Other XC90 Problem: Removable towbar (Volvo brand) is stuck

[bokabil]

My removable towbar (Volvo brand) worked flawlessly the past 2-3 years until the other day. After using it to carry around our bikes, I wanted to remove it from the car.

1. Unlocked with key -> this seems ok
2. Push the knob in -> this seems ok
3. Turn the knob down -> it turns to only about 3/4 of the way... so no click when it disengages

I tried a bit more force than usual but it doesn't go down further. I don't want to force harder as I don't know the mechanism inside the knob, maybe a cable/wire would snap. I tried to inspect the knob, but not much to it as it is enclosed in quite rugged plastic.

The towbar itself is snuggly attached, it doesn't "give" when I try to push-in, pull-out or pull to the side, so functionally it is "ok".

Anyone here had a similar issue?

[SwissXC90]

Spray some crc in around the edges of the towbar where it goes into the housing
Do this over a few days and see if you can free it up

These towbars are never designed to be permanently mounted.
They should only be mounted when used, and then stored clean and dry in the boot of the car.
I clean mine with CRC and wipe it down with a rag, and also spray the housing too to try and stop the rust buildup.

Mine still mates snugly and easily even though it is now 10 years old.

[binty]

I have had mine stuck,
Firstly as said spray it with release oil, it is probably the brass peg at the end that is stuck.
After a good soaking keep hand pressure on the knob by turning it then hit the tow bar with a heavy hammer a few times creating a sharp shock, the jolt should free it.
(tap the cast shaft sideways and up and down, not the machined ball).
It is a substantial casting so very strong.
Mine released after a couple of taps, then as Swiss says, clean it and keep it lubricated, also clean inside the housing where it locates. Make sure you replace the plastic cover on the housing when the tow bar is not in, it keeps loads of cr*p out.

[bokabil]

Originally Posted by binty

I have had mine stuck,
Firstly as said spray it with release oil, it is probably the brass peg at the end that is stuck.
After a good soaking keep hand pressure on the knob by turning it then hit the tow bar with a heavy hammer a few times creating a sharp shock, the jolt should free it.
(tap the cast shaft sideways and up and down, not the machined ball).
It is a substantial casting so very strong.
Mine released after a couple of taps, then as Swiss says, clean it and keep it lubricated, also clean inside the housing where it locates. Make sure you replace the plastic cover on the housing when the tow bar is not in, it keeps loads of cr*p out.

I've sprayed some WD40 this morning but no success yet. I'll try again tomorrow when I'll have more time and add some dose of hammer
I always keep the towbar off (replaced with plastic cover) when I don't need it although I haven't lubricated both bar and housing, that I'll do once I get this thing off.

[Stephen2015]

Originally Posted by bokabil

I've sprayed some WD40 this morning but no success yet. I'll try again tomorrow when I'll have more time and add some dose of hammer


I always keep the towbar off (replaced with plastic cover) when I don't need it although I haven't lubricated both bar and housing, that I'll do once I get this thing off.

Another way is to lay on your back and get yourself so you can see the back of the tow-bar then you should be able to see the bass locking pin, using something long i.e. a brass punch or even an old screwdriver and tap the brass pin towards the ball, you may even push in the pin with one hand and with the other turn the lever.
When out give a good clean and spray WD 40 working the lever till your happy that it all clean and free. As another member mention when not in used remove it till next time.

When I first bought my car the tow-bar never been been removed hence the above.

[Stephen2015]

Originally Posted by Stephen2015

Another way is to lay on your back and get yourself so you can see the back of the tow-bar then you should be able to see the bass locking pin, using something long i.e. a brass punch or even an old screwdriver and tap the brass pin towards the ball, you may even push in the pin with one hand and with the other turn the lever.
When out give a good clean and spray WD 40 working the lever till your happy that it all clean and free. As another member mention when not in used remove it till next time.

When I first bought my car the tow-bar never been been removed hence the above.

Never hit the Ball with a hammer, if you do decide, just place a piece of wood in between unless you have a brass hammer saves damaging the ball.

While you have the tow-bar out give the ball a good clean, its always good to see a lovely shiny ball free from dirt,rust and this saves the friction pads inside the draw-bar hitch from getting dirty which modern draw-bars have these days.

Good luck