How to Loosen Over-Tightened Fasteners on Pro Series Weight Distribution System # 49570

Updated 01/19/2015 | Published 01/17/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Weight Distribution Bolt-Together Round Bar Head

(50)

$235.00

Question:

When I was putting the Pro-Series WD hitch together, I added to many washers and tightened down the bolts to secure the receiver head. Turns out I need to remove some washers but not I cant get the bolts to loosen. I used a monkey wrench on one side and a Socket with breaker bar on the other but once the monkey wrench gets pressed up against the receiver housing I cant even budge the other side. Any tips on getting this loose? Thanks!

asked by: Jim B

Expert Reply:

Thank you for providing a photo of your Pro Series weight distribution hitch # 49570.

The assembly/installation instructions for this kit are linked for you for reference and they indicate the correct torque specs for the included hardware. It is very important that the instructions be followed precisely since the hitch's specs may not be met if it is not installed as intended. Proper torque settings are possible only when you use a torque wrench. A monkey wrench and cheater bar will make it easy to over-tighten the fasteners.

My technical contact at Pro Series suggested first trying a penetrating spray lubricant like PB Blaster. Spray on the lubricant and let it sit for an hour, the reapply and let it work some more. If this does not loosen the nuts you can try heating the nuts with a torch to make them expand.

Once you get the nuts off the bolts you will, according to my Pro Series contact, need to replace them since they are likely to have been stressed or damaged from being over-tightened. Pro Series does not offer hardware only for this system but they do offer Replacement Weight Distribution Bolt-Together Round Bar Head # PS58442 that includes the hardware.

Be sure to borrow or buy a torque wrench capable of reading 230-ft-lbs for the installation.

expert reply by: Adam R