need advice- installing a trailer hitch

[GenIke]

I tried to install a trailer hitch this afternoon but was unable to get any of the bolts to thread into any of the holes on the vehicles frame. The holes are pre-tapped. Its a newer vehicle but I think there is enough corrosion that the bolt just wont bite into that first thread.

Anyone have any ideas? I tried using some wd-40 and a toothbrush but that didnt seem to make too much of a difference.

 

[ITV]

I would try a plumbing wire brush http://www.sears.com/forney-industries-1-2inch-wire-fitting-brush-70471/p-SPM7041770707?sid=IDx20140425xECNMPTL25&redirectType=SRDT

 

[ChefRex]

Rethreading kit or an individual tap of the correct size.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-48-pc-sae-metric-thread-restorer-kit/p-00942275000P
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SHC-952105?seid=srese2

 

[FloppyKnockers]

A lot of times shipping brackets are attached where the hitch would go and the bolts can be re-used. Otherwise, no bracket was installed and the bolt holes were powdercoated/painted after tapping.

Try driving in a bolt a full turn, back out a quarter turn and repeat a few times. Back out the bolt entirely and blow out any debris. Then repeat. Filing perpendicular slots in the bolt can aide in the process.

 

[brewbama]

Corrosion X

 

[GenIke]

I would try a plumbing wire brush http://www.sears.com/forney-industries-1-2inch-wire-fitting-brush-70471/p-SPM7041770707?sid=IDx20140425xECNMPTL25&redirectType=SRDT

That's perfect. I actually looked at Menards and couldn't find anything but I never thought to look in the plumbing section.

 

[GenIke]

A lot of times shipping brackets are attached where the hitch would go and the bolts can be re-used. Otherwise, no bracket was installed and the bolt holes were powdercoated/painted after tapping.

Try driving in a bolt a full turn, back out a quarter turn and repeat a few times. Back out the bolt entirely and blow out any debris. Then repeat. Filing perpendicular slots in the bolt can aide in the process.

No brackets, just exposed holes. I couldnt get any of the bolts to thread into any of the holes at all. I'll try to scrub them up with a wire brush and some penetrating oil.

 

[ITV]

That's perfect. I actually looked at Menards and couldn't find anything but I never thought to look in the plumbing section.

As an added bonus, your mouth won't have that WD40 taste when you brush your teeth.

 

[Homercidal]

If they are actually threaded, get a tap that size and chase the threads. It will be like brand new.

 

[illinoisbrassman]

See if you can get a wire brush mounted in a drill, Run it thru the hole a few times then try bolts. Also are you 100% sure the bolts are the correct size and thread pitch for the holes? Some Standard and Metric look pretty similar but won't interchange.

 

[flars]

This may not be necessary to ask, but are the tapped holes metric or American thread?

 

[GenIke]

They're metric, 10mm x 1.25

For those following along, I ended up needing to get a tap to bust through. They were seriously full of corrosion, which surprised me as the vehicle is cherry. thanks for all the advice!

 

[GenIke]

double post

 

[ChefRex]

This may not be necessary to ask, but are the tapped holes metric or American thread?

Not much uses standard thread any more other than Harley

 

[ChefRex]

They're metric, 10mm x 1.25

For those following along, I ended up needing to get a tap to bust through. They were seriously full of corrosion, which surprised me as the vehicle is cherry. thanks for all the advice!

Rust never sleeps

 

[fuzzy2133]

Rust never sleeps

Especially on machined surfaces and bolt threads (traps water).