Did the tow truck driver eff-up my transfer case????
The function of a "Limited Slip Differential" (LSD) is not to prevent wheels from spinning at different speeds but to provide a certain amount of resistance against wheel spinning at different speeds through the use of clutch packs such as in the rear end and using clutch packs and hydraulic pressure source such as the ACD pump setup in our cars. The rear wheels will rotate if the fronts are locked down however only at the expense of the clutch discs in a situation like this. The diff would only "explode" if it was welded together. If you are wondering what kind of forces are required to overcome the friction of the friction disc in the LSD, a tow truck produces more than enough and would barely notice the difference. Regardless of how far it was towed, even if the car is driveable after this, the service life of the friction discs has been significantly reduced if not destroyed. Please be prepared to have to fight for this but the towing company would definitely be liable for the damage especially if you brought it to the drivers attention and he still towed it.
That sticker from LancerShop is a great idea.
Josh
That sticker from LancerShop is a great idea.
Josh
Either he just began the destruction of the drivetrain, and in a few years from now it will pop, or he did enough damage for it to be present right now. One of the two happened. Best bet is to fight it now and not drive it around much, because if it blows up on your time, you will have a harder time proving it was his negligence that lead to the damage.
Good luck, keep us posted
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
So, had the EVO inspected and what do you know, my t-case and rear diff are D. U. N. DUN! They estimated $8K to fix it all. Had the insurance guy come by review the estimate and he is good with it so I will hopefully get the EVO back next week. That was sure an expensive lesson though. Thanks for the info and all of your help.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 16
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From: m
so something similar happened 4 hours ago while I was visiting my friends apartment, my car was towed with regular tow truck with front wheels strapped, e brake was up car in neutral, so the tow truck driver towed it for a mile maybe 2 and he put the rear wheels on the roller dolly. What do I need to b checking for ? It drives fine, readin all the other posts scares me that tc is damaged what yall guys or gals think>?
Wait. Did he put the rear wheels on a dolly prior to moving. Or did he go a few miles and THEN put the rear wheels on the dolly?
Basically, if the dolly was under the rear wheels (i.e. the cars wheels were never on the ground while moving) you are fine.
If he neglected to put a dolly under the rear wheels and towed it for a few miles with the rear wheels rotating. You are ****ed and your tcase is toast.
Basically, if the dolly was under the rear wheels (i.e. the cars wheels were never on the ground while moving) you are fine.
If he neglected to put a dolly under the rear wheels and towed it for a few miles with the rear wheels rotating. You are ****ed and your tcase is toast.
"Once you put it in neutral, the all-wheel-drive is disengaged."
Funny how that is. Never knew our transmission disengaged our front wheels from our rear.
Good to know.
Well at least all is covered and good.
Funny how that is. Never knew our transmission disengaged our front wheels from our rear.
Good to know.
Well at least all is covered and good.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: m
no my front wheels were strapped on the dolly first and after a mile later he put the rear wheels on a roller dolly and strapped the rear wheels so for the mile or so my rear wheels were turning while front wheels were strapped down, the car does drive fine but should I be looking for damage in future?