Removing Damaged Curt Gooseneck Hitch Ball From Factory In Bed Hitch System On a 2020 GMC 2500

Updated 02/06/2023 | Published 02/05/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Ball and Safety Chain Loop Kit for GM/Chevy/Ford/Nissan Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch - 30K

(1382)

$227.03

Curt Pop-In Ball for Factory Chevy/GM, Ford, and Nissan Underbed Gooseneck Hitches - 2-5/16"

(151)

$165.55

Question:

My 2020 GMC 2500HD AT4 4WD CREW CAB 6.6 diesel had the Curt gooseneck kit included when I purchased it. The pop in ball quick-release lever is missing. How do I remove the ball without an operational release lever?

asked by: Keith M

Expert Reply:

If you still have a portion of the latch for the Curt Pop-In Ball # C60629 protruding out of the top of the ball you can try to grab it with pliers, pull up and rotate it to unlock the ball bearings. Depending on how long the ball has been in the bed there may be some surface rust inside the ball which would make it difficult to operate. You can spray some penetrating oil in the ball to try and free the ball.

If there is not part of the latch visible from the top you will need to go below the truck. You hitch ball may or may not have a cap on the bottom which will need to be removed. With that cap removed you will be able to see the square latch component inside the ball. You will need a set of long pliers to be able to reach into the ball and turn the latch. Again depending on how long the ball has been in place you may need some penetrating oil to help free the hitch ball.

expert reply by: Bud M