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Subject Topic: WD40 to clean creaking towbar
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Personngrant01
14/7/2016 at 7:53pm
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I assume its because the paint is starting to flake of the towbar - almighty creaking coming from that area.

Q is - any issues with using wd40 to clean the towbar?

Thanks

Neil


PersonGWTE
14/7/2016 at 8:08pm
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You could try just sanding the paint off especially if you have an Alko hitch. You should not use any oil if it is an Alko hitch.


Personngrant01
14/7/2016 at 8:10pm
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As far as I know it is standard - have a Trailer tent


PersonJohnnie Boy
14/7/2016 at 9:05pm
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Light coat of grease if it's just a regular hitch... just got to watch yer trouser legs when unhitching.

       


PersonGrampian91
15/7/2016 at 4:13pm
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Clean the towbar? the actual towbar frame or the ball?

As above the trailer hitch and towball should be greased on a non stabilised hitch.

If its a stabiliser hitch then do not use WD40 or grease. Rubbing alcohol or a degreaser.


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PersonGCMS2012
16/7/2016 at 9:15am
 Location: Northumberland
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Spray brake cleaner from motor factor shops is what you need to use to clean an Alko ball hitch.

-------------
Damned if I do...

Damned if I don't!!!!


PersonAudsleyI
16/7/2016 at 12:47pm
 Location: Wakefield West Yorkshire
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I tow both a trailer and a caravan fitted with an Alko hitch. When I first bought the trailer (pre caravan) the hitch was well greased. This has all gone now and I have not re-greased it because of the caravan hitch. The trailer now creeks really bad. Would it be ok to grease the trailer hitch and ensure I clean the tow ball before towing the caravan? And if so what de-greaser should I use to clean it with, brake spray? - Sorry if this is hijacking the thread a bit.


PersonHacksaw Bob
16/7/2016 at 1:44pm
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As above, brake cleaner (aerosol), not brake fluid.


PersonSGThomas
16/7/2016 at 1:50pm
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On stabilising hitches, there can be a build up of graphite dust from the pads.
Every so often I spray some white spirit into the hitch and then wipe off with a rag. This is also done to the towball.
Seems to stop the squeaks and groans.


Have tried this unsuccessfully on my wife.


PersonGCMS2012
16/7/2016 at 8:35pm
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You didn't use enough SG....


Maybe followed with a match next time........

-------------
Damned if I do...

Damned if I don't!!!!


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Personngrant01
17/7/2016 at 6:39pm
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Gave brake cleaner and emery a try on tow ball. Worked for all of 15 minutes then the grind came back - but better then before, so probably just needs another going over in addition to doing the hitch itself.

Neil


PersonJohnnie Boy
17/7/2016 at 7:14pm
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As I mentioned earlier trailer tent will just have a regular hitch a smear of multipurpose grease is all you need.
Never seen a trailer tent with a stabilised hitch so needs lubrication as it's metal on metal.


Personngrant01
17/7/2016 at 7:15pm
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Yes, saw your post after going out for the weekend; will give that a try before our next outing

Thanks

Neil


Personmalc1945
20/7/2016 at 11:50pm
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I grease the tow ball for the trailer and give it a good clean with brake and clutch cleaner for the van just need two tow ball covers one for the grease and one that is grease free


Persontango55
21/7/2016 at 1:22am
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How to remove protective paint from a towball for first use.


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Personblueexpo97
21/7/2016 at 7:07am
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Honestly?????

-------------
XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.



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