How to overhaul Land Rover Discovery 3&4 / Range Rover Sport tow bar ball hitch repair / Refurbish

In this video we look at how to strip down and repair the removable bar hook on a Range Rover Sport / Land Rover Discovery 3 and 4. We strip down the tow bar and replace the lock and new keys.
The overhaul kit is available on our website :-
www.powerfuluk...

[@justindavies]

When I got my Discovery 4 the previous owner had left the hitch on the car and it was seized solid. Ordered a new lock and striped and rebuilt it. Couldn't have done it without your great video.

[@L663]

Glad it helped !

[@jamesmather9087]

Very useful video. Bought a broken tow bar, didn’t know until a year later when I tried to use it. Followed the instructions on this video, overhauled it and now it works perfectly. Brilliant.

[@L663]

Glad it helped

[@petermarron4282]

Best video I have seen on explaining and demonstrating a repair technique, an example to everyone.

[@L663]

I think you have been a little generous with your praise... but thanks !

[@txfromwi1947]

Just finished my rebuild and it works great. Thanks! One hint - do NOT over grease the vertical pin. It needs to fall rapidly via gravity, if the grease slows the fall it won't work. Trust me...

[@L663]

I was pretty sure that pin should be pushed when it locates in the correct place - not gravity.

[@txfromwi1947]

@@L663 Yes, when the hitch is secured in place, it is “retracted”. But as it retracts it needs to fall as quickly as possible so the bottom can catch on the lip of the main shaft. If it stays up because its sticky with grease, it cannot stop the main pin, which over extends and can then not be retracted all the way with the handle. So then I take it apart again, and again and again, until I figure it out.

[@barrysummers1622]

Thank you guys, I was all morning trying to get that ball in until I watched your video, lost it 3 times but with some strike of luck found it, thank you, keep the vids coming on the D-4 please, they are great for us, now these things are mostly out of warranty and we have to do all our own fixing. 👍👍

[@CarlFullarton]

Brilliant Guys, thanks very much from Pommy down under, I find it amazing the condition of my receiver compared to yours, mine looks brand new no rust and this is on a 2012 RRs, It just shows how much British Road conditions and putting salt on the road in the winter Takes its Toll on our Vehicles.

[@tobysolak9688]

Omg. Thank you for this video. My wife and I were working on the refit of the hitch and I am pretty sure you saved our marriage.

[@lewda1000]

Bought a cheap tow bar didn’t work properly, now it works like a new one thanks to your video nice one!

[@andreasfalt8691]

Thank you guys!! You saved me a serious amount of cash showing me how to do this myself!

[@salisburyyid2066]

Top video fellas... Took me two hours to get the ball bearing back in and the spindle in position! Ball bearing pinged off a dozen times. Managed to get both dogs at different times! Clingfilm instead of masking tape worked better for me. If it got you on the eye it would probably blind you so glasses and gum guard is a good idea :-)

[@deporbs]

Thank you so much for this video. I did overhaul mine going by your video. Without you, god knows how I would do it.

[@hap9915]

Grateful. No other videos are this thorough. Thanks guys.

[@L663]

Glad it was helpful!

[@erikpechmann879]

Thanks for this video guys, super helpful! I just managed to get my tow bar out of the LR3 after spraying it down with PB blaster and knocking it side to side with a mallet. Next step is to take it apart and clean it all up, so it lasts another 10 years!

[@simonjefferson]

Good luck young Jedi - dont loose the ball and spring - you have been warned !

[@kque6054]

Thankyou, I picked up two things from your video. Turns out my lock was seized stopping the pin 5mm short and unable to drop down out of the chassis. So knocking out the lock pin and removing the green assembly I found that the key pin isn't stainless steel and was rusty. Some WD40 and very gentle back and forth on the key freed it. Refitted and all working good. FYI my plate screw was also very tight, but using an allen key with an impact driver worked that out, whereas manually it was going to strip.

[@stevetutt5560]

Brilliant and informative, well done, my tow hitch rebuilt and working fine thank you guys

[@elecomms6031]

Hi Guys, Great video It took me for attempts to complete but so happy with the results. Happy new year 2023

[@rupertbrown4559]

Excellent video, really useful. Thank you for uploading saved me a lot of aggravation.

