1994 Yamaha Big Bear 350 4x4 - Brake Issues

[SwampHed]

Ok so recently I purchased this four wheeler (my first atv) fairly cheap. There are almost no brakes on the rear (barely enough to stop, loading it was a sight!) and the front brake lever has no pressure at all. I'm guessing the front brakes just might need to be bled but i can't find the bleeder screw.

The person I bought the atv off of says it is a 1997 model but after inspecting the VIN I have found that it is actually a 1994 model. After knowing this and also knowing that yamaha changed the brakes from discs to drums after 1996 could he have installed the wrong parts? He says he put new pads on the front and back and also a new rear brake cable. Could this be why the brakes are not working?

What should I do?

[oxidized_black]

are all the brakes disc? Bleeding them can be a chore. There should be bleeder screws, probably a rubber covering them. I have a manual posted in the Yamaha forum. Yamaha ATV manuals, post #3 I think ...

[Raptor8]

yep, start by bleeding them, bring your patience and a friend with you. Changing pads is often done wrong the first time. Buy some brake fluid before you star and always use new, clean fluid OK? The repair manual should help you. Remember brake fluid is hygroscopic [it attracts moisture] so keep a lid on it OK? Discs a reall simple and hard to screw up so Ill bet youll have brakes after bleeding it some. Dont try to adjust the parking brake until you have rear brakes working properly...thats the cable