Depending on how often you use it, you might not even realize that your hitch ball is missing. Those locks are easy for a locksmith. myimages2[2]="../../../images/top-banner/behindtheforum.jpg"
Dry the metal and paint with an oil-based paint within 24 hours to prevent the return of the rust. If your hitch ball extends beyond your bumper, it may be difficult to see. 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. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Keep in mind that you are spraying liberally while spraying. One standard anti-rattling device looks like a bolt put into the receiver hitch. Use a hand hammer to hit it until the head of the screwdriver is completely inserted. And that shall make the lock's end section loosen up and separate from the rest of the body. In fact, using lubricant is the best way to avoid a rusted hitch mount altogether. To remove a corroded receiver lock hitch pin, you will need to destroy the lock. But it also builds up if you live in a wintery region where they apply salt to the roads throughout the winter to melt ice and provide a safer driving . on Forestry and Logging, Started by Jim_Rogers 1995-2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. If you notice spots that have worn out the powdered coating, you will want to touch those up with a rust stopping paint to reseal the metal underneath. Youll be able to do what needs to be done once that is out of the way. . 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 DoItYourself.com, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Using a Wrench Conclusion Why do you need to remove the trailer hitch ball? We use cookies to make wikiHow great. The best way to ensure your hitch doesnt get stuck is to take it off every so often. Wham! home improvement and repair website. Try spraying the areas around the receiver opening with WD-40 and then use a rubber hammer to help knock the ball mount loose. just another beaver with a chainsaw & it's never so bad that it couldn't get worse. Apply the spray to your hands and spray around the ball nut. Oct 13, 2008 Only show this user I hadn't used my hitch for awhile so it the hitch lock was very rusty. When you heat the steel, it will expand, but as it cools, the expansion should stop, and the hitch should come off. If you did, please share it with your friends or family members who may also be struggling with this issue. $35.72. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. To accomplish so, keep an eye on the ball mount and follow the steps outlined above simultaneously and with the same amount of effort. Remember to use caution/gloves when handling the naval jelly. If you get the pins out, or have to cut the nipples off, I would recommend using a wet hinge pin, like part # HP412G which will hopefully prevent this from happening in the future. if youre facing the same problem still, then all you have to do now is keep hammering until you see the trailer hitchs ball mount loosening. Do not paint over rust as that will not prevent the corrosion from continuing underneath. After reading our article, we anticipate you will be able to properly execute your preferred way to eliminate this problem. (Explained), Step Bumper Receiver Hitch Installation (Step by Step), Types of 5th Wheel Hitches: A Guide to Choose The Correct One, 12 Best Weight Distribution Hitches Review 2023 (With Sway Control), Andersen vs Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Hitch: Find the Differences, Spray / penetrating fluid (WD40, BOESHIELD, Permatex can be considered). Twice and it popped off. Similar to the receiver, the ball mount will be powder coated as well to prevent rust. Dip the paper towel in a bowl of lukewarm water to get the paper towel damp. Take the trailer ball hitch off of your vehicle or cover it with a. Removing a Rusted Hitch Mount from the Receiver, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/33\/Get-a-Rusted-Trailer-Hitch-Ball-Off-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Rusted-Trailer-Hitch-Ball-Off-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/33\/Get-a-Rusted-Trailer-Hitch-Ball-Off-Step-1.jpg\/aid13298987-v4-728px-Get-a-Rusted-Trailer-Hitch-Ball-Off-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":" \u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. With the amount of moisture we endure, it is important to remove, as well as prevent, rust on our material objects and personal belongings. You might also hit the ball shank with a rubber mallet to help try and break it free as well. Spray as much as you believe you need fluidly. To loosen the inside of the lock hitch pin, use a hammer to hit it around the face side several times.
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You could also try soaking the entire hitch in. You should start to see bubbling in this process. To remove it, all you have to do is use the wrench. By using our site, you agree to our.
