Operation Manual

Driv in g and op e ra tio n122
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 161, 171.
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 ge ar 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 175.
Clea ning
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, sea ls, 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 a nd cooler cores for
blockage (sand, silt etc.).
Check the tyre trea ds.
Clean and check the mechanica l parts of
the vehicle, particularly the following
areas:
z Driv eshafts, including sea ling bellows,
z Front brake calipers, pads and discs,
z Front suspension,
z Clutch fork sealing bellows,
z Rear brake calipers, pa ds 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 brak e ca lip ers
and to check brake pad wear.
z The areas on the upper side of the
underguards must be cleared of stones,
to prevent dam age to the engine oil pan
and the fuel tank.
9 Wa rning
Breaking ropes can cause serious injury.