horrid noise when towing

[shaynem]

hi there, just back from a weekend away and my abbey york 2 berth has started to make a noise like a old metal spring bed getting twisted.only happens when moving ,checked tow ball /hitch greased everything else but still this noise.

is it the wheel bearing? i use a alko 2004 system.

cheers

 

[Parksy]

Hi Shane

The Al Ko 2004 system relies on friction pads for correct operation and if you have applied any form of grease or other lubricant you will have damaged the pads.

The noise will have been caused by a contaminant (e.g. grease or oil) on the tow ball and friction pads.

The tow ball needs to be clean and free from paint, it's best to use a cover when the towball is not in use to prevent road contamination.

Clean the towball using brake cleaner which is available from Lidl or motor accessory shops.

You might have to replace the pads inside the stabiliser which is not a difficult job.

Always ensure that the towball is spotlessly clean before hitching up.

 

[shaynem]

the towball was clean as was the inside of the hitch .the pads feel smooth.just checked the wheels and both spin freely when off the h/brake.did notice that one tyre has to be replaced as it has grown a split from the inner base tyre that the tread is stuck to.

 

[paul_374410560]

the noise is from the pads creaking on the tow ball

as suggested clean the tow ball with wet and dry and then clean with brake cleaner

the pads should be ok, to rub with wet and dry on the concave surface of the pads inside and then brake clean

should be ok then

 

[paul_374410560]

to eliminate the tow ball find a quiet road, leave the caravan on the tow ball and lift up or back off the stabiliser handle so the caravan is on the ball but not stabilising and see if the noise is still there if it is it could be a wheel area noise, but does sound like alko pads

 

[shaynem]

the noise is from the pads creaking on the tow ball

as suggested clean the tow ball with wet and dry and then clean with brake cleaner

the pads should be ok, to rub with wet and dry on the concave surface of the pads inside and then brake clean

should be ok then

thanks mate ,will give it a go.

 

[xtrailman]

Shayne

The last time i had a noise towing, i found the towbar was loose on the bolts, the bolts each end of the cross beam had worked loose after a couple of years use.

can you get some one to tow your van, to eliminate it?

 

[shaynem]

i have checked and done all the remedy's but i still get the noise .i have noticed the my tyre might not be the best condition ,would two new tyres at the right pressure be an idea.also do they have to balanced on the single chassis van?

thanks again shayne

 

[Paul_374423711]

As other Paul says. lift ALKO stabiliser handle and try driving a few hundred yards. What you describe is dirt contamination at the friction pads. Could be just 1 grain of sand and the noise you hear when towing is awful as it travels right down the chassis rails of the car.

Re tyres, Any concern then change them. I suggest that you get some one out to have a look see. A mobile engineer should be able to advvis you about your tyres and clean up your ALKO and the friction pads.

Paul S

 

[Sam_374394490]

Hi Shayne

I am really grateful to you for posting this topic, as this is what happened to us coming back from Somerset last weekend.

We have a brand new Adria Altea, and when we left the CC site it could only be described as a knocking noise. We pulled over into the services, and did all the checks. Firstly, we thought it was the electric cables knocking against the A-frame, my hubby tied them together with cable ties to prevent this. We checked the front locker, and as we do not carry much in the locker due to nose weight we were really baffled. We put it down to the pads on the corner steadies banging over the bumpy road, but by the time we got home we had also ruled this out.

It has been really worrying us what with the caravan being brand new. We always clean the tow ball, with a green scourer (the type you use to wash up with). Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Especially, if we are doing something wrong :-0

Thank you

Sam

 

[dougdotcom]

If you could find a empty road then get someone to sit over the front window inside the caravan and let them watch and listen as you drive along. it wont take long to find the problem, say 30 seconds.

Must point out this is not legal to do and thats why i said a empty road or a private road