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182 TERRAIN & OBSTACLES, CHAPTER 6 ___ |
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DON'T STEER STOPPED
Normally, there is a power steering pressure relief valve that saves your neck, but this, or the hose, may have been under designed. Apparently the hose was not capable of sustained, slow, hot duty. When in the rocks, try to keep the 4WD moving as you turn the steering wheel. Don't steer while stopped. Steering stopped, in the rocks, can damage parts.
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As
the self appointed "safety officer," you must ensure the area
behind all four tires is clear. If you're observing outside, you must
also ensure the driver has his window down so you can effectively yell,
"Stop!" You just think glass is the only thing between your
message and the driver's ears. You've got to get by that intent
glassy-eyed focus, as well. Sometimes, extra volume and tone of voice do
the trick. Remember, speed and rocks do not go hand in hand. The gas
foot should be light in the rocks.
Here's
another thing I learned the hard way in my old Cherokee. On foot, I had
chosen my track and then resumed to pilot position. I needed to immediately
go left. I fired her up, cranked left, and behold, I lost my power
steering. I had blown a power steering hose!
This
worked for my Dad more than seven decades ago. It still works today. In
1930, he owned a service station at sand's edge in Long Beach,
California. In those days picnickers would drive out on the sand and
enjoy the beach, then head for the homestead at sunset. That is until
they found the gentle uphill slope to the pavement impossible to climb.
After digging and fussing, they'd go for help at Dad's station a few
hundred yards away.