New Pads for Alco hitch

The last service I had done, the mobile man asked if I wanted new pads fitting. I said yes.

The handle ended up almost as bad as yours to push up and down and after a few miles towing there were horrendous cracking noises coming from the coupling. I decided to remove the pads to have a look. The service man had put 2 spacers in as well as 2 new pads. I removed the spacers and rubbed the tow ball and pads with fine wet and dry paper hoping to reduce the noise. It worked, handle easier to move up and down also the cracking noise is gone "for now at least". Its a relatively easy job for a handy person.

I think the spacers are in the kit to be fitted as required. Means if required. In any case the service person should have checked it. Ball size is standard, so there is no excuse.

We recently had the same problem, OH removed the spacers no more noise from the hitch and easier to lock on and release.

Maybe that's all that needs to be done Pippah45

Thanks for that - I am getting on in age although pretty strong but that was ridiculous!  And was threatening my continued confidence in towing and touring.  I think I will put the car up to the caravan tomorrow before the mechanic gets here!  

I have had that creaking and groaning noise too and spray the hitch with - a proprietary spray - for brakes I think - I can check the can.  I haven't had that noise with this caravan which I believe is dirt accumulating on the ball and the hitch.  But don't on any account use WD40 or any such product.  

I bought the kit and done ours myself and it has been perfect. Seems that I have been lucky then as I am usually rubbish at DIY.

I would fit the shims when the pads start to wear and the handle goes down too easily.  Puting in shims with new pads suggests the person who did it does not know what they are doing, and maybe not with other service items either.

Service done today and I checked that I could do it!  Young man said  he hadn't any trouble with it as it had been but he isn't 76 years old!  He claimed there was a knack to it - yeah right!