特殊环境驾驶技巧之泥沼驾驶
Mud has a strong attraction to Land Rovers and vice-versa. If you just enjoy tthe occasional green lane or if you're seeking for that bottomless pit here are some basics to enjoy it.
1. Preparations
To make mud removal easier give the body a wax job (yes, I know, most Land Rovers never see wax and they may get frightened...). Apply RainEx onto the glass all around and also to the lights. Spray WD-40 onto the spark plug boots and distributor head.
2. Lubrication
Check the front swivel bearing gaskets and differentials for signs of oil leaks. Where oil leaks out mud gets in. On coilers it pays to check the front bearings from time to time for water and mud ingress as they are NOT lubed by the oil in the knuckles. Remount the cover using a new paper gasket and Hylomar or a similar non-hardening sealant.
3. Pre-flight check.
In mudholes you often don't have the choice of slowing down once you started. So check the suspension. A good mud runner has long wheel travel and most Rovers do. Check for broken rear shocks especially on 90's but also on 110's without rear sway bar. The shocks are shorter than the full coil spring drop so prepare for desaster. Check the flexible brake lines too. If the axle drops down vigorously and the shock is broken (or you have longer shocks) the limiting factor on coil sprung vehicles is the rubber on the trailing arms. With enough determination it flexes to the point a flexible line can be torn off. This is even worse when you mount longer springs.