2011 YAMAHA GRIZZLY 550 oil

8-33
8 8. Check the differential gear case for oil leak-
age. If oil is leaking, check for the cause.
EBU23470Coolant The coolant level should be checked before each
ride. In addition, the coolant must be changed at
the intervals specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.EBU27125To check the coolant level
1. Place the ATV on a level surface.TIPThe coolant level must be checked on a cold en-
gine since the level varies with engine tempera-
ture.2. Check the coolant level in the coolant reser-
voir.TIPThe coolant should be between the minimum and
maximum level marks.
3. If the coolant is at or below the minimum level
mark, remove panel D to access the coolant
reservoir. (See page 8-10.)
4. Remove the coolant reservoir cap, add cool-
ant or distilled water to the maximum level
mark, install the reservoir cap, and then install
the panel. NOTICE: If coolant is not avail-
able, use distilled water or soft tap water
instead. Do not use hard water or salt wa-
ter since they are harmful to the engine. If
water has been used instead of coolant, re-
place it with coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the cooling system will not be1. Maximum level mark
2. Minimum level mark
U28P62E0.book Page 33 Thursday, March 11, 2010 3:25 PM

8-41
8 8. Check the sponge material and replace it if
damaged.
9. Apply Yamaha foam air filter oil or other qual-
ity foam air filter oil to the sponge material.
TIPThe sponge material should be wet but not drip-
ping.10. Install the mesh and the sponge material into
the air filter case. NOTICE: Make sure that
the air filter element is properly seated in
the air filter case. Never operate the engine
with the air filter element removed. This
will allow unfiltered air to enter the engine,
causing rapid engine wear and possibleengine damage. Additionally, operation
without the air filter element will affect the
fuel injection system with subsequent
poor performance and possible engine
overheating.
[ECB00761]
11. Insert the projections on the air filter case cov-
er into the holders on the air filter case, and
then install the air filter case cover by hooking
the holders onto the cover.
12. Place the hoses in their original position as
shown.1. Air filter case cover
U28P62E0.book Page 41 Thursday, March 11, 2010 3:25 PM

8-48
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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8-49
8
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
U28P62E0.book Page 49 Thursday, March 11, 2010 3:25 PM

8-52
8
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
U28P62E0.book Page 52 Thursday, March 11, 2010 3:25 PM

8-56
8
WARNING
EWB02160Battery electrolyte is poisonous and danger-
ous, as it contains sulfuric acid, which can
cause severe burns. Avoid contact with skin,
eyes or clothing. Always shield your eyes
when working near batteries.
Antidote:
EXTERNAL: Flush with water.
INTERNAL: Drink large quantities of water or
milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten egg
or vegetable oil. Call a physician immediately.
EYES: Flush with water for 15 minutes and get
prompt medical attention.
Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep
sparks, flame, cigarettes or other sources of ig-
nition away. Ventilate when charging or using
in an enclosed space.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.To remove the battery
1. Remove panel A. (See page 8-10.)
2. Remove the front carrier by removing the
bolts.
3. Remove the battery holding plate by removing
the nuts.
1. Carrier bolt (under the fenders)
1. Carrier bolt (top)
U28P62E0.book Page 56 Thursday, March 11, 2010 3:25 PM

8-62
84. Unhook the headlight bulb holder, and then
remove the burnt-out bulb.
5. Place a new headlight bulb into position, and
then secure it with the bulb holder. NOTICE:
Do not touch the glass part of the head-
light bulb to keep it free from oil, otherwise
the transparency of the glass, the luminos-
ity of the bulb, and the bulb life will be ad-
versely affected. Thoroughly clean off any
dirt and fingerprints on the headlight bulb
using a cloth moistened with alcohol or
thinner.
[ECB00651]
6. Connect the headlight coupler.
7. Install the headlight bulb cover. NOTICE:
Make sure the headlight bulb cover is se-
curely fitted and seated properly.
[ECB01080]
8. Install the cover at the rear of the headlight.
9. Adjust the headlight beam if necessary.EBU25551Adjusting a headlight beam NOTICEECB00690It is advisable to have a Yamaha dealer make
this adjustment.
1. Headlight bulb holder
2. Headlight bulb
1. Do not touch the glass part of the bulb.
U28P62E0.book Page 62 Thursday, March 11, 2010 3:25 PM

9-2
9
EBU27261Storage Short-term
Always store your ATV in a cool, dry place and, if
necessary, protect it against dust with a porous
cover. NOTICE: Storing the ATV in a poorly ven-
tilated room or covering it with a tarp while it is
still wet, will allow water and humidity to seep
in and cause rust. To prevent corrosion, avoid
damp cellars, stables (because of the presence
of ammonia) and areas where strong chemi-
cals are stored.
[ECB00721]
Long-term
Before storing your ATV for several months:
1. Follow all the instructions in the “Cleaning”
section of this chapter.
2. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer (if
available) to prevent the fuel from deteriorat-
ing.3. Perform the following steps to protect the cyl-
inder, piston rings, etc. from corrosion.
a. Remove the spark plug cap and spark
plug.
b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil into the
spark plug bore.
c. Install the spark plug cap onto the spark
plug, and then place the spark plug on the
cylinder head so that the electrodes are
grounded. (This will limit sparking during
the next step.)
d. Turn the engine over several times with the
starter. (This will coat the cylinder wall with
oil.)
e. Remove the spark plug cap from the spark
plug, and then install the spark plug and
the spark plug cap.
4. Lubricate all control cables and the pivoting
points of all levers and pedals.
5. Check and, if necessary, correct the tire air
pressure, and then block up the ATV so that
all of its wheels are off the ground. Alternative-
ly, turn the wheels a little every month in order
to prevent the tires from becoming degraded
in one spot. Specified amount:
7.5 ml of stabilizer to each liter of fuel (or 1
oz of stabilizer to each gallon of fuel)U28P62E0.book Page 2 Thursday, March 11, 2010 3:25 PM