Which Way Should a Conical Tooth Washer Face when Installing a Trailer Hitch on a 2012 Scion xB

Updated 02/10/2020 | Published 09/19/2012

Question:

does it matter which way the washer goes on to the bolt?

asked by: Harry

Expert Reply:

Yes, the conical tooth washer needs to be positioned so that the teeth face the hitch. That is what prevents it from coming loose. Take a look at the video I have linked. At about the 1:50 mark the installers start to put the hardware on to mount the hitch and they mention the conical tooth washer.

expert reply by: Michael H

Glen

2/9/2020

Whey do the conical washed have teeth? My guess is just to help the customer put them on correctly.

Jason S.

2/10/2020

The conical teeth washer # 01292-008 does help with installation from a visual perspective, but there is also a slight bevel to the washer to help the teeth dig in and provide more support so the nut is less likely to come loose.