A vehicle with front-wheel drive won’t require you to unplug the drive, but a vehicle with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive will require you to do so in order to safeguard it.
Why and how to disconnect the drive shaft for towing? While putting the drive in neutral and letting off the brakes may allow the car to move more freely, the drive continues to be bound to the shaft and will overheat when towing. This is the rationale behind why skilled towers disconnect drive shafts.
Another option is to entirely remove the drive shaft, in which case you are obligated to seal the gearbox to prevent fluid leakage and probable damage.
Key Takeaways:
- Your car’s driveshaft could overheat and sustain additional shaft damage if it is towed while still attached. This is why it’s crucial to detach the driveshaft before towing.
- Remove the axle(s) if you cannot hook from the back, or remove the driveshaft. You may hook from the front once the axles have been taken out.
- Only tow rear-hooked automobiles for extremely brief distances without decoupling the drive shaft because it invariably results in damage.
How To Disconnect The Drive Shaft For Towing: Steps to Follow
Taking risks while towing is feasible. Conscious drivers and shoppers can lessen these risks and make their trips less unpleasant. Using the right tools is essential while towing anything. You could steer clear of serious problems on the road if your gear is configured properly.
Items Required
To separate the drive shaft for towing, you’ll need the following tools:
- Motor Shaft
- The hydraulic jack
- Jack stands
- a marker
- Ratchet and socket set
- Plastic hammer
- Draining pan
Disconnect the drive shaft from the rear axle before transporting a vehicle with rear-wheel drives, such as a van, pickup, or SUV, to prevent automatic gearbox damage. Under-car mechanical maintenance is necessary for towing an RV, which presents a challenge.
The back axle is allowed to turn when the driveshaft, as well as the gearbox, are detached. Pulling out and pushing in a control cable located beneath the driver’s seat will engage and disengage the mechanism, respectively. To separate the drive shaft for towing, one must take the following actions:
Step 1: Jack The Vehicle.
Put the car on a level surface and lift the rear using a jack. It should be put on a jack stand. It is dangerous to leave the automobile on the jack unattended. Make sure there is enough room underneath the car.
Step 2: Find The Driving Shaft
The driveshaft has the appearance of a rotating tube. As previously stated, it moves power from the gearbox to the differential. It is typically fastened to the rear differential with four bolts. Note its link at the U-joint before removing it. By doing so, the chance of driveline vibration is decreased, and it also helps with alignment during reinstallation.
Step 3: Now Remove The Bolts
Start by removing the bolts using the proper ratchet and socket sizes. The shaft is sometimes connected to the rear differential using two straps or a flat plate with four bolts. Remove them from the pinion yoke in any circumstance.
Step 4: Then Remove The Differential’s Drive Shaft.
From the differential, remove the driveshaft. It could not want to glide free of the pinion yoke on rare occasions smoothly. Corrosion, which keeps metal parts together, may have caused this. Use a rubber hammer to lightly tap the yoke to separate the shaft from the flange. To remove the driveshaft from the differential, push it toward the gearbox.
Step 5: Take Off The Drive Shaft From The Gearbox.
The front portion of the driveshaft should disengage from the gearbox. However, some cars use retention bolts to secure them to a slip yoke. The front portion of the driveshaft should be separated from the gearbox once the bolts have been removed with a ratchet and socket. In case fluid seeps out, put a drain pan underneath the gearbox.
Step 6: Load The Drive Shaft Into The Tow Truck.
After disconnecting the driveshaft from the car, tighten the bolts back onto the yoke or store them safely to prevent loss. Put the towed vehicle’s drive shaft in Neutral on your tow truck’s gear selector, then proceed to your destination.
Reassemble the driveshaft when you arrive. Before reassembling, oil the yoke to prevent damage to the seal. Any gearbox fluid lost during driveshaft detachment should be replaced. For uniformity and alignment, keep to the markers you established.
By employing this technique, you may tow without disconnecting the driveshaft, greatly reducing the hassle. When the driveshaft and gearbox are separated for towing, the aim is to enable the back axle to turn freely. Pulling out and pushing back in on a control cord underneath the driver’s seat will engage and deactivate the device, respectively.
Why Is It Necessary To Disconnect The Drive Shaft When Towing?
When towing a car with an automatic gearbox, disconnecting the drive shaft and the propeller shaft is frequently required. The transmission’s protection is the main justification for detaching the drive shaft.
The gearbox may be harmed if left in gear when towing a vehicle with the drive wheels on the ground, sometimes referred to as “dinghy” or “four-down” towing. The internal lubrication system of the gearbox isn’t working when the engine is off. Therefore, the parts of the gearbox aren’t getting the required lubrication. This absence of grease might prevent the gearbox from wearing out too quickly and sustain damage.
You may separate the gearbox from the wheels and stop the wheels from moving the gearbox gears by cutting off the drive shaft. This aids in preventing damage to the gearbox when towing.
Crazy Facts:
- Always consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic to be certain.
- Ensure that you always connect the car from the back.
- Activate the locking system on an automobile with four-wheel drive before disconnecting the drive shaft.
Conclusion:
Now you know how to disconnect the drive shaft for towing. It’s important to remember that not all automobiles need their drive shafts detached to tow. Some automobiles have a neutral towing capability that enables dinghy towing without causing gearbox damage. To find out the precise towing methods the manufacturer advises for your specific vehicle, it is important to examine the owner’s manual for your car.