4 Simple ways to Remove Rusted or Stuck trailer hitch ball 1. In any instance, it may remain trapped inside. Over 200+ free JavaScripts here! That way, it will loosen up and be easier to remove with other methods too. If the trailer ball spins when you turn the wrench, grip it with a second wrench and turn it in the opposite direction. :victory: I had a similar situation and went to my local lock smith. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Ive often seen them under the tow bar, leading up to the receiver tube. You can usually access it from the back side of the hitch.
If it has started to rust already you want to remove that rust with a homemade or store-bought rust remover and then apply the paint over it. The same problem can also be avoided by cleaning your car well with the wire wheel and ensuring that no grit, sand, or dirt is stuck around the hitch. You'll also need to spray the threaded holes in addition to the ball mount. */
Website operating Has anyone made removable hitch for WM trailer? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Using your hitch for camping, mountain biking, towing or other outdoor activities puts your hitch at risk to corrode and rust over time which can cause trailering complications and safety concerns. And last but not least, removing the hitch ball after your work is done keeps your hitch ball excellent and fresh so that you can easily maintain it, and it will last long. Very annoying if I wanted to switch to a bike rack, meaning I can't. For this, youll need WD-40, BOESHIELD T-9, or another lubricant that can get the job done. Coating Your Hitch with a Protective Agent. //specify corresponding links below
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 8,929 times. By purchasing your hitch, ball mount and hitch ball through U-Haul ensures that you will be protecting your investment and continuing your towing adventures. Repeat these steps when rust develops over time. Its hard to believe how many people dont do this and then say it doesnt work. It could stay inside as well. Take the wet paper towel and wipe off the naval jelly on the hitch. Started by FarmingSawyer Rinse and repeat if any rust still remains. This article was co-authored by Ed Beery and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. *BUY NOW-https://www.metalrescue.com/buy/In this video, we show you how to easily and safely remove rust from your rusty trailer hitch in 3 easy steps using our water based rust remover, Metal Rescue Rust Remover Bath. Apply a protective layer of fluid film to the treated area. Sorry to hear about the corroded pin, this does happen when the pin is left in place for a long time, especially in areas where they salt or chemical spray the roads in the winter. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. 0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft, clean rag. These are sometimes taken, and it can be hard to get them back. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Last post: September 21, 2014, 02:16:09 PM. If its still stuck then you can try using another round of WD-40 and even a pipe on the end of the wrench to give yourself more leverage. 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. myimages[5]="../../../images/top-banner/cookie-mizer.jpg"
One way to protect your hitch is to coat it with a protective agent such as a trailer hitch gel or spray. If using a chain or strap, wrap the hitch in a suitable towel. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. I simply used a 3lb sledge and beat the sucker apart when the locking mechanism on mine siezed up. The second problem is that hitches are placed so low on cars that they are more likely to get damaged by stones and other road-related things. No trunk. Then apply Naval Jelly and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutesno longer than 15 minutes. You could use a ARC stick welder and just burn through it on a high setting. Keep in mind that when the ball mount is not in use, it is best to remove it. Why do you need to remove the trailer hitch ball? Remove a rusted trailer hitch with penetrating fluid and an air chisel, not a sledgehammer. It may take some time to come out. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. It's easier and won't bend or break anything. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. /*
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As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). % of people told us that this article helped them. But if you have an existing hitch that's rusted, there are several ways to remove the rust. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. Dry the metal and paint with an oil-based paint within 24 hours to prevent the return of the rust. Spray the stuck area well with WD40 or Inox. Inert, will not evaporate or harden in extreme temperatures. Boiling water does not eliminate rust because rust particles are not living beings. Re: How to free a rusted trailer hitch ?? Rusted parts can be restored in 5 minutes to 24 hours, depending upon the amount of rust, type of metal (iron and steel), and temperature of the solution. Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. But dont panic. Use a spray 2.