AL-KO 3004/3504 Replacement pads
I've just received replacement Front/Rear pads for the "newer" i.e. not Red stabiliser; the one which doesn't seem to have fitting instructions on the AL-KO website. They are genuine AL-KO so fortunately there is an A4 pictorial included in the bag. I raised an eyebrow when the sketch inferred the rear pad is secured with a horizontal screw approached vertically from below. I raised the other eyebrow when reading the final panel "We recommend installation by a specialist workshop"! Needless to say there is no such warning on the AL-KO website.
It does seem that I can get a Torx screwdriver on this screw (which appears to be slightly offset) but, before I strip everything down, has anyone had a problem changing pads on this particular unit?
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I could be wrong but suspect the black plastic handle etc is a cosmetic variation on the earlier red ones where the functioning body and internals are the same???
That round pad is only secured in place from falling out by the "centre" countersunk bolt, that bolt is a machined screw and is only lightly tightened up. All the forces other than retention are taken by it being recessed into the metal body and seating at the base of the recess.
It is not vertical but basically sits behind the ball, taking the "over run" loads, and is accessed from the couplings front, underneath.
On the recent kit I fitted I forwent using the new fixing screw as its countersunk head was thicker than the one I took out. I tried both in the pad before fitting and decided the older one which ended up more recessed was the "healthier" one to use simply being further in well out of the way.
The removed pads, all were showing very little wear despite the van having been towed well over 35,000 miles on the 11 year old originals. Left feeling what a waste of time and money, though I did take the coupling off and give it a good clean and re lubricate where needed, for the next 35K miles.
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Thanks for your comments. Eventually I stumbled upon another video which seems to confirm all should be straightforward:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruxzwVYutkQ
Moderator Edit:
Link made live.
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