How to Remove Ball Mount Rusted Into Hitch Receiver Tube
Question:
This is an odd question. My hitch is stuck in my receiver with out a pin. The hitch can move in and out about an 1/8 but will not be pulled out. I tried pulling with a truck and drug the vehicle with e brake on. Do you know what is going on and how to get it out? It is not welded in and the pin hole has nothing in it.
asked by: Terry
Expert Reply:
What's likely occurred is that rust has formed in the receiver tube, making the ball mount fit more tightly than it ordinarily would. I'd recommend obtaining a spray lubricant like PB Blaster and flooding the gap between the ball mount and the receiver tube. If the receiver tube is open at the rear (some are, some aren't) spray some in the back as well. After letting the lubricant soak for awhile, give the ball mount several sharp raps with a heavy hammer. You may need to repeat this several times over a period of days, but between the lubricant and the hammer induced shocks, the ball mount should eventually come loose.
To prevent this from happening in the future, it's a good ideal to apply a thin coating of grease on the shank of the ball mount. You'll also want to remove the ball mount when it isn't being used. A hitch cover like the # 22282 would work well to keep much of the road grime and moisture out of the receiver tube.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Rubber Hitch Cover for 2" Trailer Hitches - Qty 1
- Hitch Covers
- Misc Covers
- Plain
- Rubber
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Standard
- Square
- etrailer
more information >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: 2 Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2017 Toyota RAV4
- Shop: Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Shop: Extra-Long Loading Ramp for Thule EasyFold XT or Epos Bike Racks- Folding - Aluminum - 53" Long
- Q&A: Wrench Size for Tightening Hitch Pin Bolt of Swagman Hitch Pin Lock S64029
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: Curt Hitch that Fits 2023 Toyota Crown Hybrid
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers
- Q&A: Recommended etrailer Hitch for a 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What Hitch Do You Recommend for a 2024 Toyota RAV4?
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt & etrailer Trailer Hitches For 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness