Hi all. I've seen some posts about this issue but never a followup about exactly what someone did to fix it and the results. The rear brake is so weak on this machine. Will changing the brake line or the brake pads fix the problem? If so can someone tell me what brand/product they used for the fix? Thanks in advance.

 

Sounds like you might have air in your rear brake lines. I would start with bleeding the rear brakes, be sure to use DOT 4 brake fluid, do not use DOT 3. You should be able to find DOT 4 at your local auto parts store, or at most WalMart stores. That should stiffen up the brakes, and eliminate the sponginess. If you feel like tearing in deeper and have an extra $20-40 to spend you could probably pick up a new set of rear pads. You could get them online from somewhere like Dennis Kirk, Motorcycle Superstore, or just go up to your local Yamaha dealership but you will probably end up paying $40.00 if you buy them from there.

Good luck.

 

I believe the wolvy 450 had the drum brake and they are infamous for allowing water beyond the seal. This fills the drum and results in weak and squishy brakes. They will eventually stop working altogether. Any fixes I have found are only temporary. This is a bad design and a recurring problem if you ride through mud and water. I have owned a kodiak 400 and a King Quad 400 and have had the same problem with both. Sorry I cant be of more help, but if you are going go ride in mud and water trying to fix the problem will be a money pit.

 

It is weird because the ATV is like brand new. I only have about 200miles on it. It has always been a weak brake, even from the factory. Maybe there is air in the line, maybe from the factory.

If not it is just a bad design. I see some people made the brake stronger by either changing the brake pads or using a braided brake line. Right now the brake pretty much just offers drag, no real stopping power. I have the shop manual so I'll have to look more into the design/brake construction.

 

wolverine 450 have rear disc brake,i can lock the rear wheels on mines if i press it hard enough

 

Maybe mine just came from the factory with some air in the line or low fluid? I'll have to re-bleed the system and see if that helps.

 

Dont confuse Yamaha with Honda.........lol

 

Yea, it is definitely a disk brake. Thing is though the hand brake accutuates a cable that then actuates a hydraulic brake mechanism located down near the foot rest. Not sure why they set it up that way and maybe it has something to do with the brake weakness.

 

Well I vacuum bled all the brakes and put new fluid in and the rear brake is still weak/squishy. Plenty of meat left on the OEM pads.

I saw earlier posts about EBC pads. Will they have better stopping power? And if so I really don't ride in mud much so would I be better off without the extreme duty ones?

Also people talked about a braided brake line for the rear brake. Would this help and has anyone done this? Yamaha told me the OEM line is braided internally but they didn't seem like they knew what they were talking about. If anyone has done this, and it has helped, can they reccomend a line to buy and/or the length of line to purchase? Thanks.