Using the Alko Wear Indicator: A Guide to Monitoring and Maintaining Your Caravan’s Friction Pads
The Alko wear indicator on your caravan’s handle is a useful feature for keeping tabs on the condition of the side friction pads, which help stabilize the caravan and reduce swaying during towing. Over time, these pads wear down and need either shimming (to pack them out) or replacement. The wear indicator makes it easy to see when it’s time to service or replace them. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the Alko wear indicator effectively.
How to Use the Alko Wear Indicator
- Attach the Caravan to the Towball
Securely attach your caravan to the vehicle’s towball. Make sure the connection is stable and properly aligned. - Check the Wear Indicator Position
- Lower the handle only until you feel resistance.
- Avoid pushing the handle all the way down to its towing position—this step is only to engage the indicator without fully clamping the towball.
- Examine the Arrow Position in Relation to the Cut-Out Area
The Alko wear indicator features an arrow and a cut-out area on the handle. This cut-out area tapers, being wider at the bottom and narrower at the top. The arrow’s position along this taper will indicate the friction pads’ wear level.- Closer to the Wide End of the Cut-Out:
This position indicates minimal wear on the pads. Your friction pads are in good condition and don’t require attention yet. - Closer to the Narrow End of the Cut-Out:
If the arrow points near the narrow end, this is an indication that the pads are nearing the end of their usable life. You should plan to shim or replace them soon. - Beyond the Narrow End:
When the arrow goes beyond the narrow end, it means the pads are significantly worn and require immediate attention. You’ll either need to add shims to compensate for the wear or fully replace the pads. - Beyond the Wide End:
If the arrow goes beyond the wide end, this might indicate that shims were added to brand-new pads, making the fit too tight. In this case, remove the shims or adjust the setup to avoid over-tightening, which can cause unnecessary stress and wear.
- Closer to the Wide End of the Cut-Out:
Why It’s Important to Monitor Friction Pad Wear
Maintaining optimal friction in the tow connection is essential for safety. The pads help prevent swaying, which can make towing more stable, especially in windy conditions or on uneven roads. Worn-out friction pads reduce stability and can make towing riskier, especially at higher speeds.
How to Shim or Replace Friction Pads
If your pads need servicing, you have two options: shimming or replacing them.
Shimming:
Add thin shims behind the pads to pack them out and restore the proper tension. This is a quick solution to extend the life of slightly worn pads.
ALKO Shim kit
Replacing:
When pads are heavily worn, replacement is the safest option. Check your caravan’s manual or the Alko website for the correct pad replacement procedure and make sure to use high-quality replacement pads.
ALKO Friction pads
How often should I check the wear indicator?
Checking the wear indicator before each towing trip is a good habit, especially for long journeys.
How do I know if I need to replace the pads instead of just adding shims?
If the wear indicator arrow is beyond the narrow end of the cut-out, you’ll need to replace the pads soon. Shimming is only a temporary fix; when pads are too worn, replacement is recommended.
What happens if the pads are too tight?
If the pads are too tight, indicated by the arrow beyond the wide end, it can lead to increased wear on both the pads and towball. This tightness can also cause the towing experience to feel less smooth.
Are shims included with Alko friction pads?
Some replacement kits include shims, but it’s best to check the product details or consult a dealer if you’re unsure.
Monitoring and maintaining the Alko friction pads ensures safer and smoother towing. By regularly using the wear indicator, you can easily keep track of the pads’ condition and know when to service or replace them.
