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Subject Topic: Alko Hitch noises replace? Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonBiff0r
14/4/2014 at 10:30am
 Location: Banbury
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I put grease on tow hitch last year and contaminated to pads, cleaned up but a fair bit of knocking, noise etc.

Do I need to replace for safety or will it still do its job in it's current state?

Any tips on cleaning, I think I did read here last year better to replace, but going away weekend and its one of those jobs I never got around to doing!

Thanks

-------------
2015:
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March/April - Dolgamedd Wales (Tent)
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PersonDaveS1
14/4/2014 at 2:31pm
 Location: Hatfield Peverel Essex
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You do not necessarily need to replace the pads for safety reasons. Provded the green button is showing then the ball should be locked in.
However the pads will now be useless at doing the job they were designed for and should be replaced.
DIY instructions are on the Al-Ko website.
Having said that, I would get it sorted before I went away.
Daves1


PersonGrampian91
14/4/2014 at 9:10pm
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As above the pads wont be doing anything. Grease will be embedded into the pad making them useless.

You need to change the pads and degrease everything before fitting the new pads.


PersonBiff0r
15/4/2014 at 10:38pm
 Location: Banbury
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Thanks guys, have cleaned them well, test them this weekend, if still carries on I will replace.

-------------
2015:
Easter Weekend - Northern Farm Burnham
March/April - Dolgamedd Wales (Tent)
May: Paris/DLP
June - Twilite Leisure Park
July - Germany Black Forest
August - UK
New Vango Orchy 500 to try STILL! STILL!


PersonGrampian91
16/4/2014 at 11:49pm
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Get a green washing up scourer from the supermarket and use that to clean the ball before hitching up.

It removes any minor rust and dirt particles that may collect on the ball when not in use.

I use one side dry then dampen it and use the otherside to give it a final rub.
Then let it dry before hitching up.


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Personnaturlist123
17/4/2014 at 11:02am
 Location: Southport
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If you fit a chrome vanadem ball or stainless steel none magnetic type with plastic cover your ball should not get rusty or dirt comtaminated when not in use.Try Holts proffessional brake cleaner same type material or similar in hitch as car disc brakes.


PersonBiff0r
21/4/2014 at 10:36pm
 Location: Banbury
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After a good clean, it was perfect all the way there, started groaning the last hour 60 miles or so. So as others say seems to be 250 miles then a good clean.

Thanks all.

-------------
2015:
Easter Weekend - Northern Farm Burnham
March/April - Dolgamedd Wales (Tent)
May: Paris/DLP
June - Twilite Leisure Park
July - Germany Black Forest
August - UK
New Vango Orchy 500 to try STILL! STILL!


Personad210358
01/5/2014 at 8:48pm
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Quote: Originally posted by naturlist123 on 17/4/2014If you fit a chrome vanadem ball or stainless steel none magnetic type with plastic cover your ball should not get rusty or dirt comtaminated when not in use.Try Holts proffessional brake cleaner same type material or similar in hitch as car disc brakes.


Any contaminated pads can easily be cleaned, they are a very hard plastic type material, with an indentation to fit around the ball.


Persontango55
01/5/2014 at 9:16pm
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The friction pads are not made from plastic, they are made from steel with a friction lining bonded to them exactly the same as clutch and brake linings are. Once the linings become contaminated by any type of lubricant they will not grip the towball so respectively are not fit for purpose. If the friction pads get contaminated they need to be replaced with new ones.


Personad210358
02/5/2014 at 5:54am
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Not on mine they are not, I also have a new set and they are the same,
They even have numbers moulded in the face edge as per attached link
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Alko-AKS-2004-3004-Series-Caravan-Stabiliser-Side-Friction-Pad-Set-/161285676953

Post last edited on 02/05/2014 06:00:15

Post last edited on 02/05/2014 06:00:57



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