Alko pads

[Mark1962]

How easy is it to change the side pads and/or spacers? YouTube results are varied!

 

[Mr Plodd]

It's an easy enough job if you are a reasonably confident DIY'er.
If you are at all uncertain then any AWS engineer should be able to do the job for you in 30 minutes (or less)
Why do you want to change them? If they are "groaning" then give them a good rub down with some fine emery cloth or wet and dry, to break the "glaze" that can occur.

 

[JRT]

It's an easy enough job if you are a reasonably confident DIY'er.
If you are at all uncertain then any AWS engineer should be able to do the job for you in 30 minutes (or less)
Why do you want to change them? If they are "groaning" then give them a good rub down with some fine emery cloth or wet and dry, to break the "glaze" that can occur.

Agreed, and the ball on the car too. I find most groaning and creaking can be eliminated by giving the tow ball a clean.

 

[Mark1962]

I had an issue with the Alko disengaging whilst towing, handle would raise leading to serious wobbles….. and near heart attacks! Pads were worn, after only two years. Albeit we have towed many many miles in those two years. Just had them changed by a professional but would like to know how to do it myself. So no groaning or creaking, from the van or towball but lots from me!

 

[otherclive]

I had an issue with the Alko disengaging whilst towing, handle would raise leading to serious wobbles….. and near heart attacks! Pads were worn, after only two years. Albeit we have towed many many miles in those two years. Just had them changed by a professional but would like to know how to do it myself. So no groaning or creaking, from the van or towball but lots from me!

Try YouTube there are many videos available

 

[Mel]

OH and I are rubbish at diy and such like, but even we managed to change the pads via a you tube video. It was just an out and in as far as I remember. Give it a go, good luck
Mel

 

[Buckman]

OH and I are rubbish at diy and such like, but even we managed to change the pads via a you tube video. It was just an out and in as far as I remember. Give it a go, good luck
Mel

Was that for two or four pads?

 

[Hutch]

Was that for two or four pads?

The side pads need only a small flat blades screwdriver to remove and replace. The front and aft pads need a torxs screwdriver to replace them.

 

[Mr Plodd]

If you look on Alko's website there is a diagram that shows how to gauge how worn your side pads are. No point in replacing them if it's not necessary as they ain't cheap items.

 

[otherclive]

If you go for replacement pads buy ALKO ones not some pattern ones from an unknown source

 

[Dustydog]

The side pads are secured by hidden internal o rings. Make sure you replace them at the same time. They hold the pads in the correct position moving with the red lever

 

[Mel]

Was that for two or four pads?

Four, if I remember correctly. It was quite a while ago.
Mel

 

[JRT]

My 'van is in for a service, just been told mine need replacing. I will do it myself though.

 

[Mr Plodd]

My 'van is in for a service, just been told mine need replacing. I will do it myself though.

I would still check that fact myself first !!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yr8J34grM8

 

[Martin_E]

The side pads need only a small flat blades screwdriver to remove and replace. The front and aft pads need a torxs screwdriver to replace them.

I wouldn’t use a flat blade screwdriver, perhaps a philips or even a flat drift for the side pads as the flat blade can damage the ‘O’ rings

 

[Ferrodo]

I had an issue with the Alko disengaging whilst towing, handle would raise leading to serious wobbles….. and near heart attacks! Pads were worn, after only two years. Albeit we have towed many many miles in those two years. Just had them changed by a professional but would like to know how to do it myself. So no groaning or creaking, from the van or towball but lots from me!

Just remember that the Alko friction pads are there to help reduce snaking. They should not be relied upon and certainly no substitute for correct loading and general caravan setup.

 

[JRT]

I would still check that fact myself first !!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yr8J34grM8

Our dealer (Teesside caravans) are pretty reliable TBH, they often do small jobs on the 'van at no cost to us when it goes in for service.

When I picked the 'van up yesterday I had already checked and they do indeed need replacing, given the miles they have done, unsurprising really.

 

[Mr Plodd]

Fair enough, but not all dealers are so honest and trustworthy, hence my suggestion to chrck.

 

[Mark1962]

Just remember that the Alko friction pads are there to help reduce snaking. They should not be relied upon and certainly no substitute for correct loading and general caravan setup.

He said, whilst pushing his glasses back up the bridge of his nose with his forefinger 🤣

 

[Hutch]

I wouldn’t use a flat blade screwdriver, perhaps a philips or even a flat drift for the side pads as the flat blade can damage the ‘O’ rings

You can change the side pads using just a small flat bladed screwdriver. But I wouldn't.

 

[Martin_E]

You can change the side pads using just a small flat bladed screwdriver. But I wouldn't.
View attachment 6892

That’s almost like what I said 🤔🥴

 

[GUMPY]

I have a set of parallel pin punches like THIS one of which fits the hole to push the pads out.
Mine are left over from work but cheap enough to buy.