Problem with detachable towing hook

[Madpad_01]

I have a westfalia detachable tow bar fitted to my car, normally it connects into the housing with out an issue. Today I tried to connect it in and it would not click into place. All moving parts seem to move ok , stuck my finger in the hole could not feel any obstruction.

I had to use a small hammer on the twist lock for it to click in place.

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks.

 

[Mr Plodd]

It's probably down to surface rust stopping the hook getting fully inserted. You might have an issue removing it now!
Once yiu have removed it look at tge various mating surfaces and give them a going over with a wire brush (the "V" sections on both appear to be tge offenders) once clean apply a smear of copper-slip or similar to prevent it happening again.
DONT be tempted to use a hammer ever again! there's a reason it won't seat properly, it's important to fix the issue rather than just using brute force!

 

[Madpad_01]

My explanation was a little poor, the hammer I used was a little 1lb tap hammer. However the point has been taken on board not to use it again.

On the positive side, the bar dropped out without any issues.

I will buy some copper ease to see if this helps the insertion going forward.

 

[Mr Plodd]

Just be sure to wire brush all the surfaces before applying a light smear of grease.
I have had this type of issue before, hence my advice.
If the hook won't "lock in" with ease then investigate why!

 

[JTQ]

Greases have to be used with care on these taper based fittings as they tend not to be "light" enough to readily flow out of the way enabling the taper to seat as deeply as is required.
It needs to be only used as a very light smear on the contact faces as stated.
Particularly here where because of the difficulties already faced, the unit would appear to be towards the tighter end of the manufacturing tolerances; in most respects no bad thing.

Personally I would use an oil rather than a grease, the characteristics better suit this type of taper fitting application.

 

[IanB1485]

I had a similar problem with my Witter detachable tow ball years ago , very frustrating , I never greased it as usually trying to insert it several times it eventually it worked. On the next car The mobile fitter recommended a TT type and 'touch wood; never had a similar problem.

 

[Dustydog]

Mt Westfalia was fiddly to detach and attach. Rightly or wrongly I leave it on 24/7 in the knowledge it is totally secure. It’s been fixed for 6 years with no problems!

A lot of detachments have historically arisen because of incorrect attachment. A fixed tow ball was not an option for my VW.

 

[Beachball]

My Westfalia Detachable was sometimes hard to get in and out so sometimes I would leave it on the car because it was easier for me , but taken off when the car was moved on .🙏