So, my '07 NA 4.2 alternator StB. Stethoscope indicates a lot of mechanical scraping and crackling in the unit when rotating. Need to tow to my DIY garage, so I can work on a lift.

I know flatbedding is the right way to tow, but if there's no flatbed available, my knowledge of the car says I should be able to lift the rear wheels and tow without problems. Obvious risk is making sure the car's angle is low enough to avoid scraping the lower lip on the nose.

The only possible unknown is whether the steering rack is affected by reverse rotation at relatively high speeds. Towed my RWD Bimmers a couple of times that way, and no negative effect.

Anyone have a clear reason why towing with only the front wheels on the ground is damaging on the X150? Anyone done it satisfactorily?

Thanks

Panthera

 

Did you read the Owner’s Manual on the topic “Vehicle Recovery”!!

 

Thanks, Guy, I did. Besides saying only a flatbed should be used, the relevant comment there is care not to damage the front bodywork if the car is towed by lifting the rear wheels.

They also discuss 4 wheel towing, but limit it to 30 mph and a half mile. No intention of doing 4 wheel towing, ever. Again, this is about a flat bed not being available.

Anyone ever had their X150 towed with rear wheels raised the minimum off the ground? Thanks.

 

You can't drive it? Not the best scenario, but what's the down-side? Ruin the alternator more? As long as it doesn't freeze up and shred the belt you should be okay IF your battery is good enough for the trip if it doesn't charge.

 

Not sure if a partial message went through, apologies if it seemed scrambled.

it's an interesting question CJ. My AGM battery started out at about 12 volts when I started driving back here. Alternator had probably been flaking around for a while. It's about 2 miles or so, and when the voltage dropped past 10v systems began to shut down. More shutdown as it passed 9 volts. Around then I got back to my building and parked up on the 6th floor and this was with climate off and audio off. Lights also, of course.

When I disconnected the battery to hook it up to the charger, I burned my fingers because the negative lead was so hot. So it appears that this engine sucks a lot of power out of the battery when running with no alternator. The trip to my DIY garage is about 15 miles through Miami traffic. Not a chance I'd be able to make it all the way. Also possible the battery has been damaged due to overheating in that few miles of driving, but I won't know that until I replace the alternator.

AAA pays for the tow, but it can be tough to get a flatbed through them. And that's why I'm trying to figure out what my alternatives are when towing.

 

Apologies @panthera999 . On rereading, I was a little curt.
The vehicle should have all wheels immobilized. I don’t know of any tow truck outfit that does not have car tow dollys that can do that.

 

If it were my car and I didn't have access to a flatbed, I would disconnect the drive shaft flange at the front of the differential and then pull the shaft forward as much as possible and strap it up underneath the car before towing the car on four wheels. You might need to back the car onto some ramps or use a jack to get the clearance to work on it. I've done this with autos in the past but never the X150 but presumably it would be the same.

Richard

 

How steep are the ramps in the garage? That's where I would be worried about banging the nose.

 

I googled and found three flat bed towing services in the Miami Fl area. If that is where you are here is a link:

https://search.yahoo.com/local/yhs/s...fr=yhs-trp-001

Good luck and be patient.

 

Good point, and thanks. I planned on driving it down to the street, since I can get that far, where I'd have it picked up.

 

Wouldn't the most hassle-/worry-free COA be just pay for a flat-bed tow out of pocket?

 

I've towed my XK short distance with front wheels on the ground,
your biggest risk is damage to body work from the angle.

Please be advised my model did not have a method to lock the steering wheel straight
so the seat belt was used to keep it straight, I did not go on any highways.

 

AAA stiffed me for the prescheduled tow, so ordered up a local for the flatbed. AAA membership sucks. Bloody useless ******* (I speak Brit when driving the Jag....).

New alternator works fine.

 

I used to have a free AAA through my insurance. Called 'em once for my wife's flat tire in a parking lot, she was told it'd be 3-4 hours. I went there myself and changed it. I never bothered to even consider using them again.