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Towing bracket -> Removing the ball coupling for Your Volkswagen Polo SUV Seventh Generation (2021-2025)

4. Check that the mounting, handwheel → Fig. 1 8 , shank 5 and retaining balls 2 of the ball coupling are all clean and not  
damaged . Clean if necessary.  
Step 2: check that the ball coupling is pre-tensioned  
The ball coupling cannot be fitted properly unless it is pre-tensioned.  
The following conditions must be fulfilled:  
The red marking → Fig. 1 10 on the handwheel must point towards the green marking on the tow-bar → Fig. 1 9 .  
There must be a clearly visible gap between the handwheel → Fig. 1 8 and tow-bar of at least 4 mm (0.2 inches).  
All retaining balls → Fig. 1 2 can be pressed fully into the shank → Fig. 1 5 .  
The key → Fig. 1 6 is inserted in the lock, the arrow on the key is pointing to the open lock symbol on the handwheel → Fig. 1  
8
and the key cannot be removed.  
If all these conditions are met, continue with Step 4.  
If the conditions are not met, continue with Step 3.  
Step 3: pre-tensioning the ball coupling  
If the tow-bar is not pre-tensioned, pre-tension the tow-bar as follows:  
1. Fold open the lock cover → Fig. 1 7 and insert the key in the lock.  
2. Turn the key → Fig. 1 6 anticlockwise until the arrow on the key points to the open lock on the handwheel → Fig. 1 8 .  
3. Hold the ball coupling firmly with one hand. Using the other hand, pull the handwheel → Fig. 1 8 out in direction → Fig. 1 A .  
4. Turn the pulled-out handwheel → Fig. 1 8 in direction → Fig. 1 B as far as it will go.  
Step 4: attaching the pre-tensioned ball coupling to the vehicle  
Do not touch the handwheel → Fig. 1 8 once the tow-bar has been pre-tensioned. Upon locking, the handwheel will turn back to its  
original position and could cause injury →  
.
1. Guide the pre-tensioned removable ball coupling into the mounting tube from below.  
2. Push the ball coupling firmly upwards until it engages.  
The ball coupling is correctly engaged when:  
The green marking on the handwheel → Fig. 1 9 is facing upwards.  
The tow-bar is locked and the key → Fig. 1 6 can be removed.  
There is no longer a gap between the handwheel → Fig. 1 8 and the tow-bar.  
3. Turn the key → Fig. 1 6 in clockwise direction to lock the tow-bar.  
4. Fold the lock cover → Fig. 1 7 closed.  
Step 5: safety check  
Before hitching a trailer, check that the ball coupling is secured correctly.  
Shake forcefully several times to check that the ball coupling is seated securely in the mounting sleeve.  
The green marking on the handwheel → Fig. 1 9 is facing upwards.  
The handwheel → Fig. 1 8 is in contact with the tow-bar and can be locked.  
The tow-bar is locked and the key → Fig. 1 6 has been removed.  
It is no longer possible to pull the handwheel → Fig. 1 8 to the side.  
Safety cable  
In some countries, unbraked and braked trailers must be secured by means of a safety or breakaway cable.  
Observe the country-specific regulations on using a safety cable.  
1. Secure the safety or breakaway cable at the eye provided for this purpose on the ball coupling.  
2. Guide the cable through the eye and hook in the snap hook →  
.
WARNING  
Improper use of the towing bracket can cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.  
Never use the towing bracket if the smallest diameter of the ball head → Fig. 1 1 is less than 49 mm (1.9 inches).  
Use the ball coupling only if it can be properly secured, engaged and pre-tensioned.  
Do not use any tools to install the ball coupling.  
When the ball coupling is correctly installed, do not forcibly turn or pull out the hand wheel.  
WARNING  
If the trailer is not properly secured, this could cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.  
Never place the trailer’s safety or breakaway cable loosely over the ball coupling.  
Do not touch the handwheel once the ball coupling has been pre-tensioned. When the ball coupling is pressed into the mounting,  
the handwheel will jump back to its original position.  
If the ball coupling cannot be fitted, have the towing bracket checked by a suitably qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends  
using an authorised Volkswagen repairer.  
Do not use the towing bracket if you are unable to remove the key once the ball coupling has been mounted. This means that the  
ball coupling is not locked properly.  
Always secure the removed ball coupling safely in the luggage compartment.  
WARNING  
The ball coupling is heavy. When performing the safety check, the ball coupling could fall off and cause crush injuries.  
Always take care when performing the safety check.  
NOTICE  
The mounting on the vehicle, handwheel, shank and ball coupling retaining balls must all be clean and undamaged. Otherwise the  
ball coupling may not lock securely.  
Regularly check the mounting, handwheel, shank and retaining balls of the ball coupling for damage.  
Do not aim the jet of a high-pressure cleaner or steam cleaner directly at the ball coupling. This could wash the grease required for  
lubrication out of the mounting.  
Overview: removable ball coupling.  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Ball head.  
Retaining balls.  
Catch (ball) for locking mechanism.  
Centring device.  
Shank.  
Key.  
Lock cover.  
Handwheel.  
Green marking on ball coupling.  
10 Red marking on handwheel.  
1. Park the vehicle (→ Parking).  
2. Unhitch the trailer and disconnect the electrical connection between the vehicle and the trailer. If fitted, remove the adapters  
from the trailer socket.  
3. Fold open the lock cover → Fig. 1 7 and insert the key → Fig. 1 6 in the lock.  
4. Turn the key → Fig. 1 6 anticlockwise until the arrow on the key points to the open lock symbol on the handwheel → Fig. 1  
8 .  
5. Hold the ball coupling firmly with one hand . Using the other hand, pull the handwheel → Fig. 1 8 out in  
direction → Fig. 1 A .  
6. Turn the pulled-out handwheel → Fig. 1 8 in direction → Fig. 1 B as far as it will go.  
7. Pull the ball coupling downwards out of the mounting.  
8. Release the handwheel → Fig. 1 8 .  
9. Stow the ball coupling in the luggage compartment in the side stowage area or under the luggage compartment floor.  
WARNING  
The removable ball coupling is heavy. The ball coupling could fall off while it is being removed and cause crush injuries.