How to Change and Clean AL-KO 3004 Front & Rear Friction Pads (2026 UK Guide)

Introduction

If your caravan stabiliser isn’t gripping properly or feels loose when towing, worn or contaminated friction pads could be the cause.

The AL-KO AKS 3004 stabiliser hitch uses four friction pads around the towball to improve stability and reduce snaking.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to check, clean, and replace AL-KO 3004 friction pads, including side, front, and rear pads.

🚐 Quick Answer: AL-KO 3004 Pads

• Four friction pads surround the towball

• Side pads move when the handle is pressed

• Front and rear pads remain fixed

• Clean lightly if glazed (temporary fix)

• Replace if worn, smooth, or contaminated

  
  

How the AL-KO 3004 Stabiliser Works

The stabiliser works by applying pressure to the towball:

• Side pads grip the towball when engaged

• Front & rear pads provide constant pressure

👉 This friction reduces sway and improves towing control.

What You’ll Need

• Replacement AL-KO 3004 friction pads (front & rear)

• Small flathead screwdriver

• Small punch

• Small hammer

• 14mm open-ended spanner

• T30 Torx key

• Fine emery cloth

• Brake cleaner

• Clean cloth

👉 The process is the same for red or black handle models.

🔍 How to Check If Your Pads Are Worn

Step 1: Couple the Caravan (Do Not Engage Stabiliser)

Step 2: Check Side Pads

• Locate arrows near the stabiliser handle

• Press the handle down until resistance

  
  

👉 Result: - Arrows within recess → OK

Arrows above recess → Replace

Step 3: Check Front & Rear Pads

Look at the stabiliser indicator:

• Green visible → Pads OK

• Only red visible → Replace

  
  

👉 Unhitch before starting any work.

🧪 Can You Clean AL-KO Pads?

Yes — but only as a temporary fix.

⚠️ When Cleaning Isn’t Enough

Replace pads if:

• They appear smooth or polished

• Contaminated with grease

• Stabiliser feels weak

• You hear unusual noises

  
  

🔧 How to Replace Side Friction Pads

1. Remove Red or Black caps on the side of the hitch

2. Tap out pads using punch

3. Note any shims or washers

4. Clean or replace pads

5. Press new pads firmly into place

6. Refit caps

🔧 How to Replace the Front Pad

1. Remove front red or black cover also known as a soft dock

2. Hold button using 14mm spanner

3. Remove Torx screw on the front center of hitch

4. Remove pad

5. Clean or replace

6. Refit

👉 Tighten to approx. 5Nm

7. Refit the Soft Dock

🔧 How to Replace the Rear Pad

1. Locate rear pad

2. Remove Torx screw

3. Remove pad

4. Clean or replace

5. Refit

🔧 Need Genuine AL-KO AKS 3004 Friction Pads?

If your AL-KO 3004 friction pads are worn, glazed, contaminated or showing signs of wear, replacing them can help restore the stabiliser’s performance and improve towing stability.

Using genuine AL-KO AKS 3004 front and rear friction pads ensures the correct level of friction is maintained between the stabiliser and towball, helping to reduce snaking and provide smoother towing.

👉 Browse Genuine AL-KO AKS 3004 Front & Rear Friction Pads

👉 View AL-KO Towing & Stabiliser Accessories

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using grease on friction pads

❌ Not replacing both pads together

❌ Fitting pads incorrectly

❌ Ignoring worn or contaminated pads

👉 Not Sure If Your Pads Need Replacing?

Before replacing, check their condition:

👉 Read: How to Check AL-KO Friction Pads

Need Replacement AL-KO 3004 Friction Pads?

If your pads are worn, glazed or contaminated, replace them with genuine AL-KO AKS 3004 front and rear friction pads to restore towing stability and maintain safe operation.

👉 View Genuine AL-KO 3004 Friction Pads

Summary

• AL-KO 3004 front and rear pads are key for towing stability

• Replacement is a straightforward DIY job

• Always keep pads clean and dry

• Replace worn pads promptly

  
  

FAQs

Can I replace AL-KO 3004 friction pads myself?

Yes. Replacing AL-KO AKS 3004 front and rear friction pads is a straightforward maintenance job that most caravanners can complete with basic tools. Following the correct procedure helps ensure the stabiliser continues to provide the friction needed for safe and stable towing.

Do I need to replace both AL-KO 3004 pads at the same time?

Yes. Front and rear friction pads should always be replaced as a pair. Replacing both pads together ensures even wear, consistent stabiliser performance and the correct contact pressure on the towball.

How often should AL-KO 3004 friction pads be replaced?

There is no fixed replacement interval. Friction pads should be inspected regularly and replaced when they become worn, smooth, glazed or contaminated. Many caravanners check their pads at the start of each touring season and before longer trips.

Can I lubricate AL-KO friction pads?

No. AL-KO friction pads must always remain completely dry. Grease, oil, WD-40 and other lubricants will reduce the effectiveness of the stabiliser and can compromise towing safety. Always keep both the friction pads and towball clean and free from contamination.

How do I know if my AL-KO 3004 friction pads need replacing?

Common signs include reduced towing stability, excessive wear shown on the stabiliser indicator, visible contamination, cracking or pads that appear polished smooth. If in doubt, inspect the pads and replace them if they no longer provide effective friction.

Do genuine AL-KO 3004 friction pads make a difference?

Yes. Genuine AL-KO AKS 3004 friction pads are designed specifically for the stabiliser hitch and provide the correct friction characteristics needed to help reduce caravan snaking and improve towing stability. Genuine parts also ensure correct fitment and long-term reliability.

👉 Follow us on Facebook for inspiration and travel guides

https://www.facebook.com/idscampingandleisure