Towing - Long Distance & Emergency
84porsche02Subject
Towing of 1976 and later models
Part Identifier N/A
Applies To ALL
Group
01
Key Points
Towing information for long distance and emergency towing
(Supercedes Product Circular, Group 01, No. 82-02)
Number
84-01
March 29, 1984
General Towing Information
All towing procedures in this circular are based on use of typical sling-type tow truck equipment. If other types of towing equipment are used, these procedures may not apply.
Emergency Towing
Whenever possible, tow all cars with drive wheels lifted off ground. If it is not possible to tow a vehicle with automatic transmission with drive wheels lifted off ground, observe the following:
Rear wheel drive cars with automatic transmission
For rear wheel drive cars dolley-tow is recommended. If dolley tow is not available, maximum towing speed is 30 mph (50 km/h) and maximum towing distance 30 miles (50 kilometers).
CAUTION
^ Always secure front wheels with an external steering-wheel lock when towing with rear wheels off ground. NEVER use ignition steering lock to secure front wheels
^ Never allow passengers to ride in a towed vehicle
Long Distance Towing
Vehicles with automatic transmission may be towed forward (in driving direction) behind other vehicles (motor homes, etc.) at speeds up to 30 mph for a maximum of 30 miles
CAUTION
Towing vehicle at more than 30 mph and/or for greater distance than 30 miles will damage automatic transmission for lack of lubrication
If towing speed will be greater than 30 mph or distance greater than 30 miles, temporary modifications to vehicle are required as follows:
CAUTION
Only general work sequence is outlined. Follow complete instructions in Repair Manual
Work sequence
- detach outer CV joints
- wrap outer CV joints against water and dirt
- tie drive shafts to transmission mount or to subframe
- wipe excess grease from axle shaft flange
Vehicles with manual transmission or Sportomatic (R).
There are no restrictions on speed or distance when towing manual transmission cars behind other vehicles.
Making a Towing Aid
CAUTION
To prevent possible body damage, tow trucks should use a 4 x 4 x 60" towing aid
911/912E through 1982 Model Year
Rear hookup
- attach tow chains to trailing arms. Be sure to clear brake lines
- place 4 x 4 against tires and under heat exchangers
- place tow bar against 4 x 4
- attach safety chains to trailing arms
Front hookup
- attach tow chains to lower control arms inboard of control arm brace
- place 4 x 4 with spacer blocks under body seam outboard of front torsion bar supports
- place tow bar against 4 x 4
- attach safety chains to control arms
Turbo Carrera
CAUTION
Using typical sling-type towing equipment. The Turbo Carrera can only be towed with the rear wheels off the ground. Towing dolly must be used. Be careful not to damage front spoiler when towing or lifting onto dolly
Rear hookup
- attach tow chains to trailing arms, clear of brake lines
- place 4 x 4 against tires and under heat exchangers
- place tow bar against 4 x 4
- attach safety chain to trailing arms
Front hookup
CAUTION
On the Turbo Carrera, front hookup can only be made with wheel-lifting towing equipment. Do not attempt front hookup with sling-type towing gear
924
CAUTION
Using typical sling-type towing equipment. The 924 can only be towed with rear wheels off the ground. Towing dolly should be used to insure that front spoiler will not be damaged when towing
Rear hookup
- place front wheels on towing dolly
- attach J-hooks to torsion bar housing just forward of rear wheels
- place 4 x 4 against rear tires with spacer blocks under rear body reinforcements just inboard of fender panels
- place tow bar just to rear of 4 x 4
- attach safety chains to rear suspension arms
914
CAUTION
Using typical sling-type towing equipment, the 914 can only be towed with the front wheels off the ground. If extensive damage or other conditions prevent towing with the front wheels off the ground, use towing dolly
Front hookup
- attach tow chains to lower control arms inboard of diagonal brace
- place 4 x 4 against tires and under front trunk floor
- place tow bar just in front of 4 x 4
- attach safety chains to lower control arms
928
CAUTION
Use flat-bed slide-back tow truck or Vulcan cradle-snatcher type lifting gear in combination with towing dolly for towing disabled car to avoid damaging body parts
Pulling onto flat bed slide back truck
- remove plastic body plug from right front of car
- insert towing eye from tool kit to attach cable
- place shift lever in neutral or "N"
- turn ignition key to position 2 to unlock steering lock
944
CAUTION
Use flat-bed slide-back tow truck or Vulcan cradle-snatcher type lifting gear in combination with towing dolly for towing disabled car to avoid damaging body parts
Pulling onto flat-bed slide-back truck
- attach chain hook to underside of bumper
- place shift lever in neutral or "N"
- turn ignition key to position 2 to unlock steering lock
Long Distance Towing
Towing the Porsche 944 behind other vehicles over long distance is not recommended. The vehicle is not equipped with a towing hook
The connecting of any towing devices to the front suspension is not advisable since it will damage suspension and body components
911/Carrera from 1983 Model Year
CAUTION
Use flat-bed slide-back tow truck or Vulcan cradle-snatcher type lifting gear in combination with towing dolly for towing disabled car to avoid damaging body parts
Pulling onto flat bed slide back truck
- attach chain hook to tie down loops on underside of vehicle
- place shift lever in neutral
- turn ignition key to position 2 to unlock steering wheel