Towed (away), drivetrain damage?

[sterlingarcher]

Well, my SR5 got towed over the weekend, thankfully I got it right back. I had a sneaking suspicion it was going to happen... oh well.

My question is what, if anything, was likely to suffer damage from the ride to the impound lot?

I contacted the towing company asking them if the 4Runner was put on a flat-bed or towed by its front wheels. I'll update this post when I find out, but for now I'm going to assume it was towed by the front wheels because the parking lot was packed and quite small.

Also, I was backed into my space, and the parking brake was on. I rarely use the parking brake, but I did this time, and remember saying something along the lines of "This will slow 'em down if they try and tow me..."


Derp.

 

[homeyclaus]

I have seen parking brake cables cut by the tow truck drivers if they could not get it to release by some other way. Or they'll just drag it back to the lot, depending on how far it is, since the tires tend to fail after a few miles if they do that.

The rear differential has clutches in it that will let go at some point, so drive train damage is unlikely unless the tow was over some extended distance.

 

[Jeremy556]

I think they usually put dolleys on the rear wheels, pull the vehicle out, then lift from the back, towing on the front wheels.

 

[NHinAK]

I have seen parking brake cables cut by the tow truck drivers if they could not get it to release by some other way. Or they'll just drag it back to the lot, depending on how far it is, since the tires tend to fail after a few miles if they do that.

The rear differential has clutches in it that will let go at some point, so drive train damage is unlikely unless the tow was over some extended distance.

The rear differential of the 5th Gen T4R is "open" and does not contain a clutch pack like that of a Limited Slip. I believe towing on the front wheels is OK as they aren't engaged at the transfer case. I don't have my manual on my at this time (at work)(have you checked the manual? It's in there!) so I can't tell you 100%

 

[westwind77]

That sucks!

Any chance you will be on Parking Wars though?

 

[Prolex7]

I have seen a tow truck towing a truck by the front with the trucks rear wheels squealing the whole time through city streets.

I'm sure you don't want to hear that but I have truthfully witnessed that. Checked the rubber on your tires? It would be obvious if they did that.

 

[phillyd2]

When you talk to them, be sure to ask if the P Break slow 'em down and report back.

 

[Antman]

When you talk to them, be sure to ask if the P Break slow 'em down and report back.

I guess they drank a TON of coffee if they had to stop for a P Break.

 

[phillyd2]

^ HeHe you said P!

 

[JB.]

Well, my SR5 got towed...

My question is what, if anything, was likely to suffer damage from the ride to the impound lot?

I contacted the towing company asking them if the 4Runner was put on a flat-bed or towed by its front wheels.

Shouldn't be any problem in the SR5 if it was towed on the front wheels as long as they were pointed reasonably straight in the steering lock position.

 

[Laubage]

Shouldn't be any problem in the SR5 if it was towed on the front wheels as long as they were pointed reasonably straight in the steering lock position.

If the parking brake was engaged, then the front wheels won't roll on their own. In order to tow it, they would have had to use a dolly on your wheels or use a flat bed.

At least that's what I'm gathering from the world wide internet.

 

[Antman]

parking brake=rear wheels only.