How to Remove Rusted Trailer Hitch Ball? (4 Ways)

A corroded trailer hitch ball might be challenging to remove. It could be challenging to remove the ball without harming the hitch or ball when it is highly corroded.

What is Actually A Trailer Hitch Ball?

Although there are many different sizes and types of trailer hitch balls, they are all used to attach your trailer to your car. Your car or truck’s trailer hitch is connected to the ball by the trailer hitch ball mount, which is also connected to the ball.

There are numerous various types of trailer hitch ball mounts, but they all accomplish the same task: they maintain the ball’s position and give a way to connect the trailer to the car.

Why Is It Necessary to Take The Rusted Trailer Hitch Ball Off?

Your hitch ball is more vulnerable to the elements if you keep it in your car. Rusting may result from this, hastening the requirement for a replacement. When connecting thousands of pounds to your tow vehicle, you want your hitch ball to be in the best condition possible.

Read More: Should you Grease a Trailer Hitch Ball for Better Performance?

Always make sure you look down the road to see if your license plate is visible. By taking your hitch ball out of the way while it’s not in use, you can avoid getting pulled over by the police. It could be challenging to see if your hitch ball protrudes past your bumper.

Hitch balls have been claimed as stolen from vehicles, which can appear unreal. If you don’t employ a hitch lock, a burglar might be able to steal your hitch ball in a couple of seconds. It’s possible that you won’t even notice if your hitch ball is missing depending on how frequently you use it.

Last but not least, detaching the hitch ball once your task is over keeps your hitch ball in great condition and ensures that it will last a long time.

How Do You Remove a Rusted Trailer Hitch Ball?

By using spray

• It is critical to select a high-quality penetrating spray.
• Begin spraying on the rusted hitch ball on the trailer.
• Check that the spraying straw is firmly inserted into the hitch receiver.
• The penetrating spray chills the metal and breaks the rusted metal as much as it creates fluidity.

There is also another way to remove the rust.

• You can take a gentler approach by using vinegar. Allow the hitch ball to soak in vinegar overnight to remove the rust and free the ball mount.
• If you have a hitch attached to your vehicle, you can use a plastic bag filled with vinegar and tie it around the rusted hitch ball overnight to remove the rust.

Read More: Can You Put a 5th-wheel Hitch On A Flatbed? Is It Possible?

By using an air hammer

What exactly is an air hammer? When it comes to towing, a rusted hitch ball will not perform as well. In this case, using an air hammer to eliminate it is a brilliant idea.

• To begin, gently tap all around the hitch receiver to loosen anything that has been detached by the vinegar or penetrating spray.
• Then keep tapping the hitch receiver’s bottom, followed by the upper region of the metal receiver. 
• The most crucial step in this process is to only lightly strike the metal because corroded metal is fragile and brittle and could shatter quickly.
• Hammering causes the hitch ball to begin to loosen. If not, the additional penetrating spray is necessary.
• If it becomes too loose, you can keep hold of it and pull; otherwise, it should simply glide out. You might need to use a wrench if it doesn’t.

By using hammer

• If you’re still having trouble, all you need to do is keep pounding until you notice the ball mount on the trailer hitch loosening. 
• To do this, keep an eye on the ball mount and take the steps listed above at the same time and with equal effort.
• When the ball mount starts to sag, you must remove it. 
• Pulling it out is the simplest way to get rid of it. Tap it with your hammer if you’re having problems pulling it. It will eventually start to show.

By using wrench

• You’ll probably need a wrench if the ball nut on the ball hitch has rusted and become jammed. 
• First, use your penetrating spray to moisten the nut. Once the spraying is done, start attempting to remove it with the wrench. 
• To insure you have the most leverage, use a wrench with the longest handle possible, such as a large pipe wrench, and turn counterclockwise.
• It will slowly start to show. If this doesn’t happen, which it might not in some situations, it might stay inside. If so, you’ll need to get the spray again and give it another shot. 
• If you’re having trouble moving the nut, you can enhance your leverage by attaching a pipe to the end of the wrench. If turning the wrench causes the trailer ball to spin, grab a second wrench and turn it the other way.

What are Some Tips For Preventing Rust on a Trailer Hitch Ball?

On a trailer hitch ball, there are a few things you can do to assist prevent rust.

• The first thing to do is to routinely clean off any dirt or debris that has amassed on the ball.
• A moist cloth can be used for this. Rust removers can be used to get rid of any accumulated rust.
• The ball might then receive a coat of wax or lubrication to assist prevent rust.

How Do You Clean a Trailer Hitch Ball?

A trailer hitch ball can be cleaned in a few different ways. To remove any dirt or debris, use a wire brush. The use of dish soap and water is a further method. Any oils or grime that may be on the ball can be removed with the aid of dish soap. Finally, you can remove any grease or filth by using a citrus cleanser. Before using the ball once more, make sure to thoroughly rinse off the cleaning.

Conclusion 

The necessary gears must be used, and everything else is simple. Keep in mind, though, that we always advise preventing rust rather than removing it after the fact. It is advised to use oil or a hitch ball cap. In order to avoid future hassles, it is preferable to keep your possessions.