I want the tow-bar off my car. I don't need to tow anything (and I wouldn't trust it anyway) and it's a pain off-road. A new key didn't work so I have drilled-out the tumbler and the rivet holding the cover on the other end. The splined shaft cannot turn the gear inside the mechanism, presumably because it is seized up. The teeth on the mechanism look a bit weedy.

Enough penetrating oil has gone in that the price of crude has gone up a couple of dollars. Gert big smites with a hammer haven't helped free it.

I don't suppose anyone will want to gas-axe it when it is that close to the fuel tank and brake lines. Before I take a disc-cutter to it, can anyone think of anything I haven't tried?

Thanks,

Hugh

if you have removed the lock
the shaft etc
then you just need to drift the pin through from the rear side.

i'm sure there are similar threads on here also 2007 TDV6 RRS HSE..now gone
2012 3.0 SDV6 RRS HSE

As MGO has said, a big drift or drift substitute and a hammer, it will go. 2019 5.0 SC SVA (Current)
2012 5.0 SC AB. Sadly written off by a campervan
23 plate Focus ST (Current)
1942 VEP Ford GPW Jeep (Willys) (Current)
1943 Whites M16 Halftrack (Current)
16 plate Eurofighter Typhoon, 2 x Eurojet engines with 20,000lbs thrust each. 1380mph

As said, if you take the spare wheel right out of the way you should be able to give the seized pin/shaft a fair wack with a lump hammer and drift.

Cheers
Col

Thanks chaps.

Off into battle I shall go...