PRE-RELEASE
(TA845-0718) Removable tow-bar hook is seized
| TECHNICAL ADVICE - Quick information for your help | |
| Bulletin Nbr: | TA845-0718 |
| Date: ........... | July 2007 |
| Market: | All |
| Removable tow-bar hook is seized |
| VEHICLES CONCERNED |
All cars with Bosal tow-bars (turn knob release).
| BACKGROUND |
Complaints remain even after following the TSB 980-2592, about greasing all contact surfaces, was sent out.
| CONDITIONS |
The root cause of this problem is that customers keep the tow-bar hook on the car for too long a period and it gets contaminated with road salt and dirt.
| SYMPTOM DESCRIPTION |
| 1. |
The key is hard to get into the lock cylinder and/or it is hard
to turn the key.
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| 2. |
The release knob is binding and hard to push towards the tow-bar.
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| 3. |
If the knob can be pushed in it is still hard to turn it for releasing
the tow bar.
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| 4. |
The tow bar will not lock when you reassemble it (the release
knob will not return).
Symptom no 4 could occur if steps 1-3 above has been carried out with use of excessive force, a situation can then occur when the locking mechanism of the tow bar is stuck due to dirt contamination that blocks the release knob from rotating freely. 
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| ACTION |
Inform the customer of the necessity of removing the removable hook when it is not used. The function will be ensured and the car will have a better look.
If the customer uses the hook frequently you can recommend a fixed hook instead. When the customer comes to the workshop with a siezed hook you try to clean and grease the lock cylinder as well as the knob with some penetrating oil to ensure a smooth operation.
Note: All motions in steps 1-3 above must be without increased friction, causing a malfunction.
