How do I Remove a Gooseneck Ball Stuck in 2018 Chevy 2500HD

Updated 06/23/2020 | Published 06/20/2020

Question:

How does a person remove stuck ball. Ball bearings wont release when unlatch handle. Have tried praying lots of penetrating oil as well as tapping on the underside of the ball under the truck with a hammer. Frustrating to say the least to have ball in the way and unable to get it out. Would not have bought this brand had I known that was an issue. Any suggestions and help would be much appreciated thank you

asked by: Patrick O

Expert Reply:

I have seen this with all of the Goose Neck Ball Kits like the B&W Ball and Safety Chain Kit part # BWGNXA2061 when the are left permanently installed and subjected to the elements. Not only is it common with these but also all of the goose neck or fifth wheels that fit into a prep or goose neck package.

I have had a lot of success getting them out by shocking the ball with a hammer (large sledge) it doesn't always work the first hit and doesn't always work on the sixty-seventh hit but it will work as you do this continue to work the handle from locked to unlocked between hits.

The second option is to cut the ball off close to flush at the top of the hitch itself. At that point you can remove the factory hitch head and replace it with a new factory hitch. To avoid issues in the future you will want to install the ball when you want to use it and store it in the provided carrying case when to in use. This will eliminate the issue in the future.

expert reply by: Randy B