Best Way to Loosen a Seized Gooseneck Hitch Ball

Updated 12/26/2023 | Published 12/23/2023

Question:

I have a curt gooseneck ball that i cant remove. Ive read your faqs and lubed and hammered with a mallet and watched the video that suggeested wrenching the release lever until it rotates in the 90 degree range if stuck. The normal range is say 6 oclock looking down on th ball and 9 oclock in the release positiion. I have passed that positon and is now in the 8 and 10 position when rotating the lever. It still seems to have a 90 degree rotation. Have I screwed up something or just keep lubing and hammering? My vehicle is an F350 super duty-2021 with factory gooseneck puck system. Thanks for any assistance you maybe provide or even an installer in Northern Michigan you might suggest if I give up.

asked by: Steve A

Expert Reply:

You're doing all of the correct things. Unfortunately when a gooseneck hitch ball hasn't been removed for a longer period of time and/or had lubricant applied it can seize up in the receiver which it sounds like is what happened to you.

Applying some lubricant and hitting it with a mallet is the best thing you can honestly do in this situation. I've heard of people hooking up chains to the hitch ball and tugging up with something like a forklift but I don't recommend doing that as it can cause damage to the frame of your tow vehicle.

I'm also attaching a link to our installer locator if you get to the point where you want to give up. This is a list of people in your area who have said they are comfortable with doing gooseneck installs in your area. Just input your zip code and it will show you the list!

expert reply by: Jon G