Towball cleaning?

[Len_Cuff]

On the way home today from site there was a noticeable creaking coming from the tow ball area. How can I clean it as it looks a bit rusty? I know I can't use any lubricant as it's an Alko hitch.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Len,

To remove light rust, use a fine emery cloth, in conjunction with a spray of brake cleaner, cleaning should not be necessary as the action of the Alko hitch will clean any light rust as happens with most brakes.

Excessive abrasive cleaning should be avoided as it will eventually reduce the size of the ball.

 

[bertieboy1]

Our towball started creaking at the start of our holiday and now we're home I'll go about fixing it.
I've found two things -
1.After giving the friction pads a rub with an emery cloth and -
2.Cleaning the towball after use
Should stop the creaking.
I've also discovered diesel particles on the towball (depending on the towball position relative to the car exhaust pipe)

 

[Damian]

You should clean the towball before every trip using either a nylon sourer or if needed, emery paper and followed by a good wash with brake cleaner spray.

You should also make sure the friction pads in the hitch are clean and free from contamination.

It is very unwise to rely on the hitch friction pads to remove light rust as this will contaminate the pads.

 

[intransient1]

A simple and soft way to clean the tow ball is with a stainless steel pan scrubber,
They are not harsh and weigh very little and can be left in the front locker for future uses.