How to Change AL-KO Side Friction Pads on Your Caravan Stabiliser
- IDS Camping & Leisure
- Jun 7
- 2 min read
Towing a caravan safely is all about control and confidence — and AL-KO stabilisers play a huge part in that. If your caravan feels less stable on the road or you’re hearing a squeaking or grinding noise from the hitch, it might be time to check — and possibly replace — the side friction pads on your AL-KO hitch.
Thankfully, changing them is a relatively straightforward job, and we’ll walk you through it step by step.
🛠️ What Are AL-KO Side Friction Pads?
The side friction pads are part of the AL-KO hitch stabiliser system (typically the AKS 2004, 3004, or similar models). These pads grip the caravan’s towball, helping to reduce snaking and sway while you’re towing.
Over time, they wear down or get contaminated with grease or dirt, reducing their effectiveness. That’s when it’s time to replace them.
🧰 What You’ll Need:
Replacement AL-KO side friction pads (specific to your model – AKS 2004/3004 etc.)
A flat-head screwdriver
A clean cloth or rag
Gloves (optional, but handy!)
💡 Tip: If you’re replacing the side pads, check the front/rear pad too — often it makes sense to do them all at once.
🔄 How to Replace the Side Friction Pads:
1.
Ensure Safety First
Unhitch your caravan from the car.
Make sure the handbrake is on and the van is level.
Engage the hitch lever so the stabiliser is in the “off” position (handle up).
2.
Locate the Side Pads
Look for two plastic caps on either side of the hitch head. These cover the side friction pads.
Using your flat-head screwdriver, gently pop off the caps.
3.
Remove the Worn Pads
Inside each opening, you’ll find the worn pad and a retaining spring.
Carefully pry out the pads using your screwdriver, ensuring you don’t damage the clips or housing.
Note how the spring sits, as you’ll be replacing it in the same position.
4.
Clean the Area
Wipe away any dust, dirt or grease from the inside of the hitch housing.
Make sure the towball surface is grease-free (a greasy towball can ruin your new pads).
5.
Insert the New Pads
Line up the new pad with the housing.
Reinsert the spring and pad, ensuring it’s seated snugly.
Repeat on the other side.
6.
Replace the Plastic Covers
Simply press the plastic end caps back into place over each pad.
7.
Test the Hitch
Engage the stabiliser handle and check for firm resistance.
If you feel a solid grip when pushing down, your new pads are working perfectly.
🔍 Signs It’s Time to Replace the Pads:
Squeaking or grinding noises from the hitch
Less resistance in the stabiliser handle
Reduced towing stability
Pads visibly worn, shiny, or glazed
🏕️ Keep It Smooth with IDS Camping & Leisure
We stock genuine AL-KO replacement pads for all major models, along with towball cleaning wipes and hitch maintenance gear. If you’re unsure which pads you need, feel free to call or pop in — our team is always happy to help.
This video may also help click here
🛑 Important: Never grease your towball when using an AL-KO stabiliser. Friction is key to the stabiliser working correctly — a greasy towball will cause slipping and reduce effectiveness.
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