Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
Darren, the site rules (and arguably common sense) dictate that we will not be telling anyone how to remove a tow bar without a functioning key and lock.
We are all prepared to help, but not to post.
But you have made us laugh.
Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Thanks Robbie. Apologies for narkiness and funny you should mention it but beer is now in hand.
Cheers,
Darren
20th Jun 2013 9:59 pm
Gudge
Member Since: 01 Apr 2013
Location: Herefordshire
Posts: 39
So what are my options to get my towbar off my recently purchased D3 ? I have no keys for the towbar, and seems like although it can be removed without keys, knowbody will divulge how to do it on here or in a PM.
Can anyone advise me how I can get it off ? is taking it to a dealer the only option then ?
Apparently this is the point where I should either ridicule you or accuse you of being the head of an international tow bar cartel
However, yes go to your AD's parts counter, buy a new lock and ask them to advise you how to swap them over. They may take the and roll around laughing at you like blue200tdi or they may just help you as you have asked.
Give it a go.
Cheers,
Darren
20th Jun 2013 11:21 pm
DG Site Moderator
Member Since: 12 Dec 2005
Location: The Gaff
Posts: 50934
DiskoStew wrote:
Apparently this is the point where I should either ridicule you or accuse you of being the head of an international tow bar cartel
Hey come on ...he's not from Essex 21 year LR veteran > D2 GS 2003 > D3 S 2006 > D3 HSE 2009 > D4 HSE 2013 > D4 HSE 2015 > D5 HSE 2018 > DS HSE R-Dynamic P300e 2021
20th Jun 2013 11:27 pm
blue200tdi
Member Since: 23 Sep 2012
Location: Lincoln
Posts: 1094
Quote:
They may take the and roll around laughing at you like blue200tdi or they may just help you as you have asked
Sarcasm is amusing, I love sarcasm, but maybe you need a beer to chill out, maybe you had a bad day...but I was not laughing AT you, I was laughing at the fact that there was a thread on here the other day with a vote for whether the mods should moderate posts detailing how to remove a tow bar. The general consensus was that there should be no details given for removing a tow bar, even in a PM.
And you pretty much gave yourself and everyone reading this thread the answer. That's what the was for and the thinking about DG's face when he read your post.
I do apologise if you had a sense of humour failure, maybe have some alcohol ready for next time. You guys are gonna be busier than a test bench in a plunger factory!
Java black 2006 2.7 TDV6 HSE AUTO.
2014 Kawasaki ZZR1400 Performance sport.
20th Jun 2013 11:52 pm
Gudge
Member Since: 01 Apr 2013
Location: Herefordshire
Posts: 39
DiskoStew wrote:
Apparently this is the point where I should either ridicule you or accuse you of being the head of an international tow bar cartel
However, yes go to your AD's parts counter, buy a new lock and ask them to advise you how to swap them over. They may take the and roll around laughing at you like blue200tdi or they may just help you as you have asked.
Give it a go.
Cheers,
Darren
good advice, I'll give it a go, hopefully they will be helpful
21st Jun 2013 10:32 pm
iand3
Member Since: 24 Apr 2013
Location: All over
Posts: 130
I recently had this problem and have finally sorted it by buying a new lock then was told by the dealer how to change it, which is very easy when you know how.
However, i still couldn't get the towbar lock mechanism to turn as it had rusted inside. I had to lower the spare wheel out of the way so i could hammer the pin back into the tow bar in order to release it. Once out, WD40 and movement of the mechanism sorted it, now it works perfectly. That tip was on here
Its a removeable towbar, so if you're not using it and don't want it stealing, then remove it! If you're towing then most trailers are locked onto the bar and thieves are unlikely to go to the trouble of removing your entire towbar to steal a trailer, as how would they tow it? If a proper thief wants your towbar they'll do the research in order to get it if you left it on. The lock is only to stop oppourtunists!Current: D3 TDV6 S; GGAT's, DIY 7inch Tablet mount, DIY Reversing Camera, Stage 1 remap, EGR delete
Previous: Freelander TD4, D2 V8, D1 TDI, Series 3 Petrol plus Numerous performance cars!
21st Jun 2013 10:58 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
Fine words indeed.
Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Are the bolts that attach the stabilising arms to the chassis passing through a captivated nut in the chassis?
Thanks in advance.
35'05 Silver Commercial S+ gone but never forgotten
'08 Black XS
iid BT
4th Nov 2013 12:20 am
chopcat
Member Since: 08 Apr 2013
Location: Pembrokeshire
Posts: 478
iand3 wrote:
I recently had this problem and have finally sorted it by buying a new lock then was told by the dealer how to change it, which is very easy when you know how.
However, i still couldn't get the towbar lock mechanism to turn as it had rusted inside. I had to lower the spare wheel out of the way so i could hammer the pin back into the tow bar in order to release it. Once out, WD40 and movement of the mechanism sorted it, now it works perfectly. That tip was on here
Its a removeable towbar, so if you're not using it and don't want it stealing, then remove it! If you're towing then most trailers are locked onto the bar and thieves are unlikely to go to the trouble of removing your entire towbar to steal a trailer, as how would they tow it? If a proper thief wants your towbar they'll do the research in order to get it if you left it on. The lock is only to stop oppourtunists!
Indeed. Are not "fixed" tow balls just bolted on in any case? I know mine is in the dixon bate bar on the defender. In fact the adjustable height ones are secured with a removable pin. So the poor lockability of the swan neck seems to offer more security that the traditional tow bars.
Ccmay the odds be ever in your favor
4th Nov 2013 8:43 am
Sloss
Member Since: 18 Aug 2013
Location: Aberdeenish
Posts: 1691
A minor technical point gents.
WD40 (water dispersant mix 40) is not manufactured as a penetrating oil, it is thin so does penetrate to a certain extent but a real penetrating oil is far better as it contains chemicals better formulated to remove rust, hard grease etc.
Stew Stew,
2010 D4 gone but I really loved it
Went back to Merc - C350 AMG
4th Nov 2013 1:04 pm
Tomcat 106
Member Since: 28 Aug 2010
Location: Essex....just
Posts: 160
Be careful if you dismantle much further than this
[quote="iand3"]
However, i still couldn't get the towbar lock mechanism to turn as it had rusted inside. I had to lower the spare wheel out of the way so i could hammer the pin back into the tow bar in order to release it. Once out, WD40 and movement of the mechanism sorted it, now it works perfectly. That tip was on here
quote]
Without disclosing the details all I will add - having done this at the weekend - is watch out for the flying ball bearing!! You will soon find out why its there and what not to do........
There are two somewhere in my garage now. The first one I never knew about as it ricocheted off the roof above me and disapeared off to keep the old Series 1 company and the second time (after I had found a spare bearing (you do have one of thoses dont you!!) is now in some spider infested corner - This one happened while I tried to replicate what happened the first time
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
and roll around laughing at you like blue200tdi or they may just help you as you have asked.
was for and the 
thinking about DG's face when he read your post. 
You will soon find out why its there and what not to do........
