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8-31
8
EBU29560Front brake pads
Each brake pad is provided with wear indicator
grooves, which allow you to check the brake pad
wear without having to disassemble the brake. To
check the brake pad wear, check the wear indica-
tor grooves. If a brake pad has worn to the point
that the wear indicator grooves have almost disap-
peared, have a Yamaha dealer replace the brake
pads as a set.TIPThe wheels need to be removed to check the
brake pads. (See page 8-50.)
EBU29831Rear brake pads
Each brake pad is provided with wear indicator
grooves, which allow you to check the brake pad
wear without having to disassemble the brake. To
check the brake pad wear, check the wear indica-
tor grooves. If a brake pad has worn to the point
that the wear indicator grooves have almost disap-
peared, have a Yamaha dealer replace the brake
pads as a set.
1. Wear indicator groove
1
1. Wear indicator groove
1
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![YAMAHA YFZ450R 2012 Owners Manual 8-36
8hold the adjusting bolt with a wrench so
that it does not turn together with the lock-
nut.
[ECB00521]
WARNING
EWB02090Operating with improperly serviced or adjust-
ed brakes could cause the br YAMAHA YFZ450R 2012 Owners Manual 8-36
8hold the adjusting bolt with a wrench so
that it does not turn together with the lock-
nut.
[ECB00521]
WARNING
EWB02090Operating with improperly serviced or adjust-
ed brakes could cause the br](/manual-img/51/53849/w960_53849-121.png)
8-36
8hold the adjusting bolt with a wrench so
that it does not turn together with the lock-
nut.
[ECB00521]
WARNING
EWB02090Operating 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.EBU24743Brake light switches The brake light, which is activated by the brake
pedal and brake lever, should come on just before
braking takes effect. The brake light switch for the brake pedal can be
adjusted as follows, but the front brake light switch
should be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer.
Turn the rear brake light switch adjusting nut while
holding the brake light switch in place. To make the
brake light come on earlier, turn the adjusting nut
in direction (a). To make the brake light come on
later, turn the adjusting nut in direction (b).
EBU30152Adjusting the clutch lever free play The clutch lever free play must be checked and, if
necessary, adjusted at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication chart.
Tightening torque:
Locknut (rear brake caliper):16 Nm (1.6 m ·kgf, 12 ft· lbf)1. Rear brake light switch
2. Rear brake light switch adjusting nut
1
2(a) (b)
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8-38
8
EBU26864Drive chain slack The drive chain slack should be checked before
each ride and adjusted if necessary.
To check the drive chain slack1. Place the ATV on a level surface.TIPWhen checking and adjusting the drive chain
slack, there should be no weight on the ATV and
all tires must be touching the ground.2. Move the ATV back and forth to locate the tightest portion of the drive chain, and then
measure the drive chain slack as shown. 3. If the drive chain slack is incorrect, adjust it as
follows.
To adjust the drive chain slack 1. Place the ATV on a level surface.
2. Loosen the rear wheel axle pinch bolts.
3. Insert a rod of a diameter of 8 mm (0.3 in) and a length of 10 cm (4 in) into one of the holes in
the drive chain tensioner as shown.
Drive chain slack:
25.0 –35.0 mm (0.98 –1.38 in)
1. Drive chain slack
1
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8-39
8
TIPA rod can be obtained at a Yamaha dealer to make
this adjustment.4. Shift the transmission into neutral.
5. To tighten the drive chain, push the ATV back-ward. To loosen the drive chain, push the ATV
forward. NOTICE: Improper drive chain
slack will overload the engine as well as
other vital parts of the ATV and can lead to
drive chain slippage or breakage. To pre- vent this from occurring, keep the drive
chain slack within the specified limits.
[ECB00542]
6. Pull the rod out, and then tighten the rear axle
pinch bolts to the specified torque in the order
shown.
1. Rear wheel axle pinch bolt
2. Rod
3. Drive chain tensioner
4. Hole
3
4
2 11
Tightening torque:
Rear axle pinch bolt:21 Nm (2.1 m ·kgf, 15 ft ·lbf)
3 1 2
4
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8-42
8Clutch lever
EBUM0170Checking the shift pedal The operation of the shift pedal should be checked
before each ride. If operation is not smooth, have
a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.EBU28871Checking 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.
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.Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
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Page 136 of 154
8-50
88. Adjust the headlight beam if necessary.
EBU25561Adjusting a headlight beam NOTICEECB00690It is advisable to have a Yamaha dealer make
this adjustment.To raise a headlight beam, turn the headlight beam
adjusting bolt in direction (a).
To lower a headlight beam, turn the adjusting bolt
in direction (b).
EBU26920Tail/brake light This model is equipped with an LED type of
tail/brake light.
If the tail/brake light does not come on, have a
Yamaha dealer check it.EBU25651Removing a wheel 1. Place the ATV on a level surface.
2. Loosen the wheel nuts.1. Headlight beam adjusting bolt
1
(a)
(b)
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8-51
8
3. Elevate the ATV and place a suitable stand
under the frame.
4. Remove the nuts from the wheel.
5. Remove the wheel.
EBU27481Installing a wheel 1. Place the ATV on a level surface.
2. Install the wheel and the nuts.TIPWhen installing the wheel, make sure its arrow
mark points toward the rotating direction of the
wheel.
3. Lower the ATV to the ground.
4. Tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torques.
1. Wheel nut
1. Arrow markTightening torques:Front wheel nut:45 Nm (4.5 m ·kgf, 33 ft ·lbf)
Rear wheel nut: 45 Nm (4.5 m ·kgf, 33 ft ·lbf)
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9-1
9
EBU25860
CLEANING AND STORAGE
EBU25902Cleaning Frequent, thorough cleaning of your ATV will not
only enhance its appearance but will improve its
general performance and extend the useful life of
many components.1. Before cleaning the ATV: a. Block off the end of the exhaust pipe toprevent water entry. A plastic bag and
strong rubber band may be used.
b. Make sure the spark plug and all filler caps are properly installed.
2. If the engine case is excessively greasy, apply degreaser with a paint brush. Do not apply de-
greaser to the chain, sprockets or wheel ax-
les.
3. Rinse the dirt and degreaser off with a garden hose. Use only enough pressure to do the job.
WARNING! Wet brakes may have reduced stopping ability, increasing the chance of
an accident. Test the brakes after washing.
Apply the brakes several times at slow
speeds to let friction dry out the linings.
[EWB02311]
NOTICE: Excessive water pressure may cause water seepage and deteriora-
tion of wheel bearings, brakes, transmis-
sion seals and electrical devices. Many
expensive repair bills have resulted from
improper high-pressure detergent applica-
tions such as those available in coin-oper-
ated car washers.
[ECB00711]
4. Once most of the dirt has been hosed off,
wash all surfaces with warm water and mild,
detergent-type soap. An old toothbrush or bot-
tle brush is handy for hard-to-reach places.
5. Rinse the ATV off immediately with clean wa- ter and dry all surfaces with a chamois, clean
towel or soft absorbing cloth.
6. Dry the chain and lubricate it to prevent it from rusting.
7. Clean the seat with a vinyl upholstery cleaner to keep the cover pliable and glossy.
8. Automotive type wax may be applied to all painted and chrome plated surfaces. Avoid
combination cleaner-waxes. Many contain
abrasives which may mar the paint or protec-
tive finish. When finished cleaning, start the
engine and let it idle for several minutes.
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