Wondering if anyone has changed a lock on a Westfalia tow bar.

Looks like the previous owner has welded the key lock to prevent theft. I don’t tow but would like the option too just in case. I’ve seen a video on here how to knock out the lock but wondering if it’s just a matter of replacing the lock. I’d rather the tow bar was stored in the boot and used when required.

Please see photos of my issue, any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

I suppose there's nothing but getting it drilled out or such.
See if a locksmith is able to help you out once it's off.
Otherwise find one with keys on Ebay or such.

Yeh they can be tapped out from the opposite side of the lock with a bit of force. I was wondering if anyone had actually done it and changed the lock with success. Cheers 2012 Range Rover Westminster
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I did a lock replacement on a ceased swan neck some months back. I was not able to find a direct lock replacement. The only replacement barrel & keys I could find had an armature that was too short. I fitted this anyway to keep the grime out of the release mechanism.

Scant information on line about the best way to do this. The best technique I found was here ( how’s your Swedish ? )

https://youtu.be/UTm8xsr7ZYg?si=W-YVr0al9V2kzVp9

My swan neck was off the car but I think this could be done in situ with some care.

Once the lock is out you can move the release mechanism to lube it and drop out the swan neck. If it’s been in the receiver for a while it may need some persuasion.

On the bottom of the swan neck there is a lubrication hole. This is usually clogged with dirt but once cleaned out it allows the internal release rod to be lubed.

One thing to note; on the top of the swan neck there is a plastic cap with a hex socket. Best to leave this intact. It looks like it can be removed but in practice removing it destroys it and replacements are not available as far as I know. Without this cap in place dirt will ingress and progressively fowl up the swan neck locking ball bearings causing it to cease into the receiver. Luckily I learned this before hand.

If anyone knows the correct part number for the barrel & keys please could you post on here. TDV8 4.4 2012

StephenO wrote:

Yeh they can be tapped out from the opposite side of the lock with a bit of force

Seems slightly pointless..... what have they done about the single nut & bolt that holds it into the square receiver ?

It won't be as easy to store, but that bolt can be replaced by a pin allowing the whole assembly to be removed & stored.

With my amateur welder eyes that doesn't look to be welded. There is no spot and no disc or grinder action. It looks more old, disused and crusted to me. Have you tried cleaning it up with a mild acid and polishes? I have found over years fine road dust can set like pretty much like cement.

You might also find that the tow bar swan neck has rusted and seized in the receiver. It looks a bit rusty and if the previous owner intended to keep it there, it is unlikely they applied any grease before inserting the neck to the receiver. There are usually towbar listed on eBay. There is a hitch advertised on Gumtree at the minute but it is located in Belfast and priced at £180 which I think is pricey even though it looks new
I must stress that I am in no way connected with the seller.
. I hope you get sorted.

Please view this ad:

Range Rover De-tachable Towbar,
https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorb...1471657072

Price: £ 180

Download the application from the Google Play Store.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gumtree.android

Remove the whole lot - swan neck and the receiver.
.
Soak it - for days (as in washing up bowl/bucket) full of your preferred easing fluid - petrol/diesel/other...).
.
Give it a good clean up to then see what you have got ( I agree that it does not look to be welded)
.
I presume you do not have a key for it ? Is it locked ?
.
If not locked, use any manner of persuasion to see if you can release the swan neck from the receiver. .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

This is mine. It took a bit of effort to undo the 24mm nut/bolt. I have no idea if this is useable or saveable. I do not have a key if one was issued.

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

It's probably the key snapped off in the lock, any self respecting locksmith or yourself with a fine bradawl should be able to poke that out in no time, it doesn't look corroded in either.

Andy Fuji White / Jet 2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster