If you still have your hitch tied down, it will be hard to take it off. Over 200+ free JavaScripts here! Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Step 3. After youve finished spraying, youll need to settle for a hammer. How to Tighten the Hitch Ball (Step by Step)? You might also hit the ball shank with a rubber mallet to help try and break it free as well. If left inside the receiver, ball mount vibration can begin to erode the protective coating and allow for rust inside the receiver tube. Insert a screwdriver into the lock hole and press down to remove the inner mechanism. If your ball mount or hitch ball are rusted beyond repair, you will need to remove them from the trailer hitch to be able to replace it under the $5 lifetime warranty through U-Haul. Use during assembly to prevent galling, corrosion and seizing and to assure easier disassembly. The first step is to rap the hitch receivers sides. ry=1 Almost all mechanical and engineering problems can be solved with a sawzall or duct tape. To remove a corroded receiver lock hitch pin, you will need to destroy the lock. Repeat these steps when rust develops over time. Note that a towel is not needed if the hitch is attached to the receiver of a trailer or other load because the hitch ball should be locked into the trailer tongue. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Spray (WD40, BOESHIELD T-9, Permatex is recommended). Keep in mind that when the ball mount is not in use, it is best to remove it. The most likely cause for a stuck trailer hitch is rust between the ball mount and the hitch receiver. Anyway key broke off in lock and I need to remove the hitch/reciever lock. To do this, youll need WD-40, BOESHIELD T-9, or any other suitable lubricant. Be careful on your backswing so you dont accidentally hit or damage your vehicle. It gets expensive buying pins sets every year from corrosion. https://youtu.be/u31SJzLVIFILike what you see? You can also use a chisel-shaped bit on your air hammer. When you do free it up, coat your receiver tube with Permatex - Anti-Seize Lubricant - A Heavy duty blend of aluminum, copper and graphite lubricants in a petroleum base. Water can be quickly purified by boiling, as high temperatures eliminate harmful microorganisms, including parasites and bacteria. You could use a ARC stick welder and just burn through it on a high setting. Id suggest pre-drilling smaller holes first from the center out to keep the drill bit centered and prevent damage to you hitch. You should start to see bubbling in this process. All rights reserved. Youll also need to spray the threaded holes in addition to the ball mount. With the amount of moisture we endure, it is important to remove, as well as prevent, rust on our material objects and personal belongings. */ Also read: Step Bumper Receiver Hitch Installation guide. Youll be able to finish your task after that. This is the best way to heat the area of the tow bar assembly where the hitch goes. So. "flat" key or "round" key? If just the hitch ball needs replacing but its stuck inside the ball mount then youll want to follow a similar strategy to the ball mount. Have a helper signal the driver as the driver slowly uses the tow vehicle to pull away from the fixed load to remove the hitch. Eventually, the oxidation of the metal or steel on an object (in this case a vehicle hitch) will oxide, leading to corrosion and rust. However, remember that we always recommend taking preventive steps to keep the rust at bay rather than removing it later. Look for corrosion around the hitch pin holes and the interior of the receiver opening. myimages[3]="../../../images/top-banner/LX25-FreeShipping.jpg" Diamond T trucks. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. The 2inch ball is stuck on with presumably being rusted on, thinking about 10 years. U-Haul International, Inc.'s trademarks and copyrights are used under license by Web Team Associates, Inc. When you get it out let us know, if you send it in we can help remove the rest of the pin at no charge. My fear is if i use a sawsall the blade will rub on the bumper.help:help: Mods: 20x9 Wheels 275/55/20 Falken ST04 To remove your rusted trailer hitch ball, you need only these tools available near you, which will be enough to remove it properly. document.write('') You may freely link If the tapping method does not work, apply a fixed load to the hitchblock tires if using a traileror properly attach a chain or strap to a solid object. #vanlife). Use the hammer so as not to damage the receiver hitch. Every day we fix different hitches for our clients. Here are some of the guidelines to remove it easily: Its imperative to get a good quality penetrating spray to make your work easy. Spray it with a good penetrating oil (like you've done), and run a chain from the ball to a stationary object (such as a tree). If the trailer ball spins when you turn the wrench, grip it with a second wrench and turn it in the opposite direction. Rinse and repeat if any rust still remains. When driving down the road, always check to see if your vehicles license plate is visible. Watch for things that could fall behind you, and be ready to avoid getting hit. