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Subject Topic: Creaking when Towing slowly
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02/6/2015 at 5:40am
 Location: PRESTON
 Outfit: Bailey Ranger 550 6
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Hi guys...
After some advice... My Alko Hitchlock has started to creak a little when I'm approaching Junctions...or slowing down...
Any ideas how I can sort this problem out..

Thanks in advance
Stu

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SLEEPS FOR WHIMPS!!!!!!!


02/6/2015 at 6:25am
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yeah clean your tow ball with emery paper and then spray with brake cleaner before hitching up, also clean the inside of the hitch too, its just the stabiliser doing it


02/6/2015 at 6:37am
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First of all clean tow-ball and hitch linings with brake cleaner and see if this cures it. Also check that it is not the tow-bar deflecting and rubbing on a body panel.This has been reported on some Kia's due to a bolt being just a mm to long and rubbing on the bumper crash panel.


02/6/2015 at 8:23am
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I agree with Birdman.

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JEFF................


02/6/2015 at 11:00am
 Location: Devon
 Outfit: Cabanon Malawi 2.0
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Creaking Al-Ko stabiliser hitches is a common problem, usually solved by thoroughly cleaning the friction pads (inside the hitch) and the towball with brake cleaner. If the friction pads have not been kept clean then there may be some glassy deposits on the surface which need to be rubbed off with very fine sandpaper before cleaning.

We took our new van out a couple of weeks ago for the first time and it was creaking constantly. I've now given everything a good rub down and clean so hopefully it will be quiet on the next trip out!


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02/6/2015 at 7:20pm
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hi as above i all ways have a clean rag in the boot and clean the towball every time cheers .tom


02/6/2015 at 9:05pm
 Location: Sheffield
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles Sport 636
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Same as above. Emery cloth on tow ball then clean with brake cleaner. Then use fine emery inside hitch on friction pads and again clean with brake cleaner.

Shouldn't squeak after that.


04/6/2015 at 2:37pm
 Location: Pontyclun
 Outfit: Compas
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mine started to squeak when I had new friction pads last week

but I think its rubbing against the bumper protector ( BPW on elddis)   

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04/6/2015 at 8:17pm
 Location: Midlands
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Sand paper and emery cloth seemed a bit harsh to me so i have a couple of the green washing up scourers from the supermarket in the boot.

A quick rub over and its all clean ready for use and less abrasive than the other options.



08/6/2015 at 11:19pm
 Location: PRESTON
 Outfit: Bailey Ranger 550 6
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Hi Guys...
Thanks for you your replies...
Very much appreciated..
I will let you know the results later on in the week..
Much Appreciated

Stu

-------------
SLEEPS FOR WHIMPS!!!!!!!


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09/7/2015 at 2:19pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Abbey GTS Vogue 217
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Just had the van serviced and went to get new tyres. Groaned and squeked all th way there. Came home read this thread and went and sorted the problem. Cleaned the towbar and the hitch with brake cleaner. Bingo job done quite as should be now. Thanks all those who put advice on here. It works.


09/7/2015 at 6:17pm
 Location: Sheffield
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles Sport 636
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Glad it helped. I've to do mine again since having it serviced.


09/7/2015 at 10:16pm
 Location: Teesside
 Outfit:  Mitsubishi ASX4
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I found all I needed was to clean out the inside of the hitch with a damp cloth and a little washing up liquid. No need for scourers, emery, or brake cleaner.


10/7/2015 at 8:36am
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Might washing up liquid not leave a soapy deposit on the pads and interfere with the damping action?


13/7/2015 at 4:43pm
 Location: Teesside
 Outfit:  Mitsubishi ASX4
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Bit of common sense might work wonders here M.

Soap must get onto brake pads every time the car is washed. Does that interfere with the braking? I think not.



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