Meths or isopropyl if you have any. But I really cannot envisage that the wd40 has caused the barrel to eject. More likely it wasn’t inserted properly.
I just googled using WD40 in a key lock and everywhere suggests not to use it 
I may just leave it as is, I don’t want to try adding more chemicals which may make it worse than it already is.
The guy from the fitting place is calling me tomorrow, so I’ll have to say I sprayed some WD40 in then tried the key 10seconds after spraying. Surely that would be ok, but I just hope he doesn’t say I’ve voided the warranty….
It costs roughly £300 for a new SQ5 Swan bar on its own, I’m thinking I should have just left it, hope I’m ok
I may just leave it as is, I don’t want to try adding more chemicals which may make it worse than it already is.
The guy from the fitting place is calling me tomorrow, so I’ll have to say I sprayed some WD40 in then tried the key 10seconds after spraying. Surely that would be ok, but I just hope he doesn’t say I’ve voided the warranty….
It costs roughly £300 for a new SQ5 Swan bar on its own, I’m thinking I should have just left it, hope I’m ok
Using WD 40 on a sticky lock isn’t a deal breaker imo. Trying to apply other chemicals may be a problem.
Hope the tow bar firm resolve the issue for you, and show you how ”easy” it is to operate 😉
Hope the tow bar firm resolve the issue for you, and show you how ”easy” it is to operate 😉
Whilst you wouldn’t use WD 40 regularly to lubricate locks, there are dedicated lock lubricants, but one shot to see if it helps release a stuck key isn’t going to do any harm.
I tended to use a silicon lubricant, or Teflon based like GT85. Some recommend graphite powder dry lub, but it can build up if used incorrectly and absorb moisture or oils. Whereas silicon and Teflon do not absorb or bond with contaminant.
Same issue
forums.practicalcaravan.com
Towbar lock problem
On removing my witter detachable towbar last week, the key tumbler came right out of the bar. On reattaching the bar the towbar locked on again ok. On removal the tumbler came out again. Is this a comon problem, is there a quick fix or am I going back to my dealer. The bar is two years old...
That’s an Interesting thread, so you are not unique. Hopefully it can be sorted but I’d still contact Witter to discuss and advise as if your technician fits a new lock body you don’t know if the fault may be with the towball and it could crop up again.Same issue
Towbar lock problem
On removing my witter detachable towbar last week, the key tumbler came right out of the bar. On reattaching the bar the towbar locked on again ok. On removal the tumbler came out again. Is this a comon problem, is there a quick fix or am I going back to my dealer. The bar is two years old...
At worst the spare part needed will be a new barrel with its keys; yours looks a standard enough item, costing typically about £10 to £20.
I had elsewhere to replace one that was "troublesome".
I had elsewhere to replace one that was "troublesome".
I had the same problem with the same detachable towbar,short fix was wd40 but it was all of the road grime that was still inside and problem arose again so I had to dismantle locking mechanism and clean and lightly grease inner parts which done the job but was very awkward and I wouldn't be wanting to do it again.....we have a different car now and I had a normal fixed towbar fitted!!
I would be tempted to explore upgrading the cylinder and keys to something more substantial and secure.
Looke to site like this for advice.
www.fastkeys.co.uk
John
Looke to site like this for advice.
Replacement lock cylinders | Fast Key Services
Vast range of replacement cylinders for your locks, suitable for a wide range of office furniture.
John
I would question the design of positioning a lock of that nature where it would be exposed to road dirt and water. 🤔 Must be a better way to secure the ball.
I hardly ever use WD40 in locks preferring to use a graphite spray. Seems to be better than WD 40 which is brilliant in many other applications where plastic components are not involved.
I’ve never had any problems with detachable locking tow balls, mostly Witter and one Brink. But they were regularly lubricated and the towbar socket would also be cleaned out. I generally removed the towball and stowed it in the boot after arriving back home. Had to carry it in two cars as the towbar fitment removed the rear towing eye facility.
Though it is a "detachable" so the period of exposure ought to be only whilst it is actually needed, the bigger exposure risk will come if we don't use it as intended. I always remove ours, can't see a good reason not to and several reasons why I should.
If you can't get round to removing it then stick an Elastoplast patch or similar over the port with the barrel.
If you can't get round to removing it then stick an Elastoplast patch or similar over the port with the barrel.
When I had a detachable towbar on a Vectra, I never used to lock it. The release knob always clicked back into place when the towball was fitted into the socket.
So to answer Saxos question , yes you can still use the towball.
So to answer Saxos question , yes you can still use the towball.
