Also friction pads

[Ian_5074271]

Hi I have a pair of new Alko side friction pads. I have had them for about 20 years. I wonder if they will fit the Alko 3004 stabiliser.
The markings on them say AL-KO. ARL2. 573914. They are exactly the same diameter, thickness and height as the ones I have taken out of the 3004 stabiliser.
The dished area on the new pads looks smaller than the ones I have taken out of the stabiliser, but they are extremely worn.
Anyone got any knowledge of the Alko friction pads.
Regards
Ian


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[Mr Plodd]

Email Al-ko and ask them would be my first thought.
Or do a search on their website for the friction pads listed for your hitch and see if that part number matches what you have?

 

[JTQ]

As they wear, the dished area gets deeper, so the outer edge of that dish increases in diameter. So what you see is what would be expected.

You can shim them, a purpose made "washer" shim placed on the stem behind the pad, thus they can last for years. Mine now in excess of 40K miles.
You need to download the set up info sheet to see how getting the "right" settings can be determined.

 

[IanB1485]

I put a small amount of ptfe loaded grease on the shaft ( avoiding the pads of course) to aid assembly . the O rings do perish so may snap when replacing the pads- hence the grease

 

[JTQ]

Aren't the "O" rings there to grip the shank of the pads, so these move backing-off from the ball with their respective side handles as these are cammed outwards?
Basically I thought a feature so their edge doesn't get caught and "damaged", or the shank be "bent", when next time the ball moves into place.

IMO the grease etc needs to be on the cam tracks and the locking tongue's latching contact faces.
Not checked the manual in years but this is what I do, occasionally stripping it down for a good clean up and re lube. Its easy to remove and way easier to "service" on the bench in the workshop.

 

[IanB1485]

the pads are locked into position by the o rings ( about 1 mm play) and don't move within the clamp arms , dirt and debris accumulate round them as well. They don't move within the two clamp arms but two clamp arms move inwards on a a gentle spiral pressing the pads against the ball as the clamp arm is pressed down. When putting the pads in there are chamfers on the shafts which ease assembly but not when removing them - they have to be punched out with a drift , if the O ring has dried out they can snap or get a sliver cut off them , requiring replacement , hence the white grease to aid removal.