I have a Superb estate 4x4 when pulling the lever to release the towbar it sometimes doesn't release likewise when trying to put it away. 

I have sprayed wd40 on the mechanism underneath loosened it a little for a while. Is there a better lubricant I should use to prevent this happening less.

It sounds like it might not be adjusted or set up correctly on you have the car or towing equipment set incorrectly you'd need those that have training or experience in such to go through things with you.

 

As for a better (in many ways) lubricant (and good penetrating/releasing agent) than WD-40 Multi-Use I recommend GT85. -  https://gt85.co.uk/

As it's name suggests WD40 is a Water Displacer rather than an actual lubricant like GT85.

 

My ex-BIL was a repair technician for Hoover white goods and always used GT85.

Unfortunately GT85 is no longer the British company it was originally and is owned by a large invasive American corporation called    .   .    .   WD-40 Company.

 

When I contacted GT85 to confirm it could be used on electrics on second attempt I got a reply that GT85 was not confirmed with electrics unlike their WD-40 Multi-Use but I and others have used it on electrics without problems. 

 

PlusGas used to be a good penetrating/releasing fluid from a British company but reintroduced by the another company and it might be rose-tinted glasses but not as good as it used to be and the packaging certainly not as good, I had a tip-drip gravity tin of previous PlusGas for a couple of decades whereas a new tin only lasted a number of years before the can leaked at the bottom losing the contents when not in use and a pressurised spray can lost it's pressure with a third of the fluid still left in it.

 

@PetrolDave I bet your BIL also used Super Servisol 10 switch cleaner and lubricant, I can only take it on trust that it's still as good as it used to be, it's worked for a few years yet on the wiper stalk repair on my wife's 2015 Fabia Mk3 instead of the migrating factory grease that caused the problem.  I'm just about to use GT85 and Super Servisol 10 on my neighbour's "vintage" (1970s) Akai receiver as part of a repair and clean and lubricate to see what improvements can be made after 20 years of non-use and output channel blown after an incident at a party. 

 

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20 hours ago, nta16 said:

 I bet your BIL also used Super Servisol 10 switch cleaner and lubricant

You've just lost your bet, he only used GT85 nothing else.

Probem with wd40 etc is they dont last long. Great for unseizing etc but not long term protection and lubrication. I had to get some 00 semi liquid grease for an industrial gearbox and have some left so started to use on bonnet latches etc. It soaks in well and protects the mechanism and so far has lasted. I just use a paint brush to apply it. 

Edited 4 December, 20241 yr by Alasdair1

^^^ That was / is the 'Original' WD40 there are various now.. 

The original WD-40 they call Multi-Use and it's not long lasting as a lubricant, good for flushing crud but doesn't leave a long lasting lubricant, the other WD-40 cans they call 

WD-40 Specialist®.

 

WD-40 Company also have the brands of 3-IN-ONE® and GT85® and others.

 

    

I get AC90 and RP90 from toolstation. Works well and slightly cheaper. I have been using the RP90 a lot and is great for soaking rusty nuts/bolts overnight.  The RP90 is a fine penatrating oil. AC90 is like wd40 .hey also do silicone and white grease etc.  Prefer the can design to wd40 as well.

Alasdair

Action Can® (by CRC Industries). - https://www.actioncan.com/products/

 

51 minutes ago, nta16 said:

Action Can® (by CRC Industries). - https://www.actioncan.com/products/

 

Thats the range. As said RP90 is my go to for rusty nuts/bolts