How to Clean and Replace a Yamaha Grizzly Air Filter

Whether you clean it or replace it, the air filter in a Yamaha ATV is an important part of its regular maintenance. A clean air filter means more horsepower and longer engine life. 

You should inspect and clean the air filter in a Yamaha Grizzly 700 after every 50 hours of riding, and even more often if you ride your ATV regularly in sandy or muddy conditions. Watch the video above or follow the steps below to clean and replace a Yamaha Grizzly 700 air filter.

See the parts diagram: Yamaha Grizzy 700 intake parts

Tools and Parts - Yamaha Grizzly 700 Air Filter Maintenance

• Philips screwdriver
• Foam air filter cleaner
• Foam air filter oil
• Contact-brake cleaner
• Air filter

NOTE: The air filter on a Yamaha Grizzly YFM700 is made of foam, so make sure to get foam air filter cleaner and foam air filter oil, not fiber air filter cleaner nor fiber air filter oil.

Yamaha Grizzly YFM700 Air Filter Removal

Step 1. Remove the seat and the plastic cover in front of the handlebars. Both the seat and cover unclip without the need for tools.

Step 2. Remove the top cover by turning the two smaller plastic rivets at the front and the two larger plastic rivets at the back about a quarter-turn with a Phillips screwdriver until they release. Then, remove the rivets. 

NOTE: You need to turn the handlebars to access the front two rivets.

Step 3. Unfasten the clips on the airbox cover and lift it off.

Step 4. Remove the air filter and the air filter plate beneath it.

Yamaha YFM700 Grizzly Air Filter Inspection

Step 1. Gently stretch the filter to test its elasticity. If the filter begins to crack or crumble, replace it. Look for any rips or holes in the filter, which are also signs that the filter needs to be replaced.

NOTE: The air filter should have a small degree of elasticity to it. As long as a dry filter still has some elasticity and isn't cracked or torn, it can be cleaned, oiled and reused.

Step 2. Check for signs of contaminants in the air intake leading to the engine at the foot of the airbox. 

Yamaha Grizzly YFM700 Air Filter Cleaning

Step 1. Spray the air filter with foam air filter cleaner. Coat it liberally on both sides, then work the cleaner into the filter by hand and leave the filter to sit for about 15 minutes.

Step 2. Thoroughly rinse the air filter in water and squeeze it dry. Don't wist or wring the filter dry because doing so will probably tear it.

Step 3. Allow the filter to air dry completely.

Step 4. Clean the inside of the airbox with contact/brake cleaner while you're waiting for the filter to dry. 

Step 5. Spray an even coat of foam air filter oil onto both sides of the air filter, and knead the oil into the foam.

NOTE: The filter should be lightly oiled, because oil helps the filter to catch and trap small particles and contaminants. An indication that the air filter has not been serviced regularly is that it's dry and free of oil.

Yamaha Grizzly YFM700 Air Filter Change

Step 1. Reinstall the clean air filter onto the air filter plate, then reinstall the plate and filter back into the airbox, making sure to tuck in the edges of the filter.

NOTE: A new OEM Yamaha Grizzly air filter comes pre-oiled and ready to install right out of the box.

Step 2. Reinstall the airbox cover and reattach the clips. Make sure the cover is properly lined up with the airbox, otherwise it won't seal properly.

Step 3. Reinstall the top cover with the larger plastic rivets at the back and the smaller rivets at the front. 

Step 4. Reinstall the front panel and the seat by pushing them back in place and you're done.