2007 YAMAHA WOLVERINE 450 Owners Manual

8-39
8 Rear brake
NOTE:To check the rear brake fluid level, remove cowlingB. (See page 8-8.)
Observe these precautions:
When checking the fluid level, make sure that
the top of the brake fluid reservoir is level.
Use only the recommended quality brake fluid,
otherwise the rubber seals may deteriorate,
causing leakage and poor braking performance.

Refill with the same type of brake fluid. Mixing
fluids may result in a harmful chemical reaction
and lead to poor braking performance.
Be careful that water does not enter the brake
fluid reservoir when refilling. Water will signifi-
cantly lower the boiling point of the fluid and may
result in vapor lock.
Brake fluid may deteriorate painted surfaces or
plastic parts. Always clean up spilled fluid imme-
diately.
As the brake pads wear, it is normal for the brake
fluid level to gradually go down. However, if the
brake fluid level goes down suddenly, have a
Yamaha dealer check the cause.EBU24290Changing the brake fluid Have a Yamaha dealer change the brake fluid at
the intervals specified in the NOTE after the peri-
odic maintenance and lubrication chart. In addi-
tion, have the oil seals of the master cylinders and
calipers as well as the brake hoses replaced at the
intervals listed below or whenever they are dam-
aged or leaking.
Oil seals: Replace every two years.
Brake hoses: Replace every four years.
1. Minimum level markRecommended brake fluid:
DOT 4
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8
EBU24390Checking the front brake lever free play The brake lever free play must be checked at the
intervals specified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart. The brake lever should have a
free play of zero mm (zero in) as shown. If the free
play is incorrect, have a Yamaha dealer check the
brake system.
WARNING
EWB02070Operating 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 proceduresshould be performed by a Yamaha dealer.EBU26491Adjusting the rear brake lever free play
and checking the brake pedal position The brake lever free play must be adjusted and
brake pedal position must be checked and, if nec-
essary, adjusted at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication chart.NOTE:
Always perform this maintenance completely in
the following order whenever adjusting the rear
brake.
Before adjusting the brake lever free play and
checking the brake pedal position, check therear brake pads for wear.
1. Brake lever free playU3C261E0.book Page 40 Thursday, June 29, 2006 4:15 PM

8-41
8 Adjusting the brake lever free play
The brake lever free play should measure 0.5–2.0
mm (0.02–0.08 in) as shown. If the free play is in-
correct, adjust it as follows.
1. Loosen the locknut.
2. Turn the brake lever free play adjusting bolt in
direction (a) to increase the free play, and in
direction (b) to decrease it.3. Tighten the locknut.
If the correct free play cannot be obtained, have a
Yamaha dealer adjust it.
NOTE:When adjusting the rear brake lever free play:
Be sure not to step on the brake pedal.
Make sure the brake pedal does not move.
1. Brake lever free play
1. Locknut
2. Brake lever free play adjusting bolt
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8-42
8Checking the brake pedal position
The top of the brake pedal should be positioned
67.0–77.0 mm (2.64–3.03 in) above the top of the
footboard bracket. If the brake pedal position is in-
correct, have a Yamaha dealer adjust it.
WARNING
EWB02070Operating 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 proceduresshould be performed by a Yamaha dealer.EBU24230Axle boots The axle boots must be checked for damage at the
intervals specified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart. Check the axle boots for tears or
damage. If any damage is found, have them re-
placed by a Yamaha dealer.
1. Brake pedal position
1. Axle boot (each side)
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8
EBU24751Brake light switches The operation of the brake light switches must be
checked and, if necessary, adjusted at the inter-
vals specified in the periodic maintenance and lu-
brication chart.
The brake light switch for the brake pedal can be
adjusted as follows, but the other brake light
switches should be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer.
1. Remove panel A. (See page 8-8.)NOTE:The brake light switch is properly adjusted when
the brake light comes on just before braking takeseffect.
2. Turn the adjusting nut while holding the brake
light switch in place. To make the brake light
come on earlier, turn the adjusting nut in direc-
tion (a). To make the brake light come on lat-
er, turn the adjusting nut in direction (b).3. Install the panel.
EBU24900Checking and lubricating the cables The operation and the condition of all control ca-
bles should be checked before each ride, and the
cables and cable ends should be lubricated if nec-
essary. If a cable is damaged or does not move
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check or replace
it.1. Brake light switch
2. Brake light switch adjusting nutRecommended lubricant:
Engine oil
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8
WARNING
EWB02130Inspect cables frequently and replace if dam-
aged. Corrosion can result when the cable
sheaths become damaged, and cables can
also become frayed or kinked, which could re-
strict the operation of controls and lead to anaccident or injury.EBU24911Checking and lubricating the front and
rear brake levers The operation of the front and rear brake levers
should be checked before each ride, and the lever
pivots should be lubricated if necessary.
EBU24950Checking and lubricating the brake
pedal The operation of the brake pedal should be
checked before each ride, and the pedal pivot
should be lubricated if necessary.NOTE:To access the brake pedal pivot, remove panel A.(See page 8-8.) Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease (all-purpose
grease)Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease (all-purpose
grease)
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8
EBU24961Checking the wheel bearings The front and rear wheel bearings must be
checked at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. If there is play
in a wheel hub or if a wheel does not turn smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check the wheel bearings.EBU24980Lubricating the drive shaft universal
joint The drive shaft universal joint must be lubricated at
the intervals specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
EBU25100Lubricating the steering shaft The steering shaft must be lubricated at the inter-
vals specified in the periodic maintenance and lu-
brication chart.EBU25222Battery This model is equipped with a sealed-type (MF)
battery, which does not require any maintenance.
There is no need to check the electrolyte or to add
distilled water. Check and, if necessary, tighten the
battery lead connections.CAUTION:ECB00620Never attempt to remove the battery cell seals,as this would permanently damage the battery.Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
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8
WARNING
EWB02160Battery electrolyte is poisonous and danger-
ous, as it contains sulfuric acid, which can
cause severe burns. Avoid contact with skin,
eyes or clothing. Always shield your eyes
when working near batteries.
Antidote:
EXTERNAL: Flush with water.
INTERNAL: Drink large quantities of water or
milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten egg
or vegetable oil. Call a physician immediately.
EYES: Flush with water for 15 minutes and get
prompt medical attention.
Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep
sparks, flame, cigarettes or other sources of ig-
nition away. Ventilate when charging or using
in an enclosed space.KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
To charge the battery
Have a Yamaha dealer charge the battery as soon
as possible if it seems to have discharged. Keep in
mind that the battery tends to discharge more
quickly if the ATV is equipped with optional electri-
cal accessories.To store the battery
1. If the ATV will not be used for more than one
month, remove the battery, fully charge it, and
then place it in a cool, dry place.
2. If the battery will be stored for more than two
months, check it at least once a month and ful-
ly charge it if necessary.
To install the battery
NOTE:Be sure the battery is fully charged.
1. Place the battery in its compartment.
2. Make sure to properly connect the battery
leads to the battery terminals.
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