2008 YAMAHA WOLVERINE 450 wheel

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.U3C262E0.book Page 22 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 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.)
U3C262E0.book Page 23 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

8-5
8
EBU21864General maintenance and lubrication chart NO. ITEMCHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOBINITIAL EVERY
Whichev-
er comes
firstmonth136612
km
(mi)320
(200)1300
(800)2500
(1600)2500
(1600)5000
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 320
1 Air filter elementClean and replace if necessary.Every 20–40 hours (more often in wet or
dusty areas)
2*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
3*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
4*Brake hosesCheck for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary.√√√√
Replace. Every 4 years
5*WheelsCheck runout and for damage, and replace if nec-
essary.√ √√√
6*TiresCheck tread depth and for damage, and replace if
necessary.
Check air pressure and balance, and correct if
necessary.√ √√√
7*Wheel hub bearingsCheck for looseness or damage, and replace if
necessary.√ √√√
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8-39
8
NOTE:The wheels need to be removed to check thebrake pads. (See page 8-53.)EBU26460Rear brake pads
Each rear brake pad is provided with wear indica-
tor 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 indi-
cator 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.
NOTE:The wheels need to be removed to check thebrake pads. (See page 8-53.)EBU26471Checking 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
1. Lining thickness
1. Wear indicator groove
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8-46
8
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 8-9.)
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
in a wheel hub or if a wheel does not turn smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check the wheel hub bear-
ings.EBU25101Lubricating the steering shaft The steering shaft must be lubricated at the inter-
vals specified in the periodic maintenance and lu-
brication chart. Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease (all-purpose
grease)
U3C262E0.book Page 46 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

8-49
8
The main fuse and the fuse box are located under
the seat. (See page 4-12.)
If a fuse is blown, replace it as follows.
1. Turn the key to “OFF” and turn off all electrical
circuits.
CAUTION:ECB00640To prevent accidental short-circuiting, turn off
the main switch when checking or replacing afuse.
2. Remove the blown fuse, and then install a
new fuse of the specified amperage.
1. Headlight fuse
2. Ignition fuse
3. Auxiliary DC jack fuse (for optional auxiliary DC jack)
4. Four-wheel-drive motor fuse
5. Signaling system fuse
6. Backup fuse (for odometer and tripmeter)
7. Spare fuse
Specified fuses:
Main fuse:
30.0 A
Headlight fuse:
15.0 A
Ignition fuse:
10.0 A
Four-wheel-drive motor fuse:
3.0 A
Signaling system fuse:
10.0 A
Auxiliary DC jack fuse:
10.0 A
Backup fuse:
10.0 A
U3C262E0.book Page 49 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

8-53
82. Remove the defective bulb by pushing it in
and turning it counterclockwise.3. Insert a new bulb into the socket, push it in,
and then turn it clockwise until it stops.
4. Install the lens by installing the screws.
CAUTION:ECB00700Do not overtighten the screws, otherwise thelens may break.EBU25650Removing a wheel 1. Loosen the wheel nuts.
2. Elevate the ATV and place a suitable stand
under the frame.
3. Remove the nuts from the wheel.
1. Screw
1. Tail/brake light bulb
1. Wheel nut
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8-54
8 4. Remove the wheel.
EBU25700Installing a wheel 1. Install the wheel and the nuts.NOTE:
The arrow mark on the tire must point toward
the rotating direction of the wheel.
Tapered nuts are used for both the front and rear
wheels. Install the nuts with their tapered side to-wards the wheel.
2. Lower the ATV to the ground.
3. Tighten the wheel nuts to the specified
torques.1. Arrow mark
1. Tapered nutTightening torques:
Front wheel nut:
55 Nm (5.5 m·kgf, 40 ft·lbf)
Rear wheel nut:
55 Nm (5.5 m·kgf, 40 ft·lbf)
U3C262E0.book Page 54 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM