Alco hitch creeking noise

[james_5062112]

I have a year old van with Alco Hitch. At low speed when turning corners it has developed a loud creeking noise. Its so loud that people stop what they are doing and stare! Any one any ideas what this is please and how to resolve the problem.

 

[Damian]

James, the usual cause of creaking is dirty pads in the hitch.

This can be caused by not having removed all the paint from the towball prior to hitching up, or general dirt from exhaust fumes, or rust which has not been cleaned off the towball prior to hitching up.

Thorougly clean the towball with 200 grade wet and dry, followed by a good clean with either white spirit or brake cleaner.

Next give the pads in the hitch head the same treatment, if you cannot get to them in situ, take the pads out and clean them, then replace them.

Always clean the towball before hitching up, use nylon scouring pad and wipe with lint free cloth and some brake cleaner.

 

[thehoods]

James.

I had the same problem this weekend, by the time we got home it was really getting on my nerves. Got some normal medium grit sand paper (didn't have any wet and dry indoors), Gave my ball a good rub and also the pads in the Al-ko and then cleaned them with break cleaner. So far seems to have done the trick.

Hope this helps.

Phil.

 

[james_5062112]

James, the usual cause of creaking is dirty pads in the hitch.

This can be caused by not having removed all the paint from the towball prior to hitching up, or general dirt from exhaust fumes, or rust which has not been cleaned off the towball prior to hitching up.

Thorougly clean the towball with 200 grade wet and dry, followed by a good clean with either white spirit or brake cleaner.

Next give the pads in the hitch head the same treatment, if you cannot get to them in situ, take the pads out and clean them, then replace them.

Always clean the towball before hitching up, use nylon scouring pad and wipe with lint free cloth and some brake cleaner.

Thanks for advice. I will give it a go.