22
Braking
The following items are items that the
operator must be familiar with when
operating
this
snowmobile
and
its
hydraulic brake system. Important addi-
tional information on the proper mainte-
nance of the brake system is found in the
Maintenance section.
1. Use the brakes wisely. Each time the
brakes are applied in all hydraulic
brake systems (including automotive
applications), heat is transferred to the
brake fluid. The amount of heat trans-
ferred during high speed stops and/or
repetitive use may be high enough to
boil the brake fluid and cause the
brakes to either fade or may cause an
unexpected loss of brakes.
If this occurs, the brake fluid requires
a cool-down period before the brakes
will again function properly. This
cool-down period will vary depending
upon the ambient air temperature and
the temperature of the brake fluid. If
loss of brakes has occurred because of
high fluid temperatures, do not oper-
ate the snowmobile until the cool-
down period has expired and brake
lever firmness has returned.
2. Be sure to maintain the brake fluid at
the proper level and take care not to
get any moisture in the system as
moisture in the brake fluid lowers the
boiling point. If the brake fluid is ever
boiled (by high speed stops or repeti-
tive use) or if moisture is allowed to
enter the system, it must be changed.
Never substitute or mix different types
or grades of brake fluid.
3. Never ride the brake. Even main-
taining minimal pressure on the
brake lever will cause the brake pads
to drag on the disc and may overheat
the brake fluid.
4. The brake lever lock is not a parking
brake and should not be applied for
periods
exceeding
5
minutes.
NEVER OPERATE THE SNOW-
MOBILE WITH
THE
BRAKE
LEVER LOCK ENGAGED.
5. Pumping the brake lever is permissi-
ble; however, if pumping the brake
lever more than twice is necessary to
obtain the necessary stopping power,
immediately take the snowmobile to
an authorized Arctic Cat Snowmo-
bile dealer for service. If not under
warranty, this service is at the discre-
tion and expense of the snowmobile
owner.
6. When new brake pads are installed, a
“burnishing” process is required. Drive
the snowmobile slowly and compress
the brake lever several times until the
pads just start to heat up; then allow
them to thoroughly cool down. This
process stabilizes the pad material and
extends the life of the pads.
! WARNING
Excessive,
repetitive
use
of
the
hydraulic brake for high speed stops
will cause overheating of the brake
fluid and premature brake pad wear
which will result in an unexpected
loss of brakes.
! WARNING
Use only Arctic Cat approved DOT 4
brake fluid. Never substitute or mix
different types or grades of brake
fluid. Brake loss can result. Check
brake fluid level and pad wear before
each use. Brake loss can result in
severe injury or even death.
! WARNING
The brake lever lock is not a parking
brake and should not be applied for
periods exceeding 5 minutes. The
brake lever lock maintains the brake
lever in the compressed position and
maintains pressure against the brake
disc; however, after a period of time,
the pressure applied to the brake disc
may relax below the amount required
to hold the snowmobile stationary.
