Squealing Hitch

[GarryandNikki_5066463]

Hi,

Can anyone give me any useful advice? My hitch has just started groaning and squeling whilst towing my caravan. I tried releasing the stabiliser so I was just hitched (ALKO 2700) and the squealing/groaning seems to disappear. Is my stabiliser too tight, are the pads worn out or what's this I am hearing about degreasing the hitch? I am new to this and any useful advice would be appreciated?

 

[Paul_5041248]

If you have slight surface ust on the towball this will cause squeeking / groaning. Use some very fine wet and dry paper to clean the ball before hitching.

 

[PaulA3]

If as you say you release the stabiliser and the noise stops the problem is the stabiliser. Its a common problem that usually happens when you have driven in wet conditions, road water and grit get between the friction plates of the stabiliser and it makes the noise when turning.Check your friction pads it Can be cured by cleaning the pads with clean water only, but to be honest it not worth the effort the noise will eventually stop, till you next have a wet trip.

 

[GarryandNikki_5066463]

Hi Paul

Thanks for your comments I'll try and clean the hitch, but tell me whats your opinion on greasing the hitch. One person tells me to grease the hitch well, and the other tells me to degrease and clean.

 

[Paul_5041248]

DO NOT GREASE THE HITCH. The non stabilising hitches must be greased. The Alko type stabilised hitches must not - grease it and you may as well fit an ordinary hitch. The stabilising effect if produced by the friction of the pads against the ball. Hence, if the ball has slight surface rust on it the pads will jar as the outift articulates about the ball and you will get the squealing you describe. You also need to make sure that the dealer who carries out any servicing does not hav a universal mover that they use for any type of hitch for this will mean that you will get grease on the pads and they will be ineffective.

 

[parker1158]

Hi all

Sorry I don't mean to stoop to certain other people's level but, quite genuinely, when I first saw this listing (without my glasses on) I thought it said Squealing *****. I got quite excited until I read the thread. Mind you it made my day I haven't stop laughing at myself since.

Incidentally while I am on the others are correct mine squeaks from time to time but a rub with some emery paper and wipe round with a cloth fixes it (no grease though)

 

[Tina3]

Hi all

Sorry I don't mean to stoop to certain other people's level but, quite genuinely, when I first saw this listing (without my glasses on) I thought it said Squealing *****. I got quite excited until I read the thread. Mind you it made my day I haven't stop laughing at myself since.

Incidentally while I am on the others are correct mine squeaks from time to time but a rub with some emery paper and wipe round with a cloth fixes it (no grease though)

no wonder she squeals!

 

[BigRoy]

Hi all

Sorry I don't mean to stoop to certain other people's level but, quite genuinely, when I first saw this listing (without my glasses on) I thought it said Squealing *****. I got quite excited until I read the thread. Mind you it made my day I haven't stop laughing at myself since.

Incidentally while I am on the others are correct mine squeaks from time to time but a rub with some emery paper and wipe round with a cloth fixes it (no grease though)

Martyn, don't use emery paper on it as emery is oil based so you will leave a film of oil on the ball, use wet and dry paper as Paul says.

 

[CaptainKangaroo]

no wonder she squeals!

Tina, your a very naughty girl!

 

[GarryandNikki_5066463]

Hi,

Thanks very much for all your useful comments. I shall remember not to grease the *****! - I mean hitch!!! and rub it down with wet and dry.

Cheers