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a100ian



Member Since: 02 Oct 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 168

England 2008 Freelander 2 TD4 GS Manual Santorini Black
Towbar is locked on, keyhole full of crud!

I have a swaneck towbar I'm not sure of the manufacturer. I would like to remove it and I have the key but the keyhole is full of crud and won't turn. I have tried cleaning it out with copious amounts of WD40 and nails/screwdrivers etc but it still don't budge.

I know one type can be removed by tapping out a roll pin but I can't see one on the handle of this type. Does any member have a suggestion or is it just a case of drill it out and hope that I can buy a new lock?

Post #399029 28th Oct 2020 12:43 pm
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CED



Member Since: 05 Apr 2014
Location: leverington
Posts: 233

United Kingdom 2011 Freelander 2 TD4 HSE Manual Bali Blue

There should be a red and green indicator on this type.if it’s green it’s already unlocked and a turn on the knob (stiff to turn maybe) will release it . I stick a suitably sized plastic disc to mine with grease, it never moves and forms an excellent seal to stop the crud.

Post #399043 28th Oct 2020 3:44 pm
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Bobupndown



Member Since: 26 Dec 2014
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United Kingdom 2014 Freelander 2 SD4 GS Auto Orkney Grey

Another reason why I only have fixed towbars on my cars. Landrover - turning owners into mechanics since 1948

2014 Orkney grey Freelander SD4 GS.
2004 Zambezi silver Discovery 2 Td5 (Gone)
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Post #399054 28th Oct 2020 6:54 pm
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Simon J



Member Since: 27 Jul 2019
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2008 Freelander 2 TD4 XS Auto Rimini Red

Really, Bobupndown? I must have missed your other reasons. Why don’t you tell us them all once again? Very Happy

Post #399062 28th Oct 2020 9:59 pm
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Lightwater



Member Since: 21 Aug 2014
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Post #399063 28th Oct 2020 11:56 pm
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jules



Member Since: 13 Dec 2007
Location: The Wilds of Warwickshire
Posts: 5020

United Kingdom 2014 Freelander 2 SD4 SE Auto Firenze Red
Re: Towbar is locked on, keyhole full of crud!

a100ian wrote:
I have a swaneck towbar I'm not sure of the manufacturer. I would like to remove it and I have the key but the keyhole is full of crud and won't turn. I have tried cleaning it out with copious amounts of WD40 and nails/screwdrivers etc but it still don't budge.

I know one type can be removed by tapping out a roll pin but I can't see one on the handle of this type. Does any member have a suggestion or is it just a case of drill it out and hope that I can buy a new lock?


Ive kept the same Witter removable tow ball ( very similar to yours but also has a bolted flange) ) since my first FL2 (a year after the model was released). It spends 99% of the year in the wheel well. I think if you leave it on the back for any length of time especially during winter then they get a lot of muck in them. There are dissimilar metals in its composition which encourages corrosion. I have part disassembled and re-greased mine once.
You could try cleaning the lock with a TePe interdental brush https://www.tepe.com/uk/products/interdental-brushes/ Jules

Post #399071 29th Oct 2020 10:22 am
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CED



Member Since: 05 Apr 2014
Location: leverington
Posts: 233

United Kingdom 2011 Freelander 2 TD4 HSE Manual Bali Blue

I leave mine on to repell incompetent parkers , at least its one side covered.

Post #399080 29th Oct 2020 2:13 pm
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CliveS



Member Since: 04 Jun 2016
Location: Littleborough
Posts: 204

United Kingdom 2011 Freelander 2 TD4 GS Auto Zermatt Silver

"I leave mine on to repell incompetent parkers "

and unsuspecting shins Whistle Big Cry Smile

Post #399081 29th Oct 2020 2:49 pm
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PRadd



Member Since: 09 Apr 2020
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United Kingdom 2014 Freelander 2 TD4 Dynamic Manual Santorini Black

If an unsuspecting shin is that near the back of mine they will likely get what they deserve Thumbs Up 2014 Freelander 2 TD4 Manual Dynamic
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1956/7 88" Series One Land Rover - undergoing restoration

Post #399083 29th Oct 2020 3:10 pm
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crolandc



Member Since: 03 Feb 2020
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 42

England 2011 Freelander 2 TD4 XS Manual Orkney Grey

CED wrote:
I leave mine on to repell incompetent parkers , at least its one side covered.
Same here, took mine off early this year, it had never been off in it's 7 yrs & was well clogged up, I persevered with a very thin probing tool and plenty of penetrating oil & managed to get the key in, it would not turn but I carried on with the oil & a 2lb hammer & bit by bit got it moving, took me about 30 mins to remove it. Will remove it annually from now on.

Post #399086 29th Oct 2020 4:32 pm
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ReggiePerrin



Member Since: 13 Mar 2013
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 1273

England 2013 Freelander 2 SD4 HSE Lux Auto Firenze Red

Mine is on its second car so six or seven years old and the hook is still as new - it is only on the car if the caravan is following behind, off as soon as the caravan is unhitched either on site or back at home. It is kept in the cloth bag that came with it and lives indoors when off the car.

The receiver cap is always in place when the hook is not on the car too.

Post #399087 29th Oct 2020 6:01 pm
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a100ian



Member Since: 02 Oct 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 168

England 2008 Freelander 2 TD4 GS Manual Santorini Black

Thanks for all the tips, especially keeping it removed when it's off. The brush and keeping the keyhole covered when it's on. I'm going to give it a bit more time this weekend with the spray and try see if I have a little brush anywhere.

Post #399092 29th Oct 2020 9:25 pm
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SakoQuad



Member Since: 15 Jun 2013
Location: Gloucester
Posts: 314

United Kingdom 2010 Freelander 2 TD4 XS Auto Santorini Black

[img] I have exactly the same problem. So far no amount of WD-40 or "massaging" with a mallet has made any difference and key refuses to turn an iota. Terrified of putting large amount of force into turning pressure for fear of it breaking off completely so had rather resigned myself to leaving the bar on permanently..
Will be pleased to hear if you are succesful and how, exactly you managed it it if so!!!

I didn'tI have any obvious crud in the keyhole and the key had no problem slotting in, it just won't turn. I will try the suggestion of having a clean out with a tepee brush though.[/img]

Post #399099 30th Oct 2020 4:00 pm
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3landertwo



Member Since: 27 May 2020
Location: UK
Posts: 1127

the Positive point here is , if you can get the tow hitch off, then some thief won't either, so it's safe. Cool

Post #399108 30th Oct 2020 5:44 pm
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a100ian



Member Since: 02 Oct 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 168

England 2008 Freelander 2 TD4 GS Manual Santorini Black

Quote:
the Positive point here is , if you can get the tow hitch off, then some thief won't either, so it's safe.


Haha very true!

Post #399125 31st Oct 2020 11:25 am
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