Wet, slippery, steeeep!!, hill decents, very dangerous..

I feel theres always got to be a limit to everything ,!


Cheers Axle.

Going up with centre diff lock in was a struggle, but got there, Kev. ( After all its a defender lol) Its the weight of the vehicle wanting to push when going down is the problem.

Cheers Axle.

It's a timely subject, and I suspect it's defined by what an individual considers steep.

I think Axle's talking about a run away vehicle down a steep cut bush track.

Once a car gets up enough momentum, you can kiss technique and car technology goodbye. In my time it's happened a few times and been a bloody frightening experience.

A few of you would probably remember the young couple who lost their lives on the hill track near the ruins in the Wonnangatta a few years back. And was in the dry.

As a fuel distributor in Gippsland back then, we lost a couple of trucks in the High Country because of poor driver judgement.

Same thing happened when I was running a business in Tassie delivering fuel to loggers. I was for ever telling the fellas to take care.

I think rather than rattle on about braking (by what ever means) give a bit of thought to what your taking on. Things can go pear shaped pretty quickly during the winter months up in the High Country.

Regards

Kim

Hey Axle

"after all it's a Defender" ... not the same Defender I saw bogged in a back yard in suburban Berkeley Vale?? It was a noble gesture, though, assisting the young lady in distress. How did the young bloke get on with his Hilux/Commodore motor?

Regards, John.

G/Day John, You had to get that one in!!!,....lol. My mistake that night trying to be a big hero, It was bloody soft though.

The other guys motor is all good, spoke to him yesterday, he drove it to Sydney the next day, without a prob.

Sorry, Axle.

At least I didn't mention being pulled out by the old Hilux!! Oops. Well at least you had a go. Wasn't game to take mine (well actually the wife's) in there. Glad the young bloke's great truck is ok, shame to be a good samaritan and stuff up your own gear.

Regards, John.

Transmission handbrake ??


Cheers Axle.

If your hand brake is on the transmision shaft then definitely do NOT use it. Practice your left foot braking and keep the handbrake for emergency use only.

NOPE!, Diisagree, thought about this and touching the brake pedal when in wet conditions is just suicide. because therei is always one wheel that will lock up first and then the trouble begins.

Cheers Axle.

Kiwi Kia might be talking about driving "through the brakes" rather than using your left foot to apply the brake AFTER moving. Basically you are riding the brakes HARD - backing off the accelerator stops the vehicle. Very slow controlled descent.

Mind you if the vehicle simply starts sledding down the hill....! Haven't had it happen to me yet but I imagine the best thing to do is release all brakes to get steering back - and pray!

Axle, Scubaroo is almost right.

You need to learn how to do left foot braking. Imagine you have an orange taped to the sole of your shoe, gently push down on the brake without bursting the orange and then maintain this slight pressure whilst using your right foot to push the accelerator a little to move the vehicle forward. This method is also known as 'drive-over brakes' or as Scubaroo says driveing 'through the brakes'. The brake pressure required is more a retarding brake to stop the vehicle running away rather then a holding brake. If you have a limited slip diff then this method can also be used as a poor man's diff lock, the gentle braking action locks the lsd while the accelerator continues to move you forward. Yes, it can be done with careful application of the handbrake IF the handbrake is on the wheels and NOT on the drive shaft.

thats ok when some traction is available at some stage, but go back and read KIMS REPLY, Theres no substitute for experience.

Kiwi Kia, What you say will work only under certain conditions!;

Putting your left foot, right foot, on the brake in diabolical conditions and trying to drive at the same time will make no difference what so ever, if the thing breaks loose, and when on wet red clay down hill the weight of the vehicle takes over . As Kim said no driving technique will save you.

Cheers Axle.

That's a classic!

So you reach the bottom safely but the tree keeps coming and lands on top of you. ;-)

Not quiet, you pick a nice bushy one rather than a nice saw log ...

Hi StephenF10, Im still cackling thinking of that reply LOL LOL I can just picture it. Mr Pointyhead, on a serious note now I have wiped the tears from my eyes, You say "If the wheels show any sign of locking up, immediately release the brakes" excuse my ignorance as I have not had a 4wd with ABS before, would there be anything different to do in this situation,Senario, say if Im heading down steep hill, (auto/petrol) locked in first, foot on brake to slow it up, slipery conditions and pedal starts to pulsate because the ABS is activated ??? What would be the best option ?? Keep foot on brake and let ABS do the work (if it does) or apply pressure to handbrake ?? as well. Is ABS deactivated when in low range ?? (nothing in log book about that).Regards steve M

Stehen!, you need two trees!! behind you...hahaha.


Cheers Axle.

God forgot the P.