13
Braking
The following items are items that the
operator must be familiar with when
operating this snowmobile and its
hydraulic brake system.
1. Use the brakes wisely. Each time the
brakes are applied in all hydraulic
brake systems, heat is transferred to
the brake fluid.
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 permissible;
however, if pumping the brake lever
more than twice is necessary to obtain
the necessary stopping power, immedi-
ately take the snowmobile to an autho-
rized Yamaha Snowmobile dealer for
service. If not under warranty, this ser-
vice is at the discretion and expense of
the snowmobile owner.
6. When new brake pads are installed,
a “burnishing” process is required.
Checking Brake Lever
Travel
1. Test the operation of the hydraulic
brake system by compressing the
brake lever.
2. The brake lever must feel firm when
compressed.
3. To verify lever travel, compress and
hold the brake lever to its maximum
resistance.
NOTE: Do not pump the brake
lever as it will produce an inaccurate
reading.
4. Make sure there is clearance
between brake lever and the handle-
bar. The lever should not meet the
handlebar.
Burnishing Brake Pads
Disc brakes require a special burnish
period to achieve maximum braking
power. The burnish period lasts for about
hard 30-50 stops. During this period
some noise may occur.
To properly burnish the brakes, use fol-
lowing procedure:
1. Choose an area sufficiently large to
safely accelerate and to brake to a
stop.
NOTE: This procedure can also be
accomplished using a shielded jack
stand.
! WARNING
Use only Yamaha 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.
! WARNING
Do not operate the snowmobile if the
brake lever touches the handlebar.
Brake loss may occur. Brake loss can
result in severe personal injury.
