Operation Manual

Driving and o peration 121
Self-help
Recovery and towing
When recovering or towing a vehicle
off-road, observe the following:
z A greater forc e is req uire d to move a
vehicle from or through mud than when
on a hard surfaced road.
z Attach a tow rope to the towing eye of
the vehicle, not to the axle -
see pages 160, 170.
z Where possible, drive both vehicles
forward to affect a recovery, using an
appropriate gear to avoid wheelspin.
z Av oid the use of reve rse gear beca use of
possible resultant wheelspin.
z Stay clear of the tow rope.
Wheel changing
Place a board or plate beneath the jack, to
prevent it from sinking into soft ground.
Further information - see page 174.
Cleaning
Clean the vehicle thoroughly and as soon
as possible after driving off-road.
Do not let mud remain dry on any part of
the vehicle as it becomes abrasive and can
damage paint, g lass, seals, bearings and
brake components.
If left to build up, mud can seriously affect
the airflow through a nd over m echanical
components and cause localised
overheating and failure of parts, especially
in the engine compartment.
Ensure the radiator core and the area
between the radiator and intercooler / oil
cooler (where installed) is cleaned, to
maintain proper cooling airflow.
Check the radiator and cooler cores for
blockage (sand, silt etc.).
Check the tyre treads.
Clean and check the mechanical parts of
the vehicle, particularly the following
areas:
z Driveshafts, including sealing bellows,
z Front brake calipers, pads and discs,
z Front suspension,
z Clutch fork sealing bellows,
z Rear brake calipers, pads and discs,
z Rear suspension,
z Fuel tank and underguard,
z Breathers, axles and fuel tank,
z Load sensing valve,
z Transfer box and underguard,
z Engine oil pan and underguard.
Observe the following:
z Do not spray high-pressure water
directly at the vehicle seals.
z The wheels must be removed to clean all
mud and stones from the brake calipers
and to check brake pad wear.
z The areas on the upper side of the
underguards must be cleared of stones,
to prevent damage to the engine oil pan
and the fuel tank.
9 Wa rning
Breaking ropes can cause serious injury.