[@andreswart4951]

Brilliant, brilliant video. You guys saved me a fortune. Thanks a million, from South Africa.

[@L663]

You are welcome !

[@Rickwardful]

If you are a farmer and have access to red diesel (or maybe even kerosene), loosen the bolt and the left hand cover off, then just drop the whole drawbar (or just the locking in end of it) into a bucket of the diesel and leave over night and it will get it all working again nicely, without having to take it all to bits and rebuild it. You could add a little oil into the gap behind that cover before you do it up again and the job’s a good’n!

[@albielab]

Fantastic video, bought the kit, and did the refurb. That ball bearing is truely APITA lol. Thank you fellas, I now have a like NEW tow hitch.

[@L663]

We are happy to help ! glad to see stuff being fixed rather than thrown away !

[@FabianCharrua]

NO WORDS TO THANK YOU ENOUGH! I never even knew I needed the spring and ball bearing because when it popped out I didn't see them fly out!! so I would have never been able to put it together. So there I was on my knees on my carpet looking for those little things :-) Outstanding!!

[@L663]

On the carpet...... fixing cars parts in the house.... either you are a bachelor or have an understanding partner ! I would never get away with such behaviour ! Glad the video helped !

[@FabianCharrua]

@@L663 :-) I was actually at the dining room table but I use a board to protect it. These things flew over to the living room area about 20ft away! Its a real hazard to take your eye out for sure of you're not careful

[@L663]

@@FabianCharrua Respect... Dining room table !!

[@FabianCharrua]

You should see what else I do on it! and its never used for dining!!

[@L663]

@@FabianCharrua Steady now.... this is a family friendly youtube channel !......even more respect !!!

[@mrnobody9227]

Just saved me £400. You chaps are heros.

[@L663]

Saved the environment too

[@FirstNameLastName-zm7xs]

Excellent,Well presented stage by Stage..Just what I was looking for as there isn't another vid on youtube..Well done Guys..Many Thanks..Will be having a look at your Website...Bravo..🤗

[@d.t.m.]

Great vid thanks. Had my tow hitch fixed in no time 👍🏻

[@RodgerWooldridge]

To enable you to put the ball bearing back in the main locking pin use a juberlee clip to hold down the ball bearing lightly in place,slide the pin in until it pushes the juberlee clip off,makes life a lot easier for you,hope this is useful to you

[@DecBinks-ne3xu]

That's for missing out one part I needed to know thanks

[@adamc8887]

Legends thank you for the overhaul steps!!

[@L663]

Most welcome

[@1699bridgetown]

Oh bum, I should have watched your video before I started trying to get my tow ball hitch off. Now I'm sorted hopefully. Thanks for a great video. Oh and bring back Tiler!

[@L663]

Tyler is still here - this video was done a few years ago before Tyler joined - but i do agree Tyler and I have a better dynamic on camera !

[@josteinatlejrgensen6962]

17.40 was very useful for me . Thanks !

[@L663]

Glad it helped!

[@pwatom22]

Excellent.. really helpful. Thanks very much!!

[@L663]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pwatom22]

@@L663 I got my lock off and removed steel cap and took shaft out too. My sliding bolt still stuck in open position and whacking the pin to release didn't work. I've sprayed it up and will leave it for a while then plan to whack it a few times. Hopefully the spring will pop it out. Terrible design..

[@IIP4U1II]

This is just what I needed. Thanks guys!

[@peterhudson4280]

Great video well presented but can I get all new pins and springs

[@daveyboy174]

cheers boys, love the technical terms "coggy looking things", I can live with that :)

[@b42q]

Thanks for this super helpful instruction. I just bought a LR4 and want to make the hitch detachable again. This video helped a lot understanding the mechanics and I got the overhaul kit from you. Still my issue is that I don't get the bar hook out of the car. 2 days of WD40 and hammering didn't do it yet. Any clues?

[@L663]

We have been approached by a guy in the USA who makes a tool with a cog on the end.... but it was kind of expensive !

