Alko 3004 - creaking noises

[Brian_374234561]

Hi, a favourite topic on here, but would like some clarity please. I have a caravan that is less than 2 years old. Recently at low speed, I get a creaking noise from the tow hitch which I am assuming is the alko tow hitch. I put my fingers up into the pads and they came out black. Not sure how, but clearly they need cleaning, (definitely not worn out)What do I clean the pads with? I should also clean the tow ball - is white spirit best? and clean the tow ball cover - white spirit again?

any help much appreciated as always

Thanks

Brian

 

[Rick1]

Hi Brian best cleaner to use on both the tow ball and your stabliser pads is brake cleaner in a spray can bought from most motor accessory shops, it dries quick and doesnt leave any film

 

[S_374382905]

Brian

I had the same problem exactly. I used some very fine emery paper and gently rubbed inside the hitch on both sides. Did the same all over the tow ball and no problem since over a year ago.

The black stuff is probably an accumulation of dirt/grease etc from the road.

 

[JohnM20]

Hi Brian

The black deposit is very fine dust off the stabiliser pads themeselves, a bit like the dust that you get on, particularly, front wheels of cars after a long drive.

I have found it a very simple matter to remove the pads and clean them with fine emery cloth and wiped clean with break cleaner as recommended by Rick. Removing them to clean gives better results.

The side pads are dead easy to take out, the front and rear only slightly more fiddly. I can do the whole set in less than 10 minutes. You should find complete instruction in you caravan handbook (it is certainly in the book for my Abbey).

If you can't find anything let me know and I'll run through the procedure.

Regards

John M

 

[Brian_374234561]

thanks all for the advice - a job for saturday morning, so hopefully that will sort it out! Cheers, Brian

 

[PT]

hi brian there is no need to take your aks pads out at all, u can clean your tow ball keep it free from grease and rust.the noise will go.

 

[JohnM20]

hi brian there is no need to take your aks pads out at all, u can clean your tow ball keep it free from grease and rust.the noise will go.

Hi Paul

Got to disagree with you on this. Just cleaning the ball will not (generally) do much good. If it was as easy as just keeping the ball clean why would Swift put detailed cleaning instructions in their handbooks and why do Alko publish a recommended cleaning regime ?

You may be one of the lucky few who don't seem to get the problem but I bet the vast majority of us unfortunately do.

Regards

John M