Stabiliser Problem?

Hi all

When we arrived at our site this weekend I  noticed that the built in stabilisers head was in the up position. I have suspected for a few weeks that the friction pads need replacing as it was getting easier to push the handle down. Do you think that this happend because the pads need replacing? Also is it a complicated/expensive job because my van isn't due a service until next year so I would prefer to do the job myself as we are towing a fairly long distance in a couple of weeks so I want this sorted before we go. The van is a 2001 model and the stabiliser is an al-ko one

Many Thanks!