2009 YAMAHA YFM250R brake

8-8
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11

EBU23070
TIP


The air filter needs more frequent service if you are riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.

Hydraulic brake service

Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.

Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cylinders and calipers, and
change the brake fluid.

Replace the brake hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.

8-22
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11

EBU24130
Checking the front and rear brake pads
The front and rear brake pads must be checked for
wear at the intervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart.
EBUM0190
Front brake pads
Each brake pad is provided with a wear indicator
groove, which allows you to check the brake pad
wear without having to disassemble the brake. To
check the brake pad wear, check the wear indica-
tor groove. If a brake pad has worn to the point that
the wear indicator groove has almost disappeared,
have a Yamaha dealer replace the brake pads as
a set.
TIP

The wheels need to be removed to check the
brake pads. (See page 8-42.)
EBU24190
Rear brake pads
Each brake pad is provided with a wear indicator,
which allows you to check the brake pad wear
without having to disassemble the brake. To check
the brake pad wear, check the position of the wear
indicator while applying the brake. If a brake pad
has worn to the point that the wear indicator almost
touches the brake disc, have a Yamaha dealer re-
1. Wear indicator groove
1

8-23
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11

place the brake pads as a set.
EBU28930
Checking 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.
Front brake
1. Wear indicator
1

1. Minimum level mark1

8-24
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11
Rear brake

If the rear brake fluid level is low, replenish as fol-
lows.
1. Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap cover by
removing the bolt.2. Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap.
1. Minimum level mark
1

1. Bolt
2. Brake fluid reservoir cap cover
1
2

8-25
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11

3. Refill with brake fluid.
4. Install the brake fluid reservoir cap.
5. Install the brake fluid reservoir cap cover by
installing the bolt.
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.
EBU24291
Changing the brake fluid
Have a Yamaha dealer change the brake fluid at
the intervals specified in the TIP after the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. In addition,
have the oil seals of the master cylinders and cali-
pers as well as the brake hoses replaced at the in-
tervals listed below or whenever they are damaged
or leaking.

Oil seals: Replace every two years.

Brake hoses: Replace every four years.
1. Brake fluid reservoir cap
Recommended brake fluid:
DOT 4
1

8-26
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11

EBU24393
Checking 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 no
free play as shown. If there is free play, have a
Yamaha dealer check the brake system.
WARNING

EWB02471
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 there is no free play.

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 procedures
should be performed by a Yamaha dealer.
EBU24591
Checking the brake pedal position
The brake pedal position must be checked and, if
necessary, adjusted at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrication chart.
The top of the brake pedal should be positioned
40.0 mm (1.57 in) above the top of the frame as
shown. If the brake pedal is not positioned as spec-
ified, have a Yamaha dealer adjust it.
1. Brake lever free play
1

8-27
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11
WARNING

EWB02110
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 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 procedures
should be performed by a Yamaha dealer.
EBU24710
Adjusting the parking brake free play
The parking brake free play must be checked and,
if necessary, adjusted at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrication chart.
Cable length “A” should measure 64–68 mm
(2.52–2.68 in). Adjust the parking brake free play
as follows.
1. Release the parking brake by moving the
1. Brake pedal position
1

1. Adjusting bolt
2. Cable length “A”
3. Locknut
2
1 3

8-28
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11

parking brake lever to the right.
2. Fully loosen the locknut and the adjusting bolt
at the rear brake caliper.
3. Loosen the locknut on the brake cable.
4. Turn the adjusting nut on the brake cable in di-
rection (a) to increase the cable length, and in
direction (b) to decrease it.
TIP

If the cable length cannot be adjusted to specifica-
tion, consult a Yamaha dealer.
5. Tighten the locknut on the brake cable.6. Turn in the adjusting bolt at the rear brake cal-
iper until it feels tight, then turn it out 1/8 turn
and tighten its locknut to the specified torque.NOTICE

ECB00520
When tightening the locknut, hold the adjust-
ing bolt with a wrench so that it does not turn
together with the locknut.WARNING
EWB02090
Operating with improperly serviced or adjust-
ed brakes could cause the brakes to malfunc-
tion, resulting in reduced braking
performance. This could increase the chance
of a collision or accident. After adjusting the
parking brake free play, block the rear of the
ATV off the ground and spin the rear wheels.
Check to make sure there is no brake drag. If
brake drag is noticed, perform the adjustment
again.
1. Locknut
2. Adjusting nut
2
1
(a)(b)

Tightening torque:
Locknut (rear brake caliper):
16 Nm (1.6 m·kgf, 11.6 ft·lbf)