[@noelcallan4071]

On my towbar The release bar/pin that the little ball bearing sits into is ceased all the way in 😫, it was all the way out but not budging so I heated it up with a blow torch and gave it a good soak of WD40 then tapped it all the way in but it won’t come back out 🤬.

[@Superfandangoo]

Once again helped me out... Many thanks 🙏👍

[@L663]

Glad to hear that!

[@markl8190]

Great and really useful video chaps. Thank you for taking the time 👍🏻

[@LionTheHeart]

Good to know and see.. Thank you

[@andrewwelbeck7145]

Thanks, just what the doctor ordered, can you suggest where I could buy spares or overhaul kit for my tow hook?

[@andreswart4951]

You were so helpful with your tow bar assembly video, but can I ask another question. I have a 2012 Discovery 4 HSE and has been a brilliant vehicle, but a month ago the camera system started acting up. As soon as I engage reverse, the front right side camera screen flickers blue, but then shows the image while the reverse camera then completely blanks out to a blue screen. Any ideas? Thanks again.

[@nicolaskeiser4270]

Great video ! My tow bar is blocked in the chassis (cannot turn the pin at all). I suppose that bringing everything apart is what I need to do to remove the taw bar? Many thanks

[@L663]

Hi - yes this happens - you need to get some WD40 in from the rear -it will be the large pin rusted in place.

[@DavidSmith-sf4dr]

Hi Nicolas, mine is the same as yours, I’ve tried everything to free it but haven’t been able to. Did you remove yours ? If so, how did you do it ? Please. 👍

[@nicolaskeiser4270]

@@DavidSmith-sf4dr bought it to land rover and paid euro 50 to get it removed... emptied 2 WD-40 bottles used 🔨 a hammer while someone trying to turn le key etc. nothing worked... Finally abandoned the idea to remove it myself and ended up at LR who cut the pin off to remove it...

[@DavidSmith-sf4dr]

@@nicolaskeiser4270 thanks very much for your reply Nic, I think I’m at that stage myself now. 👍

[@rossshepherd8434]

I really hope you still look at comments on here! I have tried everything with my 2nd hand tow hitch. The locking rod winds in and out, but the pin to fire the locking rod out does not work at all. Have taken apart and applied a gallon or two of WD40, but I cannot get the locking rod out to check the ball bearing and spring that holds the locking rod back in the body for removal. Is there a magic trick to get the locking rod out so i can free up the firing pin? Or do i just need to come up with a way of smashing it out? Extremely grateful for any advice on this!!

[@mccannsn]

Great video. I have a tow bar needs sorted. Do you guys sell the actual internal workings? The large pin that fires out? The pin that I have has some markings or damage to the end. Like someone has used a screw driver to hammer it out of place.

[@DavidSmith-sf4dr]

Hello Sam McCann, I’ve got exactly the same problem. The locking pin that springs out is seized in, I’ve soaked it in diesel for 2 days and it still won’t budge. Can anyone suggest any ideas ?. Thanks. Ps great video powerfulukltd 👍

[@stuarthotchkiss3669]

brilliant video - thanks

[@janekrts]

Thanks Heee lost my ball thanks for your help

[@russellreid]

How crucial is the ball bearing and the associated sprint to making this work? Mine was working ok (albeit it didn't have the lock barrel hence the reason for stripping it down), but nowI've stripped it down I can't see the spring or the original bearing. There's a new bearing in the kit i got from you but any way to get hold of the spring?

[@MrCRAIGREVO]

Saved me alot of swearing once again. Thanks guys.

[@justinsmith6296]

So if you buy a vehicle with one of these already fitted but no keys, all it takes is a hammer and a punch to remove the lock roll pin and a pair of mole grips to turn the D shaft, and the tow hitch should just drop out?

[@L663]

yes that would appear to be the theory... not wishing to help any "tea leaves" out there...yes

[@DavidSmith-sf4dr]

Hi Justin, is it possible to strip the tow hitch down while it is still fitted to the vehicle ? Mine has seized up and I’ve tried everything else. Thanks 👍

[@justinsmith6296]

@@DavidSmith-sf4dr i've never tried but in theory it should be possible, it is going to be tricky but challenging lol

[@DavidSmith-sf4dr]

@@justinsmith6296 👍 thanks for the reply Mate, did you manage to get your one off ?

