2008 YAMAHA WOLVERINE 350 Owners Manual

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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.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.
1. Wear limit line
2. Wear indicator
1. Minimum level markRecommended brake fluid:
DOT 4
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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.EBU24280Changing 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 brake master cylinder
and calipers as well as the brake hoses replaced at
the intervals listed below or whenever they are
damaged or leaking.
Oil seals: Replace every two years.
Brake hoses: Replace every four years.
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:1. Brake lever free play
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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.EBU24513Adjusting the brake pedal and rear
brake lever free play and checking the
brake pedal position The brake pedal and brake lever free play must be
checked and, if necessary, adjusted at the inter-
vals specified in the periodic maintenance and lu-
brication chart.NOTE:
Always perform this maintenance completely in
the following order whenever adjusting the rear
brake.
Before adjusting the brake lever and brake pedalfree play, check the rear brake shoes for wear.Adjusting 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.
1. Brake pedal free play
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8Adjusting 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. 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).
1. Brake pedal free play adjusting nut
2. Brake lever free play adjusting nut
1. Brake lever free play
2. Locknut
3. Brake lever free play adjusting bolt
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8 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.4. Tighten the locknut at the brake lever.
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.
Checking the brake pedal position
The top of the brake pedal should be positioned
72.0–82.0 mm (2.83–3.23 in) above the footboard
bracket. If the brake pedal position is incorrect,
have a Yamaha dealer adjust it.
1. Brake lever free play adjusting nut
2. Gap “A”
1. Locknut
2. Brake lever free play adjusting bolt
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WARNING
EWB02080Operating 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.
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.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.
1. Distance between brake pedal and footboard bracket
1 1
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8 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.
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.EBU28710Checking 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.
1. Brake light switch
2. Brake light switch adjusting nut
Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil
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EBU28831Checking 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.)EBU24962Checking the wheel hub bearings The front and rear wheel hub bearings must be
checked at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. If there is play Recommended lubricants:
Front brake lever:
Silicone grease
Rear brake lever:
Lithium-soap-based grease (all-purpose
grease)Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease (all-purpose
grease)
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