Alko aks2000

[thosoneill]

Hi folks - my caravan has an alko aks2000 stabiliser which I am trying to remove - it is secured by two bolts Allen key style with two nuts which are difficult to access - do you need special tools to remove the stabiliser - these images give you an idea of the problem I am facing - any suggestions would be appreciated
http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/oo187/thosoneill/****/image_79.jpeg
http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/oo187/thosoneill/****/image_80.jpeg

 

[Beehpee]

I've recently replaced an aks1300 soooo for my tuppence worth, firstly you don't need to get at the nuts as they can't turn as they are stopped by the ridges around them as you undo from the other side, second mine were torx headed bolts not Allen key and if I remember were size T50, most important though is to remove one bolt then insert a suitable length pin in its place before removing the 2nd, don't just remove both bolts as the piston will push forward and I'm not sure as to what the consequence would be, if you go on alko's website or you tube you can see video of exactly how it's done.

BP

 

[thosoneill]

I've recently replaced an aks1300 soooo for my tuppence worth, firstly you don't need to get at the nuts as they can't turn as they are stopped by the ridges around them as you undo from the other side, second mine were torx headed bolts not Allen key and if I remember were size T50, most important though is to remove one bolt then insert a suitable length pin in its place before removing the 2nd, don't just remove both bolts as the piston will push forward and I'm not sure as to what the consequence would be, if you go on alko's website or you tube you can see video of exactly how it's done.
BP

Thanks for that - my problem is that I cannot budge the bolts with only the Allen key

 

[cluker11]

I've recently replaced an aks1300 soooo for my tuppence worth, firstly you don't need to get at the nuts as they can't turn as they are stopped by the ridges around them as you undo from the other side, second mine were torx headed bolts not Allen key and if I remember were size T50, most important though is to remove one bolt then insert a suitable length pin in its place before removing the 2nd, don't just remove both bolts as the piston will push forward and I'm not sure as to what the consequence would be, if you go on alko's website or you tube you can see video of exactly how it's done.
BP

Thanks for that - my problem is that I cannot budge the bolts with only the Allen key

I'm in the same position - tried heat and easing spray.

Distorted Allen key and damaged bolt head sockets.

Ordered new hitchlock mountings just tonight and expect to have to use angle grinder to remove the old ones.

Need to get them off - possibly new damper reqd.

Colin

 

[Beehpee]

If I enlarge the photo of the original posters AKS you can see they aren't Allen key bolts, they are definitely torx heads, I used a torx bit of exactly the right size which like I said I seem to recall was a T50, I was fortunate to have one that fits on a wrench, it's for want of a better description mounted in a socket, that then gives you the option of using a decent size wrench to give the leverage, re the second poster if you've used an Allen key and chewed the heads then I think your only option will likely be the angle grinder.

BP

 

[thosoneill]

If I enlarge the photo of the original posters AKS you can see they aren't Allen key bolts, they are definitely torx heads, I used a torx bit of exactly the right size which like I said I seem to recall was a T50, I was fortunate to have one that fits on a wrench, it's for want of a better description mounted in a socket, that then gives you the option of using a decent size wrench to give the leverage, re the second poster if you've used an Allen key and chewed the heads then I think your only option will likely be the angle grinder.
BP

Once again thanks - those images are not my actual stabiliser - I have had another think about this - I may try a rattle gun on the nuts if I get sufficient grip on the nuts - I'll also give the wrench method a go as suggested by yourself

 

[MichaelE]

The aks2000 stabilizer is different to the one in the picture, the picture is a 2004.model The 2000 doesnt have any resistance to pitching only sideway movement.
To remove you may have to put some leverage on the torx bolt, they should have only been done up to around 86 nm which is less than alloy wheels if its too tight will crush the internal tube.
If you are fitting to another van the tube may be a different size so you will need spacers etc, the newer stabilizers are much better so you may want to re think why you are removing?

 

[thosoneill]

Just checked Google - I can purchase an impact Allen key socket of the correct size - I'm going to try that - many thanks folks