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My father-in-law is getting a horrible metal grinding sound coming from the tow ball area when towing, he has had it looked at by a caravan dealer local when they cleaned around the area and it was fine, but it has now come back again and is awful when towing, has any one had this problem with a winterhoff stabiliser (the caravan is a compass rallye 524) 2007, when the handle is released from stabiliser mode the noise goes

Scampi

Thanks for suggestion caravan dealers have done this, i also have done this as per instructions, just spoke to father-in-law on mobile he has just towed to weymouth and noise is awful even after cleaning before journey, theres got be a explanation out ther some where, its cracking him up now

Have you looked at the wear indicator? I take it that is not showing too near the worn (-) symbol?

If the problem persists theer can only be two solutions:

1. faulty stabiliser

2. slightly out of tolerance tow ball (weird, but I suppose possible). Unlike Al-ko Winterhoff's don't need a special tow ball, but I guess that there could be something odd about the shape, size or surface of it. Have you tried replacing the tow ball (if a standard hitch) or towing with a different vehicle?

Mike

Mike

1, Thats what it looks like

2, Done that as well with recommended type, i will be trying your last suggestion with my vehicle next i also have same type stabiliser fitted but no trouble

not the same as yours but same problems.see

Problem Solving AKS 2004/3004/2700

www.al-ko.co.uk

ask here too

http://www.winterhoff.de/english/inhalt.html

Thanks Michael

will print off and hand over to father-in-law

Dan

My suggestion would also have been to give both the tow ball and the bit of the A frame that goes onto the tow ball, (sorry....known for being non-techno), with methylated spirit. I'm quite obsessive about keeping our connections spotless which is VERY NOT me being as how I hate anything h..h...h.o....hou...house...housewo...DOH...that word related but I don't look upon anything to do with my darling tin tent as being that.

Not only do I give it a good clean with the meths before hitching up but even when we take the tin tent off the car, I also give the tow ball another clean before covering it with a small clean plastic sandwich bag just to make sure that no dirt or grit gets on to it. Hubby did larf, the first time I did all this, but has now realized that it seems to be doing the trick so lets me get on with it

Of course as my techno knowledge is pretty much non-exsistent, I'd take more notice of Michaels adviceI'm actually gonna save that Winterhoff problem bit to me favourites for future reference if it's ever needed. Michael always knows what he's talking about.

Btw, we used to get the most awful grating and grinding noises eminating from the tow ball with our old Esprit in her later years but that didn't have the advantage of the brilliant Winterhoff stabiliser, just a good ole bar jobbie. Mind you the noise was so-o-o-o-o embarrasing, ya'd see folk staring at us as we went round corners or over humps

Michael always knows what he's talking about.

shucks thanks for the vote of confidence

I have a Winterhoff stabiliser, and have suffered the "creaking" noise on occasion. First, ensure no grease or similar contaminant gets onto the towball, and is then transferred to friction pads. Second, try to keep tow ball from rusting; this will certainly cause creaking/grinding noise. 

My towball is detachable, so I never leave it on the vehicle when not actually towing.  I make sure the ball is dry and clean, then wrap it with 2 layers of clingfilm until next time it is used.

If rust does occur, I clean off with fine emery cloth, then thoroughly polish with a brass polishing compound, and then clean with a soft cloth and methylated spirits to ensure all residue of polish is removed.  Winterhoff say thinners or spirits are suitable for cleaning the towball.

Bertie.

see also

http://www.al-ko.co.uk/faqs_detail.asp?id=1007