[@spencereagle1118]

15:56 to stop the ball shooting off, cut a strip of coke can and wrap it around the shaft and ball, hold it in place with a cable tie. Push the shaft in through the tube you have created using a punch/rod or similar.

[@L663]

Sounds like a good idea

[@kikahanartovsk3773]

Спасибо!

[@txfromwi1947]

Great video - thanks! I recently purchased my 3rd LR4 and it came with a hitch, unfortunately the hitch is damaged. That rack and pinion bit (bolt) that sits horizontally and attaches to the handle, is bent. Looks like the master locking pin interior was a bit tight and the previous owner went nuts on the handle and as a result bend that rack and pinion (bolt). Is that available as a separate piece part?? Also going to need a new red disc part. And how do I get a new key/handle kit? Many Thanks!

[@L663]

Hi - we have the lock and red part on the website www.PowerfulUK.com but the rack and pinion is not available from Land Rover.

[@dan8147]

Great video guys. I'm curious how the Key lock/ green part actually prevents the cylinder from turning in the lock position?

[@L663]

The lock barrel fires out a pin that locks the green part to the red part - so if you cannot turn the green part you cannot retract the larger pin that holds the hitch into the chassis

[@landroverSV]

What do you do or can do if the key 🔑 can't go in no more like mine? 🤷

[@wwallace4808]

Well done. Thank you.

[@lindaheale4403]

were can i get repair kit

[@L663]

They are out of stock at Land Rover and have been for months.... we are waiting for parts to come back into stock

[@martin88870]

Brilliant video, well detailed!

[@L663]

Is that you again mum ? you must stop writing nice things about my videos !

[@bridfindlay726]

Excellent video

[@ranausman]

Hi are rear crash beams standard on all Range Rover sports? If so does this need to be removed before installing a towbar? Thanks

[@timminss]

Thanks for the fantastic video. Is the metal pin with the gear on it (with the 'D' shape), and the red collar sold separately? Do you know of any official parts catalogues for the RR Sport L320? Thanks!

[@timminss]

Actually - I've rescued the 'D' shaped bar, but am also missing the blanking plate at the end. Any idea if that can be purchased separately? Thanks again!

[@L663]

@@timminss Hi Sean - so the pin is OK great the blanking plate and the red collar are not sold individually alas. The blanking plate is not a bid deal - you could make this out of plastic ? i think its just a dust cover.

[@timminss]

@@L663 looks like it stops over rotation of the pin, forcing the ball out the top. (Segment cut out seems to allow a range of movement). I could be wrong though! Thanks a lot for your response :)

[@DavidSmith-sf4dr]

@@timminss hello Sean, I think your right there Mate 👍

[@DavidSmith-sf4dr]

@@timminss Sean did you manage to buy a red collar separately? That’s what I need aswell. Thanks Sean 👍

[@edgarcruz9284]

Key isn't really doing much for me. I can turn it without the key and locking it doesn't change that.

[@stephenhammond9793]

Surely a loosely fitted jubilee clip would hold the ball bearing in place while the pin is fitted? A bit like a piston ring compressor.

[@L663]

That would work yes !

[@TheVintage57]

Good morning. I have a similar tow bar (Discovery 4). I need to buy the entire "core" that goes inside of the tow bar itself. Are you aware that an eventual kit exists or you recommend me to buy a new one? Thank you

[@L663]

Hi - no i am not aware of any option to buy the entire core

[@TheVintage57]

Thank you

[@GiovanniAnfossy]

Great video! many thanks for it ... now please help me know where to get the kit cause the link is not working. Thanks in advance!

[@L663]

Try this link www.powerfuluk.com/vehicles/land-rover/discovery-3/spare-parts.html?p=2 We are struggling to get stock at the moment !

[@GiovanniAnfossy]

@@L663 Thanks a lot! ... It´s a great webstore, congrats! ... I've loved the "Notify me" feature.

[@Brownsbrickbuilds]

Just taken mine off but now can’t get the key out or the green collar to turn? Any ideas?

