Member Since: 04 Jul 2008
Location: In A World of My Own!
Posts: 2863
Siezed Towbar - any ideas??
A few years ago when I sold my 07 D3 i had great fun removing the towbar as it was seized and wouldn't release. Eventually got it off the car and the main shaft wouldn't return back to the position to mount onto the car - just constantly stuck inside. The small trigger pin seems to be free as it can move it a little up ond down and twist it a little, but the main shaft will not come back out.
I followed the instructions to free it up on the powerful site video, but no success, Ive tried heating with a blowtorch and even left it inside my has barbecue to heat up, so far nothing has worked. Im suspecting the ball bearing inside has somehow become trapped not allowing the mechanism to release.
Just thought Id check for anything ive not tried to see if there is any way to recover it before turning it into a door stop in the garage.
Ideas on a postcard please Must stop buying shiny toys....
20th Jun 2020 10:54 am
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72774
Patent it as the theft-proof D3 towbar.
20th Jun 2020 10:55 am
darrind
Member Since: 04 Jul 2008
Location: In A World of My Own!
Posts: 2863
Heat is not the way to go. The big spring inside will now be but a flappy bit of metal. So even soaking it in diesel isn't going to fix it now. No idea where you might get a spring but I would doubt if it was a special just for towbars.A vaccine does not stop you catching a virus, or passing it on, or getting ill from it, really ill. It does reduce the likelyhood of you dying when really, really ill. Stay Alive - KEEP AWAY FROM PEOPLE.
20th Jun 2020 12:15 pm
darrind
Member Since: 04 Jul 2008
Location: In A World of My Own!
Posts: 2863
I figured if I could get the main shaft out then the spring and bearing would be replaced anyway, until they are out its just a doorstop or a very small anchor anyway!
Its had two years of soaking with penetrating fluids and still no progress, the only thing I havent tried is a freezing spray.
Was thinking of trying the beautifully titled "Freeze Your Nuts Off" spray on it unless anyone has other ideas...Must stop buying shiny toys....
20th Jun 2020 7:00 pm
riverblanche
Member Since: 31 Aug 2010
Location: retford'ish
Posts: 2210
Hi,
have you removed the handle and "turning" spindle shaft so its just the main shaft your trying to move
I also have a selection of hammers to suit most jobs
they range from Toffee, upholsters, tapping, claw, builders, 1lb, lump and sledge can not find the glass one
A few years ago when I sold my 07 D3 i had great fun removing the towbar as it was seized and wouldn't release. Eventually got it off the car and the main shaft wouldn't return back to the position to mount onto the car - just constantly stuck inside. The small trigger pin seems to be free as it can move it a little up ond down and twist it a little, but the main shaft will not come back out.
I followed the instructions to free it up on the powerful site video, but no success, Ive tried heating with a blowtorch and even left it inside my has barbecue to heat up, so far nothing has worked. Im suspecting the ball bearing inside has somehow become trapped not allowing the mechanism to release.
Just thought Id check for anything ive not tried to see if there is any way to recover it before turning it into a door stop in the garage.
Ideas on a postcard please
Have you stripped all parts off the main body as per the video? Once you remove the releasing pin which runs right to left, you should be able to get the main retaining pin out.
20th Jun 2020 9:32 pm
OldPOP
Member Since: 15 Apr 2017
Location: Newbury
Posts: 117
From my experience the "bulge" on the outside is the perfect place to aim a hammer blow. but this bulge is to house the pin and one of mine had been hit here resulting in the metal deforming which pinched the pin inside.
I had to get hold of the pin and rotate it whilst pulling and it came free. Then had to ream the hole out (16mm from memory) before the pin would slide correctly again.
20th Jun 2020 9:41 pm
darrind
Member Since: 04 Jul 2008
Location: In A World of My Own!
Posts: 2863
riverblanche wrote:
Hi,
have you removed the handle and "turning" spindle shaft so its just the main shaft your trying to move
I also have a selection of hammers to suit most jobs
they range from Toffee, upholsters, tapping, claw, builders, 1lb, lump and sledge can not find the glass one
Yes stripped it down to the bones both sides removed and geared shaft removed just main locking shaft trigger shaft and internal springs and bearing left.
Small amount of movement on the trigger shaft up and down - 1-2mm and rotates main shaft will move by around 0.5mm with a tap on the end - tried using the geared shaft with a spanner on the flat side to get some movement but little success so farMust stop buying shiny toys....
21st Jun 2020 12:27 pm
darrind
Member Since: 04 Jul 2008
Location: In A World of My Own!
Posts: 2863
Having rewatched the video, theirs isn’t actually seized so came apart easily - mine is a “Proper Job” Must stop buying shiny toys....
21st Jun 2020 12:30 pm
riverblanche
Member Since: 31 Aug 2010
Location: retford'ish
Posts: 2210
HHMmmmmmm
sounds like something is bent or as you say the ball bearing is wedged rather than the shaft seized
it should be 2 seconds to depress the pin and 20 minutes to find the ball bearing on the garage floor
Vice or G clamp to apply force on the pin and then Jiggle the main shaft maybe
if you were going to freeze/heat I would think its the main shaft that wants cooling and the body that wants heating, but as said spring may not like the heat.
best of luckTransit! 2019
Gone D3 HSE 2008
Another Porsche Cayenne 2022
Gone Porsche Cayenne 2020
Gone RRS HSE Dynamic 2016
Gone RRS HSE LUX 2011
Gone RRS HSE 2006
Gone D3 SE 2.7 2008
gone D2 Td5 1999
I plan on living forever and so far so good !
Club DG Mclaren stuff
.
21st Jun 2020 1:32 pm
darrind
Member Since: 04 Jul 2008
Location: In A World of My Own!
Posts: 2863
Think I will leave this on the - must do when every other job is sorted and Im really bored on a rainy day pile - for anther few years
However I have ordered some "freeze your nuts off" spray, so may give it a go
I'll report back if theres any progress!
Must stop buying shiny toys....
22nd Jun 2020 12:35 am
Discoveringcomfort
Member Since: 16 Sep 2015
Location: Berkshire
Posts: 637
It is likely as you say that both of the springs and ball are working against you.
My only suggestion is to put continued pressure on the end of the locking bar to push it in against the main spring and hope to free the presure on the ball? Possibly try to twist the bar side to side?Series 1 V8
Series 2 Hibrid V8
Discovery 3 HSE V8
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