With the discussion relating to lubrication of locks the following links may be of interest.
www.gpmlocksmith.co.uk
www.acmelocksmith.com
For some years on our domestic or caravan locks I have used silicon or ptfe based lubricants ( WD 40 silicon and GT85 ptfe).
What do locksmiths use to lubricate locks? - GPM Locks - Locksmiths in Milton Keynes
If you have a stiff lock in your home or work place, try lubricating it with one of these and protect your lock.
www.gpmlocksmith.co.uk
What is the Best Lock Lubricant – Locksmith Recommended Lubricant
What Lubricants are Best for Locks? This is one of the most frequently asked questions locksmiths hear. And most people we talk to know about graphite as a lubricant. But it’s 2022, and there are several superior products for auto lock, home lock, and commercial lock applications. The best lock...
www.acmelocksmith.com
For some years on our domestic or caravan locks I have used silicon or ptfe based lubricants ( WD 40 silicon and GT85 ptfe).
Perhaps WD40 is not correct for use in locks. But out of ignorance I used it for many years in many lockes and never had an issue.
John
John
Unless there is something inside the lock or socket mechanism that will react with WD40, I would be very disappointed if the manufacturer denied any liability on the basis of the exposure to WD40 if there is a genuine fault.
Ok good news folks, and absolute fantastic service from the Auto Electrics in Aberdeen.
The manager called me up and was surprised by the Email I sent this morning, which included photos of the barrel, and I also mentioned that I sprayed a little WD40 inside. He fully agreed this shouldn't have happened, and had already contacted Witter who are now sending him a full neck kit, not sure what all will be in it
He is just going to send me the kit once it arrives, then send it to my house address using parcelforce, and I can pick out the brand new Swan Neck and new keys.
Absolute brilliant service, and all the worry has gone
Thanks all to the help on here again.
The manager called me up and was surprised by the Email I sent this morning, which included photos of the barrel, and I also mentioned that I sprayed a little WD40 inside. He fully agreed this shouldn't have happened, and had already contacted Witter who are now sending him a full neck kit, not sure what all will be in it
He is just going to send me the kit once it arrives, then send it to my house address using parcelforce, and I can pick out the brand new Swan Neck and new keys.
Absolute brilliant service, and all the worry has gone
Thanks all to the help on here again.
Last edited:
Fantastic service. Perhaps they suspected something more sinister going on. From earlier posts, I just suspected a faulty cylinder which could have been easily updated.Ok good news folks, and absolute fantastic service from the Auto Electrics in Aberdeen.
The manager called me up and was susprised by the Email I sent this morning, which included photos of the barrel, and I also mentioned that I sprayed a little WD40 inside. He fully agreed this shouldn't have happened, and had already contacted Witter who are now sending him a full kit, which includes the bumper bar, wiring etc.
He is just going to send me the full kit once it arrives, then send it to my house address using parcelforce, and I can pick out the brand new Swan Neck and new keys.
Absolute brilliant service, and all the worry has gone
Thanks all to the help on here again.
Nice to have a good result.
John
That’s excellent customer service.Ok good news folks, and absolute fantastic service from the Auto Electrics in Aberdeen.
The manager called me up and was susprised by the Email I sent this morning, which included photos of the barrel, and I also mentioned that I sprayed a little WD40 inside. He fully agreed this shouldn't have happened, and had already contacted Witter who are now sending him a full neck kit, not sure what all will be in it
He is just going to send me the kit once it arrives, then send it to my house address using parcelforce, and I can pick out the brand new Swan Neck and new keys.
Absolute brilliant service, and all the worry has gone
Thanks all to the help on here again.
I think a new neck kit is just to cover all basis
Great news though, I’m delighted of the outcome
......I have been involved with fitting a complete new towbar to a new to me car.
The used car came fitted with a towbar but the detachable tow ball and the socket it fits into had been removed and was not available to me.
I tried to purchase these components but Tow Trust refused to supply.
I was informed this was a safety policy as they had no knowledge of the history of the components that were still attached to the car.
They only supply the complete towbar.
I was more than happy with this as I could see their point.
Removed and discarded the old bits and fitted complete new towbar.
The used car came fitted with a towbar but the detachable tow ball and the socket it fits into had been removed and was not available to me.
I tried to purchase these components but Tow Trust refused to supply.
I was informed this was a safety policy as they had no knowledge of the history of the components that were still attached to the car.
They only supply the complete towbar.
I was more than happy with this as I could see their point.
Removed and discarded the old bits and fitted complete new towbar.
That makes good sense. But in the OP’s case, Whiter is supplying a recognised fitting company.
John
That seems daft to me, as the parts Male and female / other genders available. Must be made to a specification. If you have lost the insertable tow ball part, why can you not purchase a new one.
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