Can't remove 850 tow hook (trailer hitch)

[tallrob]

I bought an 850 estate this past winter, and the man who sold it to me said the tow hook is difficult to remove sometimes. While showing me this he put it on and couldn't get it back off. The green handle is stuck in the unlocked position. The hitch has been stuck on there all winter. So this past weekend we had a bit worm temperatures and I decided to take it off. I tried everything I had on hand, a heat gun, WD40 (not together) and even a hammer and chisel. I'm afraid I just missed a simple solution.

Any ideas?

here's a photo for id. I can't read the model number on the tag.

[tallrob]

anyone?

[bertuk]

Originally Posted by tallrob

I bought an 850 estate this past winter, and the man who sold it to me said the tow hook is difficult to remove sometimes. While showing me this he put it on and couldn't get it back off. The green handle is stuck in the unlocked position. The hitch has been stuck on there all winter. So this past weekend we had a bit worm temperatures and I decided to take it off. I tried everything I had on hand, a heat gun, WD40 (not together) and even a hammer and chisel. I'm afraid I just missed a simple solution.

Any ideas?

here's a photo for id. I can't read the model number on the tag.

Feb 23rd, 2010, 11:50 #1
tallrob
cant see the picture you posted, ? is it the actual towbar ball end on the car ? is it a swan neck type or the standard type ? a picture would be a good idea to see the problem

[tallrob]

Server problem. You should see it now.

[tallrob]

So I finally got it off. But destroyed part of it in the process. It turned to be plain old rust, seized. I'm searching for the pieces to fix it up but I'm not sure if I should trust it for actual pulling.