JRJ
Member Since: 05 Dec 2008
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 2
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Detachable tow bar problems |
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Hi, This is my first post so apologies if this one has been asked before !
I have a detachable tow bar which won't lock. Have now had the pesky thing to pieces (not the best idea!) but still won't lock when on or off the vehicle. Sees like the lockjing mechanism is superfluous to the job. Also the round pin which goes through the main bolt doesn't do anything. Any ideas fellow owners - all considered !! JRJ D3 SE 07 Stornoway Grey
Mini Cooper JCW spec Black Metallic
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5th Dec 2008 5:05 pm |
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wiggs
Member Since: 03 Sep 2006
Location: Manchester
Posts: 14368
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The way it works is its unlocked ...when you put it in the back of the car ..the little pin should then push in which in turn spins the big pin (with teeth on ) to lock it .
You can simulate this by giving the small pin a gentle tap inwards ..you should then see the big pin come out
Pull outwards the green lock and twisting downwards... this will then pull the big pin back in place ready for you to fit it
Hope that makes sence
Welcome to the site by the way G4 Gone ...but not forgotten
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5th Dec 2008 5:13 pm |
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tanters
Member Since: 24 Oct 2007
Location: Oireland
Posts: 4284
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Did you purchase it from your loacl stealer? Bring it back I'd say A happy childhood ... is the worst possible preparation for life.
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5th Dec 2008 5:13 pm |
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JRJ
Member Since: 05 Dec 2008
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 2
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Cheers thanks, will give it a go.
Purchased from e-bay, seemed stuck then but got it freed but pin wouldnt retract all way hence taking it to pieces. If only I can find that ball bearing which did a high flip when big pin flew from cast part. D3 SE 07 Stornoway Grey
Mini Cooper JCW spec Black Metallic
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5th Dec 2008 5:21 pm |
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tanters
Member Since: 24 Oct 2007
Location: Oireland
Posts: 4284
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Oh!
Do the keys work? or did they when all put together?
Hope u get it going.
like bodsy said, Welcome A happy childhood ... is the worst possible preparation for life.
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5th Dec 2008 5:56 pm |
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Bodsy
Site Sponsor
Member Since: 06 Nov 2006
Location: In the Clubhouse
Posts: 21361
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It was Wiggs Tanters (he has a similar pic) But welcome JRJ, sometimes when you fit the tow bar, it just needs a gentle persuasion upwards to get it to fit 100% & then you can remove the key.
Oh and Welcome! Bodsys Brake Bible
D4/D3 Remote FBH heat kits
BAS Remaps/ EGR Blank
Transmission Flush
Software updates/enabling
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5th Dec 2008 6:00 pm |
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tanters
Member Since: 24 Oct 2007
Location: Oireland
Posts: 4284
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Jasus my head is all over the shop today
I'm sure you've been called worse bodsy
Sorry wiggs A happy childhood ... is the worst possible preparation for life.
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5th Dec 2008 6:05 pm |
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Bodsy
Site Sponsor
Member Since: 06 Nov 2006
Location: In the Clubhouse
Posts: 21361
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You're right there Bodsys Brake Bible
D4/D3 Remote FBH heat kits
BAS Remaps/ EGR Blank
Transmission Flush
Software updates/enabling
Clock/ SNOTM /3Flash / 4x4Info /BT Update /Service Reset/Error Codes / Gearbox Reset
See It Here
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5th Dec 2008 6:07 pm |
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Disco3newbie
Member Since: 26 Oct 2008
Location: Scottish Borders
Posts: 600
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Hi JRJ
Had same issue with detachable towbar a couple of weeks ago...new one ex Fleabay. Tried to get it to lock for 30mins, reading instructions and trying to get to stage where no red collar showing. Thought about taking screw out of chromed cover (probably stainless) then just swore at it and gave it an almighty push upwards into the housing....and it locked.....perfect ever since so definitely a case of brute force.
Hope you find the ball bearing.
Sunday morning job is to fit the electrics.......better read the destructions first
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5th Dec 2008 6:43 pm |
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TallPaul
Member Since: 03 Jan 2008
Location: Near Reading
Posts: 1214
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JRJ wrote: If only I can find that ball bearing which did a high flip when big pin flew from cast part.
Oh yeah, they go into orbit real easy!
I measured the spring/hole and decided its a 6mm bearing so I ordered a replacement from www.simplybearings.co.uk, it was a few quid for a bag of 10...).
If you have had it apart, like it sounds you have, you need some clamps to compress the large pin while you get the cross piece in place. It takes a couple of go's to find the correct location as well.
All I was trying to do with mine was change the lock on my brand new one as one key got busted in transit, then discovered the other lock was the newer design and did not fit anyway
You can get them back together though with about an hours perseverance and a lot of profanity.
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5th Dec 2008 9:14 pm |
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Roel
Member Since: 16 Aug 2008
Location: home
Posts: 1215
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I have also small problems with my tow bar. It needs a few taps with a hammer upwards to get it locked. And when I want to remove it it's the same thing need a small tap up to get it to unlock. and needs a few taps down while holding the green handle to get it out off the car. Roel
1997 Camel Trophy Disco ex-P101JWK (traded it for a Britains 42101)
1984 90 TD5
2005 G4 Disco 3 BN55WPT
Also member of club MTR
and Club Faultmate
Interested in my 4x4 history see my website: www.mudmachine.webklik.nl
Sorry it's in Dutch and with google translator it gets funny.
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6th Dec 2008 10:36 pm |
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Andrew Hebron
Member Since: 16 Jan 2009
Location: Teddington
Posts: 501
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I've had a first (tentative) attempt to fit the towbar. The bar doesn't seem to retract quite far enough for it to locate upwards enough. Also, what does the vertical pin do? Andrew
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26th Jan 2009 6:33 pm |
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TallPaul
Member Since: 03 Jan 2008
Location: Near Reading
Posts: 1214
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The pin or pip releases the lock on the main bar that locks it in place.
If the main bar stops the towbar piece from going in, its in the wong place, you need to take of the plate and move it around a gear, but to do this you need to clamp the lot to stop the spring pushing the pin out and the ball bearing going into orbit!
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26th Jan 2009 6:52 pm |
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Andrew Hebron
Member Since: 16 Jan 2009
Location: Teddington
Posts: 501
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The main bar won't protrude less than 4-5mm at the top and that seems to foul the "cage". Don't really want to it with a big hammer. Don't really want to ping sprung small parts around the garden (like I did with my Snap-On torque wrench once ) either, though! Andrew
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26th Jan 2009 8:19 pm |
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dealmaker
Member Since: 05 Oct 2008
Location: North East
Posts: 149
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I've got the opposit problem - can't get the bloody thing off! - I think I iwll have to drill out the lock as it wont budge (in fairness it has been on for three years!)
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26th Jan 2009 8:23 pm |
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