Hi all.
When I bought my car it had the swan-neck tow ball in-situ, and the previous owner said he'd never removed it.

I'd rather keep it tucked away when not in use, so I want to take it off. Clearly this is easier said than done! The key hole was full of crap (there is no dust cover), so I've spent ages messing around to get the key in - but it still only goes in about 2/3rds of the way...

I have four main questions:
Is there a knack to it - Are you supposed to turn anything while inserting the key?
Which way round should the key go - Flat edge of key to centre of lock or edge of lock?
Is the lock barrel a replaceable part if I decide to go at it with a drill??
Can you buy the dust covers separately?

Look under the rear of the car and there is a bolt with a spring going through it. Remove the spring, then the bolt and the receiver will slide out giving you much better access to the lock and key I personally would then leave it to soak for some time filled with penetrating fluid on its side

Eventually you need to get the key in and turn it 180 degrees to unlock it, then the black knob will pull away and turn to release the bar from the receiver...

The turny thing the key goes into to be pulled out (or pushed in - can't remember!) and turned after the key is inserted

Which reminds me - need to remove mine from the receiver and replace it with my Warn recovery unit  Land Rover Addict
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Hmm could be a mare , they are supposed to be taken off every few months and oiled and greased , i left one on for 2 winters and it had to have the lock drilled out to get it off

spray loads of wd40 in the lock for a few days if the key and turner release will not operate to release the bar. Far to many gone...

DMRR wrote:

The turny thing the key goes into to be pulled out (or pushed in - can't remember!) and turned after the key is inserted

Which reminds me - need to remove mine from the receiver and replace it with my Warn recovery unit

Clear as a bell now then!!!!!!!????????????

just took mine off for the winter..... insert red key upside down. turn it back and forth a bit to get it in the mood. you need to turn it from stop position a half turn clockwise ie 180 degrees. then, you need to grab and pull the black knob, and twist it around half a turn clockwise and it should drop off. if not, gently tap it from underneath and or rattle it. there are two ball bearings that lock from the hook, and into holes in the receiver. if they are not dropping back, then it wont drop. don't go banging the hell out of it. it could just be (on yours) the key is not releasing the inner part. but its definitely 180 degeres and then pull and twist

cue: all the knob pulling jokes....

lastly if you only have one key, you might want to get another (convetional key) off the bay for £2 delivered. it gives you a little more leverage and stays on your keys so not misplacable ... number in keyhead search 'westfalia key'

Ok. So I've finally managed to get some time to have a proper go at getting the towbar apart.... I've taken the whole bar out of the receiver to make access easier (that was a job in itself!). Anyway, I've spent a while trying to get the key in, but I'm not even sure the key fits particularly well - it doesn't go in straight at all, either way round.

Is this the right key for the lock?

Click image to enlarge

Thats the right type of key  2020 Porsche Panamera Turbo Hybrid (V FAST)
2017 Range Rover Autobiography 5.0 V8
2018 JCW Mini Cooper
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Apart from doing what you are doing, then not really any ideas, other than checking you are trying to put the key in the right way round.

A jewellers screw drver may be useful to try and get the pins moving! There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
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I would keep putting the key in and out while the oil is in there and give it a wiggle.
I've got to admit they can be a bl00dy pain in the ass.

I hope you get it out. 2020 Porsche Panamera Turbo Hybrid (V FAST)
2017 Range Rover Autobiography 5.0 V8
2018 JCW Mini Cooper
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Did you do what i said and put loads of wd40 or similar in there over 2-3 days ? it looks bone dry to me. should be flooded with release oil for a couple of days , also keep it as warm as you can so the oil stays thin, the release part of the oil agent will evaporate off so keep throwing in more wd40 in the key slot as well as previous

also you can take the small plate off on the other side of the bar and pour oil in there as well, Far to many gone...

Last edited by tboner001 on 27th Dec 2013 10:51am. Edited 1 time in total

If that does not work it's a drill out job and lock change i am afraid

Been there seen it done it  Far to many gone...

All of the above! The key does not appear to go in the right way round. A lot of jiggling with a fair bit of in and out motion then all of a sudden it will turn! Loads of WD 40!

Persevere! Previous cars:
S-Max 2007-2013 (only diesel I've had, good car but expensive when diesely bits go wrong, so what's the point?)
Galaxy 2001-2007
Mondeo Estate 1997-2001
Sierra Estate 1993-1997
Uno Turbo 1987 -1993
Fiesta 1984 - 1987
Fiat 127 1982 - 1984

So you have got it all the way in and turned the key ? Far to many gone...