2010 YAMAHA GRIZZLY 550 Owners Manual

7-22
7 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.With 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.
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.
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7-23
7WHAT 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 7-21.)
If your ATV can’t make it up a hill you are trying
to climb:
Turn the ATV around if you still have forward
speed. If not, stop, dismount on the uphill side of
the ATV and physically turn the ATV around. If
the ATV starts to slip backwards, DO NOT USE
THE REAR BRAKE IF THE ATV IS IN “2WD” –
the ATV may tip over on top of you. Dismount
the ATV on the uphill side. (See page 7-13.)

If your ATV is traversing a sloping surface:
Be sure to ride with your weight positioned to-
wards the uphill side of the ATV to maintain
proper balance. If the ATV starts to tip, steer
down the hill (if there are no obstacles in your
way) to regain balance. If you discover that the
ATV is going to tip over, dismount on the uphill
side. (See page 7-17.)
If your ATV encounters shallow water:
Ride slowly and carefully through slow moving
water, watching for obstacles. Be sure to let wa-
ter drain from the ATV and CHECK YOUR
BRAKES FOR PROPER OPERATION when
you come out of the water. Do not continue to
ride your ATV until you have regained adequate
braking ability. (See page 7-18.)
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8-1
8
EBU28783
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
EBU21671Periodic inspection, adjustment, and lubrication
will keep your vehicle in the safest and most effi-
cient condition possible. Safety is an obligation of
the vehicle owner/operator. The most important
points of vehicle inspection, adjustment, and lubri-
cation are explained on the following pages.
WARNING
EWB01841Failure to properly maintain the vehicle or per-
forming maintenance activities incorrectly may
increase your risk of injury or death during ser-
vice or while using the vehicle. If you are not fa-
miliar with vehicle service, have a Yamaha
dealer perform the service.
WARNING
EWB02561Turn off the engine when performing mainte-
nance unless otherwise specified.
A running engine has moving parts that can
catch on body parts or clothing and electri-
cal parts that can cause shocks or fires.

Running the engine while servicing can lead
to eye injury, burns, fire, or carbon monoxide
poisoning - possibly leading to death. See
page 2-1 for more information about carbon
monoxide.The intervals given in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart should be considered as a
general guide under normal riding conditions.
However, DEPENDING ON THE WEATHER,
TERRAIN, GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION, AND
INDIVIDUAL USE, THE MAINTENANCE INTER-
VALS MAY NEED TO BE SHORTENED.EBU27111Owner’s manual and tool kit Be sure to put this owner’s manual in the plastic
bag and to always carry it as well as the owner’s
tool kit and the low-pressure tire gauge in their re-
spective compartments under the seat.
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8-2
8The service information included in this manual
and the tools provided in the owner’s tool kit are in-
tended to assist you in the performance of preven-
tive maintenance and minor repairs. However,
additional tools such as a torque wrench may be
necessary to perform certain maintenance work
correctly.
TIPIf you do not have the tools or experience required
for a particular job, have a Yamaha dealer perform
it for you.1. Owner’s manual
2. Low-pressure tire gauge
3. Owner’s tool kitU28P61E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, March 18, 2009 9:25 AM

8-3
8
EBU21743Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system TIP
For ATVs not equipped with an odometer or an hour meter, follow the month maintenance intervals.
For ATVs equipped with an odometer or an hour meter, follow the km (mi) or hours maintenance inter-
vals. However, keep in mind that if the ATV isn’t used for a long period of time, the month maintenance
intervals should be followed.
Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools,
data and technical skills.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*Fuel lineCheck fuel hoses for cracks or other damage, and
replace if necessary.√√√
2 Spark plugCheck condition and clean, regap, or replace if
necessary.√√√√√
3*ValvesCheck valve clearance and adjust if necessary.√ √√√
4*Crankcase breather
systemCheck breather hose for cracks or other damage,
and replace if necessary.√√√
5*Exhaust systemCheck for leakage and replace gasket(s) if neces-
sary.
Check for looseness and tighten all screw clamps
and joints if necessary.√√√
6 Spark arresterClean.√√√
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8-4
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 pedal 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*Rear brake hose
protectorsCheck for wear, cracks or other damage, and re-
place if necessary.√√√√√
6*WheelsCheck runout and for damage, and replace if nec-
essary.√ √√√
7*TiresCheck tread depth and for damage, and replace if
necessary.
Check air pressure and balance, and correct if
necessary.√ √√√
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8-5
8
8*Wheel hub bearingsCheck for looseness or damage, and replace if
necessary.√ √√√
9*V- b e l tCheck for wear, cracks or other damage, and re-
place if necessary.√ √√√
10*Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts, and screws are
properly tightened.√√√√√
11*Shock absorber as-
sembliesCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Check for oil leakage and replace if necessary.√√√
12*Stabilizer bushesCheck for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary.√√√
13*Rear knuckle pivotsLubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.√√√
14*Steering shaftLubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.√√√
15*Steering systemCheck operation and repair or replace if damaged.
Check toe-in and adjust if necessary.√√√√√
16*Engine mountCheck for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary.√√√
17*Axle bootsCheck for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary.√√√√√
18 Engine oilChange.
Check ATV for oil leakage, and correct if neces-
sary.√ √√√
19Engine oil filter car-
tridgeReplace.√√√ 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
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8-6
8
20 Differential gear oilChange.
Check ATV for oil leakage, and correct if neces-
sary.√√
21 Final gear oilChange.
Check ATV for oil leakage, and correct if neces-
sary.√√
22 Cooling systemCheck coolant level and ATV for coolant leakage,
and correct if necessary.√√√√√
Replace coolant. Every 2 years
23*Moving parts and
cablesLubricate.√√√√
24*Drive select lever
safety system cableCheck operation and adjust or replace if neces-
sary.√√√
25*Throttle lever hous-
ing and cableCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Check throttle cable free play and adjust if neces-
sary.
Lubricate throttle lever housing and cable.√√√√√
26*Front and rear brake
switchesCheck operation and correct if necessary.√√√√√
27*Lights and switchesCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Adjust headlight beams.√√√√√ 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 320U28P61E0.book Page 6 Wednesday, March 18, 2009 9:25 AM