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Page created in 1.508 seconds with 40 queries. random_imglink2() It may take some time to come out. You can usually access it from the back side of the hitch. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. Here, you must spray the hitch receivers hole. To loosen the inside of the lock hitch pin, use a hammer to hit it around the face side several times. Updated: 00/04/25 This is a fixed pin box as compared to a Sidewinder or Revolution pin box that has a rotating turret on the pin box that gives the trailer a different pivot point. //specify random images below. It may seem unbelievable, but hitch balls have been reported stolen from vehicles. There are a several different options: If you heat the hitch and pin using a torch a lot of times it will break the materials free and you can use a hammer and punch to remove the pin. DoItYourself.com, founded in 1995, is the leading independent If thats the case, youll have to get the spray again and try again. So, youve finished air hammering all of the receivers pieces. It will gradually emerge. In any instance, it may remain trapped inside. WINS!!! The appropriate gears are required, and the rest is a piece of cake. I'd guess he'd be cutting for a year using a sawzall.my guess is the pin is hardened steel, which would be a royal ***** to cut. /* This can cause rusting, speeding up the need for a replacement. A ball mount connects the trailer ball to the receiver hitch. on Sawmills and Milling, Started by firefighter ontheside This guide will provide step-by-step procedures on how to remove rust from a vehicle hitch. Then, we wrapped that strap around the hitch. Determine the Best Car Wax for Your Vehicle, How to Repair Peeling Paint on Steel Garage Doors. I hope you found it helpful. imagelinks[1]="http://www.ezboardwalk.com/" wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Use the small paint brush to apply a coat of naval jelly over the rusted area. If your trailer hitch ball is rusted and youre tensed, how to remove it as it is poorly stuck, or you may think you should call a mechanic, then just relax. How about a jewlers torch - easier to control in a tight space. Absolutely! Next, we tightened the strap and used a hammer to knock the hitch into the sideways position. After inserting the key, rotate it in a counterclockwise manner. ry=1 We have also a physical hitch repair store in Poland. After that, you must proceed to the next step to get the straw well inside the hitch receivers corners. You must pull out the ball mount when it begins to loosen. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. I'd say use an abrasive disk or a oxy/acet torch. If youre doing a lot of towing, ensure the travel trailer has a weight-distribution hitch. Try sliding a pipe over the handle of the wrench to add additional length so you can get even more leverage. This can cause rusting, speeding up the need for a replacement. Add a comment. Those locks are easy for a locksmith. These pins should last years if you maintenance the lock once in a while. This is the smallest cutting wheel size, and it will be easier to maneuver in a small space. I'd suggest pre-drilling smaller holes first from the center out to keep the drill bit centered and prevent damage to you . Preventing this type of rust is as simple as removing the ball mount when it is not being used and storing it inside your home or vehicle. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Should I lubricate my trailer hitch ball? After youve finished spraying, youll need a wrench. Heres an easy way to get them out of the hole. From that point of view, you should be gentle and use the right tool for the job. Attempt to dislodge the nut using a wrench. imagelinks[3]="https://woodmizer.com/Store/Shop/Portable-Sawmills/LX25-Portable-Sawmill?utm_source=forestryforum.com&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=lx25&utm_term=2023-02-10&utm_content=800x160" JavaScript is disabled. Most of the time, an air hammer, a punch, some WD40, and sometimes is enough to get them out. You want your hitch ball to be in the most outstanding possible condition while its connecting thousands of pounds to your tow vehicle. Read more, Affiliate Disclosure While all U-Haul hitches come with a protective coating, it can still be worn away over time with heavy usage, improper care and overexposure to the elements. Wait to put the grinder down until the disc has stopped rotating. Use a hand hammer to hit it until the head of the screwdriver is completely inserted. You can avoid being pulled over by the cops by removing your hitch ball while youre not using it. function random_imglink(){ . Apply a fixed load to the hitch (block tires if using a trailer or properly attach a chain or strap to a solid object). This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website.