[@L663]

We looked at this yesterday oddly - the key will only come out when it is in the locked position. So can you expand on your issue - you towbar is now off the car ?

[@stevenmayer6442]

Hi I have been given a tow or with the worm drive missing any ideas as to getting a new one.

[@L663]

Sorry these are going to be hard to find parts !

[@yourtubeafried]

Hi, great vid thanks. Can you buy the cogged spindle for the inside? Cheers

[@L663]

We have now had these made www.powerfuluk.com/vehicles/land-rover/discovery-3/spare-parts/land-rover-discovery-3-4-tow-bar-replacement-ratchet-cog.html

[@Daniel-lp1sg]

thanks for your videos! When disasembling at 6:10 i can see the flattened shaft (going in the D-Shaped green) is facing towards the "Ball" of the TowBar. At 18:00 you are re-asembling it differently. It can't be explaind with a differen turning position as it can't be turned by 180 degrees!? The Geometry of the "Plate" at 18:20 has to go toghether with the frontal geometry of the Gear visible at 8:23. Somehow you got it working anyway? How is this possible :-D. When i play around with my assembly here, only the configuration of 6:10 makes sense. Any Idea? Regards from Germany!

[@hmallett]

At 6:10 the position is similar to what you see at 6:10. That's with the locking pin extended. At 18:00 the locking pin is retracted. The handle is about 150 degrees rotated from the retracted position to the extended position.

[@Daniel-lp1sg]

@@hmallett got it. Thanks! Mine is good again now, too!

[@carrazer001]

Awesome

[@richardswanston5498]

Hello. Can you tell me what sort of paint you used and how has it lasted ? I’d like to restore mine to factory finish like yours. Once I follow this vid to remove it!

[@L663]

Hi i used a worth matt black paint it lasted ok but i only fit the tow bar when using it.

[@danielclark1934]

Hi I have a Range Rover sport 2015 l494. The lock mechanism on the tow bar has been smashed off with the tow bar locked in place. Is it possible to put a new lock on the tow bar?

[@L663]

What does the towbar look like ? maybe aftermarket does it look like this www.ebay.co.uk/itm/283534568697?epid=27034187598&itmmeta=01HRAR5P17731BVTRM69MQ7FPP&hash=item4203fa2cf9:g:4PgAAOSw44BYKvNz&itmprp=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwGh2dLK55pJC3MnEhUURYJERXIqCU6%2FWxQvzCxoWzJI3UB97BAYOUdc6lt0Ir%2FwrCWmuZnvHdJiwb1Dy6sdP2XAWrlf79JSg73T5q9cSi1bu9%2F5I2W5ngKDfIO9O0UorK9yga55djT7VQ%2BFEPvuq4I6NYI%2B%2BDTVSQRYiHWbvZ3fW7PdQHK6pwcsTChE%2B5Uh309FYResqhuwHM79WcLwM1QfSgBNcXMqjxh%2BWM7zdzan7iQTqp97lfZPInJp62K%2B3hg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-7gltjCYw

[@danielclark1934]

@@L663 no it’s a brink tow bar.

[@L663]

@@danielclark1934 send a picture to me via the website and i will take a look.

[@danielclark1934]

@@L663 I sent the info on your website contact us part

[@DavidSmith-sf4dr]

Hi, does anybody know how to take my RR sport tow hitch off without a key. I’ve just bought a r r sport (06) and want to remove it. I spoke to Hatfield rr in Liverpool and they don’t sell the keys, any help would be very appreciated. Thanks

[@mkuts1046]

I'm in the USA, how can I get a kit to rebuild mine. Totally seized!!

[@L663]

They are on our website - www.PowerfulUK.com

[@fester.]

going to tackle mine next weekend is that a 2mm punch you are using thanks

[@L663]

Hi - sorry cant remember but you can just use an old nail / screwdriver with a the end ground flat... let us know how you get on !

[@fester.]

