reverse FIAT DUCATO 244 2005 3.G User Guide

179VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Tyres age even if they are not used
very much. Cracking of the tread rub-
ber and the side walls are a sign of this
ageing. In any case, if the tyres have
been fitted for more than six years
they should be examined by an expert
who can judge whether they are still
fit for use. Remember to check the
spare tyre particularly carefully too.
If a replacement is necessary, always
use new tyres and avoid using ones
the origin of which you are not cer-
tain about.
The Ducato uses tubeless tyres. Un-
der no circumstances use an inner
tube with these tyres.
If you replace a tyre it is a good idea
to change the inflation valve, too.To ensure the front and rear tyres all
wear evenly, you are advised to change
the tyres over every 10 - 15 thousand
kilometres keeping them on the same
side of the vehicle so as not to reverse
the direction of rotation.RUBBER TUBING
Follow the Service Schedule carefully
in the case of braking and fuel supply
system rubber tubing.
Ozone, high temperatures and long
absence of fluid in the system can in
fact cause the hardening and cracking
of the pipes with possible loss of fluid.
A careful check is therefore essential.
Do not change the tyres
over in criss-cross fashion
by moving a tyre from the left-hand
side of the vehicle to the right and
vice versa.
WARNING
Never submit alloy rims to
repainting treatments re-
quiring to use temperatures ex-
ceeding 150°C since the mechani-
cal properties of the wheels could
be impaired.
WARNING

216TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BRAKES
SERVICE AND EMERGENCY
BRAKES
Front: disc, floating caliper with two
operating cylinders for each wheel and
pad wear warning light.
Rear: self-centring shoes and micro-
metric mechanism for clearance take-
up.
Certain versions are fitted with rear
disc brakes with Drum in hat device
(i.e. drum on disc to block the vehicle
when parked with handbrake en-
gaged).
Cross-over hydraulic circuit control.
Four sensors ABS system with EBD.
Automatic recovery of the friction
gasket wear; versions with rear disc
brake excluded (Drum in hat ver-
sions).
Lacking ABS system brakeforce dis-
tributor acting on rear brake hydraulic
circuit according to rear axle load.HANDBRAKE
Controlled by a lever, it works me-
chanically on the rear brake shoes.
For versions with rear disc brakes,
the handbrake works on the Drum in
hat device shoes.
IMPORTANTPull the handbrake
lever only when the vehicle is at a
standstill, or when the vehicle is run-
ning, but however only in case of a
failure of the hydraulic system.
Should the handbrake be exception-
ally used when the vehicle is running,
it is suggested to keep a moderate
traction to avoid causing the rear axle
block, entailing vehicle side skidding.
TRANSMISSION
CLUTCH
Hydraulically controlled without
travel-free pedal.
MECHANICAL GEARBOX
AND DIFFERENTIAL
Five forward gears and reverse with
synchromesh for front gear engage-
ment.
Cyclical gear reduction and differen-
tial assembly incorporated in the gear-
box.
Drive transmission to the front
wheels by means of drive shafts con-
nected to the differential assembly and
the wheels with CV joints.
Water, ice or salt on road
surfaces can deposit on
brake discs, reducing braking effi-
ciency on the first braking.
WARNING

217TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
ELECTRONIC AUTOMATIC
GEARBOX
(2.8 JTD versions only)
Automatic gearbox with four speeds
plus reverse with self-adapting control
(i.e. capable of adapting to the driver’s
driving style), which transmits power
continuously and with very fast elec-
tro-hydraulic gear engagement times.SUSPENSIONS
FRONT
Independent wheel, McPherson sus-
pension.
Telescopic dampers with flexible an-
chorage to the body and dust guards
on buffers.
Coil springs offset with shock ab-
sorbers and knock-guard buffers.
Lower wishbone with twin taper
rubber bushing on chassis and ball
head on wheel stud.REAR
Rigid tubular axle type.
Lengthways single blade (two-blades
as optional) leaf spring.
Vertical shock absorbers anchored
above on the body (on the inside of
the wheelhouse) and down on the
axle flange.
Knock-guard buffer fixed to the side
member.
Coupling for brake load proportion-
ing.