Vehicle Recovery and Spring Brakes Operating Instructions
– 108 – Y53-6008
Medium Duty (R10/06)
VEHICLE RECOVERY AND SPRING
BRAKES
Introduction
Your Medium Duty is equipped with built-in recovery provi-
sions, designed for short distance use only. If your vehicle
must be recovered, disconnect the driveline at the rear U–
joint, and remove or support the rearmost section of the driv-
eline. This is necessary because if the transmission is driven
by the driveshaft (rear wheels on the ground), no lubricant
will reach the gears and bearings, causing damage to the
transmission.
CAUTION: Remove the driveline and axle shafts
or lift the driving wheels off the ground before
towing the vehicle. See “
More Driving Tips and
Techniques” on page 98. All lubricating and
clutch application oil pressure is provided by an
engine-driven pump, which will not work when
the engine is stopped. You could seriously damage your
vehicle by towing it with the driveline connected and the
drive wheels on the ground.
Worse, when vehicles are towed, either by wrecker or piggy-
back, the lubricant in the top front of the drive axle will drain
to the rear. This will leave the top components dry. The result-
ing friction may seriously damage them. Always remove the
main driveshaft and axle shafts before towing your vehicle.
NOTE: For additional information concerning heavy-
duty truck recovery, see Truck Maintenance Council
Recommended Practice #602–A — “Front Towing
Devices For Trucks and Tractors,” and #626 —
“Heavy Duty Truck Towing Procedures.” Copies of
these can be obtained from the following address:
The Maintenance Council
American Trucking Association Inc.
2200 Mill Rd.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-1763
