With my van on the towbar, it creaks and grones when turning. I have sprayed some silicone spray on the ball & coupling, also inside where the WDH goes. I know my van is not overweight. What could be the cause?
Creaking when turning normally occurs when WDH are being used - if happening (at tow bar) without WDH fitted - Get it checked for faulty tow bar fitment. Are you certain of location of "creak/groan"? Leaf springs will emit noises when load shifts when turning.
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Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
I would guess that it is your WDH that is creaking and not your ball or tow bar. The golden rule is, anything that has metal to metal rubbing needs a grease lube. Like a baby's bottom, if you don't spread that Vaseline around, the poor little blighter will get a bad case of nappy rash.
Grease your ball, your vans coupling cup, and for your WDH that means the underside of the bars that rub on the chain loops/hooks, and also the hitch end of the bars that go into the holes, and any washers and pins.
Yes they get dirty from dust etc but nothing an old rag can't simply wipe off when the crud builds up too much. In the back of the tug I make sure I have easy access to two things:- a) a plastic ball cover, & b) an old film canister (remember those?) full of some sticky purple high temp axel grease.
A tiny dab on the index finger and smear that where it's needed. No grease means creaking and groaning and accelerated wear.
I would guess that it is your WDH that is creaking and not your ball or tow bar. The golden rule is, anything that has metal to metal rubbing needs a grease lube. Like a baby's bottom, if you don't spread that Vaseline around, the poor little blighter will get a bad case of nappy rash.
Grease your ball, your vans coupling cup, and for your WDH that means the underside of the bars that rub on the chain loops/hooks, and also the hitch end of the bars that go into the holes, and any washers and pins.
Yes they get dirty from dust etc but nothing an old rag can't simply wipe off when the crud builds up too much. In the back of the tug I make sure I have easy access to two things:- a) a plastic ball cover, & b) an old film canister (remember those?) full of some sticky purple high temp axel grease.
A tiny dab on the index finger and smear that where it's needed. No grease means creaking and groaning and accelerated wear.
Agree.
Since coming down a very steep & winding range with the 'hitch' groaning & screaming as if something was about to come adrift & send us over the side, I have been very careful to keep all the rubbing bits well greased.
Oh yes, I pulled up at the first opportunity and unhooked, lifted up & checked all wheels, inspected the chassis etc. Then I stopped for a cuppa, what I should have done first up. Thought a bit, then I greased all of the hitch surfaces & all was then OK. Been an advocate of greasing ever since.
Try some Hayman Reece towball grease. works wonder and not dirty as other greases. Also lubricate the chain links top and bottom on hitch. Amazing what a difference that will make.
Official advice from HR and works not just a marketing ploy for their grease. Like you I don't like squeaks as it means wear.
Thanks for the info, I have a few things to work on. I didn't know anything about the weight on the springs.
I have noted that the measurement in the wheel arch between the front and back are different so maybe that could have something to do with it.( add more links )
As I said I use silicone spray so maybe try the dry stick instead
Al Ko say today that " keep the ball & hitch clean", grease not necessary. But a light grease may be ok. Hayman Reece will be investigated, nothing much worse than cheap grease.
Al Ko say today that " keep the ball & hitch clean", grease not necessary. But a light grease may be ok. Hayman Reece will be investigated, nothing much worse than cheap grease.
Agree with ALKO, been keeping my balls clean for years
BUT if the creaking and groaning starts to sound like when you twist and turn an alloy beer can then check the towbar mounts on the chassis, it may be cracking..........
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Checking out the places I drove past a thousand times................
I've been doing so on Draglines and machinery since '59\'60.
Long term Nothing takes it's place.
I have 2 lever grease guns.
One pressure gun with 7lb Bucket.
and a small single handed push greaser from the '70's.
and LOTS of greases.
Even a little tube here of Lithium Synthetic grease\lube for my Torches.
(I'm a torch freak. 13 at last count and Building another two.
With one more in post from States.