@@L663 thanks I will keep up the good work cheers

[@deightonridge1562]

Guys, thanks for the video. I bought the kit and all good but I just can’t seem to get past the masking tape over ball bearing part. The locking shaft goes in fully ok but just can’t get it to stay in! Any advice - i’ve had about 20 goes! ( 16m 48)

[@DadYouNeverHad]

This question was asked two years ago, but I wanted to answer for those having a similar problem. The key is that the shaft has to go into the cylinder DEAD FLAT or the ball bearing will not pop up into the locking shaft and hold the cylinder in place. Make SURE when retracting the main shaft (the spring is fairly strong) that the ball bearing remains at TDC (top dead center), or it will NOT lock in retracted position.

[@DavidSmith-sf4dr]

@@DadYouNeverHad great answer Mike, 👍 I’ve got the problem of when I took by towhitch apart the locking pin came out, but the ball bairing and spring stayed inside the locking pin ! I’ve soaked it in wd40 for days but it still won’t come out !! When I put it all back together it retracts ok, but won’t lock into position, any ideas Mike please ? Thanks Mate.

[@DadYouNeverHad]

@@DavidSmith-sf4dr i would attempt to freeze it. Once you've frozen it, try heating the shaft from underneath the bearing. Also tap ON the ball - lightly - to unseat the corrosion/broken spring that may be inhibiting it. Good luck!

[@DavidSmith-sf4dr]

@@DadYouNeverHad Big thanks for the reply Mike 👍 I will deffo try that, I think the spring might be ok because when I pressed it in with pliers the seems to be strong resistance from the spring, it’s as if the ball bearing just can’t force itself past the release point. I’ll try your suggestion Mate and let you know if it works. Thanks Mike 👍

[@DadYouNeverHad]

@@DavidSmith-sf4dr If that doesn't work on its own, there must be a burr in the countersink edge, and you may be able to remove it by simultaneously depressing the ball and using a razor/some such on the edge. Or - the ball bearing itself is gouged/etc, in which case you may try to SPIN it while depressing it to see if it will eject. Just be aware that when it does, it likes to go flying.

[@rizla6220]

Hi, what a great vid :) Q, would you happen to have the part number for the gear back plate (6:45) where you mashed the bolt? or could you measure one and send the size in cad/stl file ?

[@L663]

This part is not available on its own - cant you just copy the shape from the tow bar ? its just a cover - nothing complex.

[@hmallett]

@@L663 Actually doesn't the plate have a raised quadrant that acts to limit the range that the locking barrel can turn through. Mine does - I know this as I've just had it apart following this guide!

[@rizla6220]

@@hmallett Yes, these are the details i need to know, so i can make one. Thanks

[@JaydenWhite-t5g]

How the hell do you get the tow ball off the car if the locking pin doesn’t quite go back far enough ?

[@L663]

Not sure wd40 I guess

[@perfectpixelmedialtd3130]

Where can I get the replacement red collar bit please with the two small bolts

[@L663]

Hi i have taken a look at the parts catalogue and it does not list the red disk as a separate part !

[@LR4-w3p]

Where do I buy overhaul pin parts (this is South Korea)?

[@L663]

These are on our website www.powerfuluk.com/catalogsearch/result?q=tow

[@MMA1971]

Good👍

[@petermarron4282]

I lost my ball bearing! Does anyone know what size I need?

[@L663]

its 1/4 Inch / 6.35mm

[@spencereagle1118]

@@L663 Just been putting one back together and it turns out the ball bearing on mine is 6mm, a 1/4" one (6.35mm) simply won't push into the hole. Maybe there's a couple of specs?

[@andrewwelbeck7145]

It's ok, I've just found your website, is it right I get a 10% discount if I mention this KZbin Video?

[@L663]

That would be a good idea... but this kit is genuine Land Rover parts and my margin is not that big... but we could use this idea for other products where we have more margin !

[@andrewwelbeck7145]

@@L663 I was only joking, it's a pity you don't sell the locking pin as well, I've disassembled mine this morning and it turns out the pin has been shortened.

[@stuarthotchkiss3669]

Jesus H! Only LR could come up with something so complicated. I am surprised there is not some weird sensor to connect it to the CAN bus so that it stops the car along with all the other sensor.s.. Worse, once it has been on for a year os so and exposed to the elements it will need a disc cutter to remove it. Clueless

[@jonathandilk5722]

Brilliant video thank you