Post by Brian M on Jan 29, 2009 14:35:13 GMT
From: Brian (Original Message) Sent: 21/04/2004 08:15
Has anyone taken apart the tow hitch on their Safari?
After a trial run last weekend I noticed the rubber bellows had split between the coupling head and the casting that bolts to the chassis . My local caravan shop had one and so last night I tried to fit it.
As my handbrake ratchet has always been a bit sticky, I thought I would take the hitch off the van and sort that out at the same time.
All came off ok and to fit the bellows I need to pull out the inch diameter rod that runs right through the triangular casting (that bolts to the chassis) and has the coupling head at the front end. Hope you can understand this description.
To keep this in place for towing there is a system of semi circular rings in grooves in the rod, held in place by a floating casting round the rod with a plate to hold the rings in place. This casting has the overrun damper attached to it. I have removed two sets of these rings but the rod still won't come out.
Anyone ever done this and know the secret? Or know where there might be an exploded parts diagram?
Any comments and advice gratefully received.
Brian Miller
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Recommend Message 2 of 4 in Discussion
From: Scaniadriver72 Sent: 22/04/2004 20:05
Hi Brian
I have never taken one of these couplings of Brian,but I can uderstand the problem by what you have told me.Is there still more locating rings left in or are they all out? If they are all out then is there something else holding it from coming off or is it just siezed in. I think I would drench it in a bit of Parrafin,as this is always been one of the best releasell that you can use. Sorry I can not be anymore help Brian but you realy have had to done one of these jobs to know the pitfalls.
Best of Luck with it Brian!
Brian (Scania Drive)
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Recommend Message 3 of 4 in Discussion
From: V_J_R Sent: 22/04/2004 22:14
Why are you removing the hitch completely?-to replace the bellows you dont need to just remove the hitch pull handle( the one you lift to couple to towing vehicle).
Just below the neck of the handle there is a 1/2 inch nut undo this and the hitch handle will be released,pull it upwards there is now enough room to fit the bellows over the top and into position yes it is quite a tight fit but try soaking the bellows in hot water and you will find it will slip over nicely ok.
Ohhhhooo BTW SER # 79042
Model 14/2
Owner since 2001
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Recommend Message 4 of 4 in Discussion
From: Brian Sent: 22/04/2004 22:55
Thanks both for your suggestions.
VJR - I tried getting the bellows over the coupling but even with hot water, and fairy liquid they just would not go over.
Thanks to a suggestion from another website I went to www.faultfinder.freeserve.co.uk
where I found and exploded diagram of the coupling unit. Very useful site with manuals for heaters and fridges.
As you predicted Brian, this diagram showed that there was just a bit of corrosion stopping the rod coming out. A couple of taps and it all came out.
Gave it all a lick of paint so I now have the smartest coupling and A frame!
Brian Miller
Has anyone taken apart the tow hitch on their Safari?
After a trial run last weekend I noticed the rubber bellows had split between the coupling head and the casting that bolts to the chassis . My local caravan shop had one and so last night I tried to fit it.
As my handbrake ratchet has always been a bit sticky, I thought I would take the hitch off the van and sort that out at the same time.
All came off ok and to fit the bellows I need to pull out the inch diameter rod that runs right through the triangular casting (that bolts to the chassis) and has the coupling head at the front end. Hope you can understand this description.
To keep this in place for towing there is a system of semi circular rings in grooves in the rod, held in place by a floating casting round the rod with a plate to hold the rings in place. This casting has the overrun damper attached to it. I have removed two sets of these rings but the rod still won't come out.
Anyone ever done this and know the secret? Or know where there might be an exploded parts diagram?
Any comments and advice gratefully received.
Brian Miller
First Previous 2-4 of 4 Next Last
Reply
Recommend Message 2 of 4 in Discussion
From: Scaniadriver72 Sent: 22/04/2004 20:05
Hi Brian
I have never taken one of these couplings of Brian,but I can uderstand the problem by what you have told me.Is there still more locating rings left in or are they all out? If they are all out then is there something else holding it from coming off or is it just siezed in. I think I would drench it in a bit of Parrafin,as this is always been one of the best releasell that you can use. Sorry I can not be anymore help Brian but you realy have had to done one of these jobs to know the pitfalls.
Best of Luck with it Brian!
Brian (Scania Drive)
Reply
Recommend Message 3 of 4 in Discussion
From: V_J_R Sent: 22/04/2004 22:14
Why are you removing the hitch completely?-to replace the bellows you dont need to just remove the hitch pull handle( the one you lift to couple to towing vehicle).
Just below the neck of the handle there is a 1/2 inch nut undo this and the hitch handle will be released,pull it upwards there is now enough room to fit the bellows over the top and into position yes it is quite a tight fit but try soaking the bellows in hot water and you will find it will slip over nicely ok.
Ohhhhooo BTW SER # 79042
Model 14/2
Owner since 2001
Reply
Recommend Message 4 of 4 in Discussion
From: Brian Sent: 22/04/2004 22:55
Thanks both for your suggestions.
VJR - I tried getting the bellows over the coupling but even with hot water, and fairy liquid they just would not go over.
Thanks to a suggestion from another website I went to www.faultfinder.freeserve.co.uk
where I found and exploded diagram of the coupling unit. Very useful site with manuals for heaters and fridges.
As you predicted Brian, this diagram showed that there was just a bit of corrosion stopping the rod coming out. A couple of taps and it all came out.
Gave it all a lick of paint so I now have the smartest coupling and A frame!
Brian Miller