2011 YAMAHA GRIZZLY 550 Owners Manual

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EBU27843Checking the rear brake hose protec-
tors The rear brake hose protectors must be checked
for wear at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. Each brake
hose protector is provided with a wear indicator. If
a protector wears to the point that its indicator be-
comes visible, have a Yamaha dealer replace the
protector.TIPThe wheels need to be removed to check the
brake hose protectors. (See page 8-64.)
EBU29840Checking 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.1. Rear brake hose protector
2. Wear indicator
3. Protector is normal.
4. Protector is worn.
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8Front brake
Rear brakeObserve 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.
1. Minimum level mark
1. Minimum level mark
2WD
4WD
1
Recommended brake fluid:
DOT 4
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EBU24291Changing 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.EBU27772Checking the front and rear brake lever
free play The front and rear brake lever free play must be
checked at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. The brake le-
vers should have no free play as shown. If there is
free play, have a Yamaha dealer check the brake
system.Front brake
Rear brake
1. No brake lever free play
1. No brake lever free play
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EBU29072Adjusting the brake pedal free play The brake pedal free play must be adjusted at the
intervals specified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.TIP
Always perform this maintenance completely in
the following order whenever adjusting the rear
brake.
Before adjusting the brake pedal free play,
check the rear brake pads for wear.The brake pedal free play should measure 0.0–5.0
mm (0.00–0.20 in) as shown. If the free play is in-
correct, adjust it as follows.1. Remove panel H. (See page 8-10.)
2. Loosen the locknut.
3. Turn the brake pedal free play adjusting nut in
direction (a) to increase the free play, and in
direction (b) to decrease it.
1. Brake pedal free play
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8 4. Tighten the locknut.
5. After adjusting, there should be slight play at
the brake pedal cable joint as shown. If there
is no play, repeat steps 2 to 4.6. Install the panel.
If the correct free play cannot be obtained, have a
Yamaha dealer adjust it.
TIPWhen adjusting the rear brake pedal free play:
Be sure not to step on the brake pedal.
Make sure the rear brake lever and brake pedal
do not move.
1. Locknut
2. Brake pedal free play adjusting nut
1. Brake pedal cable joint
2. Slight play
1
2
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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.
EBU24901Checking 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. Front axle boot (each side)
1 1
1. Rear axle boot (each side)Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil
1
1
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WARNING
EWB02581
Inspect 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
restrict the operation of controls and lead to
an accident or injury.
Always make sure all control cables work
smoothly before you begin riding in cold
weather. If the control cables are frozen or do
not work smoothly, you could be unable to
control the ATV, which could lead to an acci-
dent or collision.EBU24912Checking 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.Front brake lever
Rear brake lever
Recommended lubricant:
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EBU28832Checking 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.TIPTo access the brake pedal pivot, remove panel H.
(See page 8-10.)
EBU24963Checking 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.EBU25021Checking the stabilizer bushes The stabilizer bushes must be checked for cracks
or damage at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
Have a Yamaha dealer replace the stabilizer bush-
es if necessary. Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
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