36 PM

7-23
WARNING
Going down a hill improperly could cause loss
of control or cause the vehicle to overturn.

Always check the terrain carefully before
you start down any hill.


Never go down a hill at high speed.


Avoid going down a hill at an angle that
would cause the vehicle to lean sharply to
one side. Go straight down the hill where
possible.
Before starting down hill, make sure the vehicle is
in low-range 4WD. On most slopes, this will let you
use engine braking to help you go downhill slowly.
Go as slowly as possible. If you are starting to go
too fast, apply the brakes gently. Avoid sudden ap-
plication of the brakes, which could cause the ve-
hicle to start sliding.
If you are sliding or skidding, try to steer in the di-
rection the vehicle is sliding to help you regain con-
trol.
EE.book Page 23 Friday, October 6, 2006 3:36 PM

7-27
CROSSING THROUGH SHALLOW WATER
If you must cross shallow, slow moving water up to
the depth of the vehicle’s floorboards, choose your
path carefully to avoid sharp drop-offs, large rocks,
or slippery surfaces that could cause the vehicle to
overturn. Never operate through water deeper
than 33 cm (13 in) or fast flowing water.
Wet brakes may have reduced effectiveness. After
leaving the water, test your brakes. If necessary,
apply the brakes several times to let friction dry out
the linings.
WARNING
Never operate this vehicle in fast-flowing water
or in water deeper than 33 cm (13 in). This
could result in a loss of control and an acci-
dent, including a overturn, which could in-
crease the risk of drowning. Remember that
wet brakes may have reduced stopping ability.
Test your brakes after leaving water. If neces-
sary, apply them several times to let friction
dry out the linings.
EE.book Page 27 Friday, October 6, 2006 3:36 PM

8-89 1. Brake pad wear indicator groove
1. Rainure d’indication d’usure de plaquette de frein
1. Ranura indicadora de desgaste de la pastilla de freno
1. Minimum level mark
1. Repère de niveau minimum
1. Marca de nivel mínimo
EVU00840
Rear brake pad check
Each brake pad is provided with wear indicator
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 indica-
tor 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.
EVU00850
Checking the brake fluid level
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.
EE.book Page 89 Friday, October 6, 2006 3:36 PM

8-95 1. Brake pedal
1. Pédale de frein
1. Pedal de freno
EVU01480
Checking the brake pedal
Have a Yamaha dealer check the brakes at the in-
tervals specified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart. There should be no free play in
the brake pedal. The brakes should operate
smoothly and there should be no brake drag. If the
brakes feel soft or spongy, this could indicate air in
the brake system. Have a Yamaha dealer check
the brake system if necessary.
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 brake pedal position is cor-
rect.


Make sure the brakes do not drag.


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.
EE.book Page 95 Friday, October 6, 2006 3:36 PM

9-3
CAUTION:_ Excessive water pressure may cause water
seepage and deterioration of wheel bearings,
brakes, transmission seals and electrical de-
vices. Many expensive repair bills have result-
ed from improper high pressure detergent
applications such as those available in coin-
operated car washers. _4. Once the majority of the dirt has been hosed
off, wash all surfaces with warm water and
mild, detergent-type soap. An old toothbrush
or bottle brush is handy for hard-to-get-at
places.
5. Rinse the vehicle off immediately with clean
water and dry all surfaces with a chamois,
clean towel or soft absorbent cloth.
6. Clean the seats with a vinyl upholstery clean-
er to keep the cover pliable and glossy.
EE.book Page 3 Friday, October 6, 2006 3:36 PM