2012 YAMAHA YFZ450 oil change

8-7
8
14*Chassis fasteners 
Make sure that all nuts, bolts, and screws are
properly tightened. √√√√√
15 *Shock absorber as-
semblies 
Check operation and correct if necessary.
 Check for oil leakage and replace if necessary. √√√
16 *Rear suspension re-
lay arm and con-
necting arm
pivoting points 
Check operation and correct if necessary. √√√√
17 *Steering shaft Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. √√√
18 *Steering system 
Check operation and repair or replace if damaged.
 Check toe-in and adjust if necessary. √√√√√
19 *Engine mount 
Check for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary. √√√
20 Engine oil 
Change.
 Check ATV for oil leakage, and correct if neces-
sary. √ √√√
21 Engine oil filter ele-
ment

Replace. √√√
22 Cooling system 
Check coolant level and ATV for coolant leakage,
and correct if necessary. √√√√√
 Replace coolant. Every 2 years
NO. ITEM
CHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOB INITIAL EVERY
Whichev- er comes first month136612
km
(mi) 320
(200) 1300
(800) 2500
(1600) 2500
(1600) 5000
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 320U1PD60E0.book Page 7 Monday, June 13, 2011 2:57 PM

8-14
8To install the spark plug
1. Clean the surface of the spark plug gasket and its mating surface, and then wipe off any
grime from the spark plug threads.
2. Install the spark plug with the spark plug wrench, and then tighten it to the specified
torque.
TIPIf a torque wrench is not available when installing
the spark plug, a good estimate of the correct
torque is 1/4 –1/2 turn past finger tight. However,
the spark plug should be tightened to the specified
torque as soon as possible.3. Install the spark plug cap.
4. Place the fuel tank in the original position, and then install the bolt.
5. Remove the fuel tank cap by turning it coun- terclockwise.
6. Place the panel in the original position. 7. Install the fuel tank cap by turning it clockwise.
8. Install the bolts and the quick fastener screws.
9. Install the seat.
EBU23307Engine oil and oil filter element The engine oil level should be checked before
each ride. In addition, the oil must be changed and
the oil filter element replaced at the intervals spec-
ified in the periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
Tightening torque:
Spark plug:13 Nm (1.3 m ·kgf, 9.4 ft ·lbf)1. Projection
2. Slot
2 1
U1PD60E0.book Page 14 Monday, June 13, 2011 2:57 PM

8-16
85. If the engine oil is at or below the minimum
level mark, add sufficient oil of the recom-
mended type through the engine oil tank filler
hole to raise it to the correct level. NOTICE:
Be sure the engine oil is at the correct lev-
el, otherwise engine damage may result.
[ECB00851]
TIPWhen adding oil, be careful not to overfill the en-
gine oil tank; the oil level rises faster starting from
the half-level-portion on the dipstick.6. Insert the dipstick into the engine oil tank filler hole, and then tighten the engine oil tank filler
cap. NOTICE: Make sure that the engine oil
tank filler cap is securely tightened; other-
wise, oil may seep out when the engine is
running.
[ECB00362]
To change the engine oil (with or without oil fil-
ter element replacement) 1. Place the ATV on a level surface.
2. Remove the engine guard by removing the bolts. 3. Start the engine, warm it up for several min-
utes, and then turn it off.
4. Place an oil pan under the engine to collect the used oil.
5. Remove the crankcase engine oil filler cap, and the crankcase engine oil drain bolt and its
gasket.
1. Engine guard
2. Bolt
1
2
U1PD60E0.book Page 16 Monday, June 13, 2011 2:57 PM

8-20
8a higher quality than specified. In addition,
do not use oils labeled
“ENERGY CONSERV-
ING II” or higher.

Make sure that no foreign material enters the
crankcase.15. Start the engine, and then let it idle for several
minutes while checking it for oil leakage. If oil
is leaking, immediately turn the engine off and
check for the cause.
16. Turn the engine off, and then check the oil lev- el and correct it if necessary.
17. Install the engine guard by installing the bolts, and then tighten them to the specified torque.
NOTICE: Be sure to apply LOCTITE
® to the
engine guard bolts before installing them.
[ECB00371] EBU23470
Coolant 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.EBU27942To 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.
Tightening torque:Engine guard bolt:7 Nm (0.7 m ·kgf, 5.1 ft ·lbf)
U1PD60E0.book Page 20 Monday, June 13, 2011 2:57 PM

8-36
8brake pads for wear and the brake system for leak-
age. If the brake fluid level goes down suddenly,
have a Yamaha dealer check the cause before fur-
ther riding.
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.EBU24394Checking 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.
EBU24613Checking the brake pedal height The brake pedal height 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
11.7 mm (0.46 in) below the top of the footrest as
shown. If the brake pedal is not positioned as spec-
ified, have a Yamaha dealer adjust it.1. No brake lever free play
1
U1PD60E0.book Page 36 Monday, June 13, 2011 2:57 PM