Noisy tow bar

[Tadger]

Hi all, we are new Cali owners of two weeks, 180 DSG with tow bar. We pull an Eriba Triton with Alko anti-snake hitch, (previously with our VW caravelle) and have always been noise free. Have just tried first tow and the unit is making dreadful creaking and graunching noises on left and right turns reduced when towing in a straight line! The tow bar is a Westfalia removable one, do these normally have to settle in? Any thoughts welcome ...

 

[WelshGas]

The Alko anti-snake system has special requirements for the actual tow hitch. Is the one on your California the same as the one on your previous vehicle?

 

[18hunts]

Assuming you have removed paint from tow ball, the noise from the tow ball is usual down to mucky friction pads on the caravan hitch.
A bit of light grade sand paper or wet and dry rubbed on the friction pads and removes the dirt causing the noise.

 

[Scapa]

Hi all, we are new Cali owners of two weeks, 180 DSG with tow bar. We pull an Eriba Triton with Alko anti-snake hitch, (previously with our VW caravelle) and have always been noise free. Have just tried first tow and the unit is making dreadful creaking and graunching noises on left and right turns reduced when towing in a straight line! The tow bar is a Westfalia removable one, do these normally have to settle in? Any thoughts welcome ...

Is your Alko hitch the 'dry' hitch with the pads inside (which is what helps stop the snaking) if it is did you take the paint off your towball? It needs to be clear of paint and any dust, rust and definitely no grease. Also check your hitch pads are clean, a spray of brake cleaner and a wipe usually does it. If you still get a squeak then a wee trick is to wet the towball (clean water only) just before dropping the hitch on. Hope this helps.

 

[Tadger]

Thanks for quick response, our old hitch was fixed, this new one is removable, but we were assured it was Alco compatible. We didn't think about paint, but most has been removed by the first tow! We'll spend tomorrow cleaning off the rest of the paint and checking the inside of the hitch.
I must add, apart from the noise, the 180 DSG towed like a dream, loving this Bus!