Removing a stuck removable tow bar

[CrouchingWayne]

Hi all - I’ve got a removable Witter tow bar which was fitted by the prior owner to the car which I’m trying to now remove. I don’t think it’s been off the car in a while and looks pretty stuck (surface corrosion etc)

The style is one with the lockable blue twist cap.

I’ve managed to get a replacement key and unlock it with some persuasion

Now however I can’t get the blue cap to twist to disengage the lock pin.

Has anyone been in a similar position and have any tips? Getting access to the lock pin to try do it that way is difficult as it’s on top of the mechanism rather than at the back.

I’m considering removing the cap and trying to get a socket on there instead for some better leverage, but if the whole thing is seized in place it could be wasted energy

[WelshRich]

If it’s anything like mine, you have to push the knob in before you turn it… (in case you didn’t realise)

[dudleybloke]

I would give everything a good spray with some proper penetration fluid then jiggle it about then spray again and wait for it to creep into the gaps.

[CrouchingWayne]

Mine is the same (needs pushed in) but just doesn’t budge.

I’ve taken the handle off and dismantled the mechanism - must be the lock pin that’s stuck as it can get to the cog inside and it’s still well greased, but just won’t turn.

I tried to get in from the top but it’s got some kind of plastic top on it that doesn’t want to pop off - if I could get some penetrating fluid in there is might help

[Easternlight]

Here's a couple of pictures of mine off the car so you can see the workings.
You need to drive down the large tapered pin that sticks out the top against a spring the small pin at the front is what releases it when its inserted.
The pictures are in the "in" position
I cant remember if the top of the socket on the car is open to get something in to drive it down if you remove the bumper.


Edit
Found this picture from putting mine on.
You won't get to the top of it if it's like this.
But you could remove it to get into the top.

Edited by Easternlight on Saturday 20th July 18:47

[vikingaero]

Would it benefit from blasting every orifice around the towbar with penetrating oil and whacking it with a large rubber mallet?

On my towbars (all similar Witter removables) there's always a serious amount of grit/dust/gunk every time I remove the plastic cover to maintain it.

[CrouchingWayne]

Thanks everyone - the pics are particularly helpful!

It is now off the car - albeit the “housing” has come off with it (basically the 2x bolts you can see in the pic in the post above have been undone and the black box along with the tow bar dropped off). It’s seriously rusty but now it’s off the car I am thinking I might douse in penetrating fluid and try to work the tow bar itself free.

Then wire wool it / Hammerite etc.